Scenic Scotland - Small Group
Scenic Scotland - Small Group
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Hikers descending Conic Hill towards Loch Lomond, Scotland
The harbor in Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
Cityscape of Inverness, Scotland
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
$5075
Scenic Scotland - Small Group
8 Days Starting in Glasgow, Scotland and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Glasgow, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Inverness, Blair Atholl, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBSCON26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Lands so diverse they will leave you spellbound; Scotland is a sight to see. Appreciate the country??s natural beauty over a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Dundreggan Rewilding Center with a conservation expert who illuminates the ecology of the Highlands. Savor another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience over morning tea over at Ardgowan House with Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart. And delve into the history of Scottish royals at Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Meals Included: Dinner
Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveler. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow boasts more than 20 museums and art galleries that may tempt you upon arrival. After you meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, celebrate your first night of your tour over dinner.
Day 2: Glasgow Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on an orientation drive with your Travel Director who reveals Glasgow’s grand public buildings including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. The morning continues with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Not only will you dine with a Baronet, your host will even be involved in the food preparation. Work up an appetite walking amid the beech trees while learning about the Shaw Stewart family. Then return to the castle for a sumptuous afternoon tea of finger sandwiches made with locally-sourced ingredients, freshly baked scones, cream, jam and cakes.
Day 3: Travel on to Oban Relaxed Start
Location: Stirling, Loch Lomond, Oban
Meals Included: Dinner
Centuries old history and a massive structure rising above the River Forth – Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish national pride and once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots, awaits your discovery. Explore its halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge from its 16th-century walls. After a morning exploring the lives of royals, arrive in scenic Scotland’s Loch Lomond for an Optional Cruise on the ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott. The evening finds you in the resort town and seafood capital of Scotland, Oban, where you can opt to sample the local fare over a seafood dinner.
Day 4: Isle of Mull
Location: Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona
Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Scenic Scotland conjures up images of green highlands and wind-whipped seas. Encounter them for yourself today on a ferry from Oban to Craignure, the main ferry port on the Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Then make your way to the Isle of Iona for a visit to Iona Abbey. Your curiosity will be piqued on this tiny island that has been a vibrant center of Christian worship. It’s even rumoured that the Book of Kells was made at Iona Abbey. Before returning to the mainland, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 5: To the Highland Capital of Inverness Relaxed Start
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take your Scotland tour to a deeper level at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dundreggan, home to a pristine and fragile ecosystem, at Dundreggan Rewilding Center. Meet a conservation expert to learn about the ecology of the Highlands and the connection between nature and regenerating the Gaelic cultural heritage. After an illuminating morning, the afternoon finds you tailoring your time with Insight Choice. Choose between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Uile-bheist Distillery, where sustainability and tradition come together in the craft of whisky and beer making.
Day 6: Blair Castle and Edinburgh
Location: Blair Atholl, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full of curiosities, Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn how it has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with a history of both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, and extensive deer park, will have you reflecting on the castle’s past. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where you could opt to experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu Georgian hall for Scottish dining, and live music.
Day 7: Edinburgh Castle and Orientation
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveler. Discover the sights and insights of the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Georgian facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the Old Town. Your Local Expert then guides you inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle for the sights and insights into the lives of the royals. With the afternoon free, you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish. Stroll past the charming buildings on the Edinburgh Mile or join an Optional Experience of Royal Edinburgh with a Local Expert who brings its ancient stories to life. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Day 8: End Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.
What's Included
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Loch Ness Cruise
Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on Loch Ness.
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Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour
Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at Glen Ord Distillery, complete with a 'wee dram'.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips, all taxes, and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Physical distancing measures have been implemented.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Loch Lomond Cruise and Lunch, Blair Castle tour, and Royal Edinburgh tour are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey across Scotland.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Voco Grand Central in Glasgow, the Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center in Ballachulish, and the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Scottish charm.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Insight Experiences
- Stirling Castle: Delve into the insights of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland dating back to the 13th century. Learn how the castle has endured eight sieges and has witnessed the crowning of Scottish Kings and Queens including Mary Queen of Scots.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. ?
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Scenic Scotland tour?
The tour includes a visit to Ardgowan House where you will be welcomed by Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart for a traditional Scottish tea and a tour of the estate. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Center to learn about conservation efforts and the reintroduction of native species. Additionally, there is a choice between a Loch Ness cruise and a visit to the Uile-bheist Distillery, which focuses on sustainable whisky and beer production.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ardgowan House?
At Ardgowan House, you will join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home and enjoy a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. The experience supports the estate's sustainability initiatives and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Affordable and Clean Energy and Responsible Consumption and Production.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Isle of Mull and Iona?
During the visit to the Isle of Mull, you will take a ferry from Oban to Craignure and then travel to the Isle of Iona. On Iona, you will visit the historic Iona Abbey, which has been a center of Christian worship and is rumored to be the place where the Book of Kells was created. You will also see Rèilig Odhrain, the burial ground of many Scottish kings.
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What is included in the Loch Ness cruise option?
The Loch Ness cruise allows you to soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster, as you travel on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
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How does the tour support sustainability and conservation efforts?
The tour includes visits to locations like the Uile-bheist Distillery, which is one of Scotland's lowest-carbon distilleries aiming for net zero by 2030, and the Dundreggan Rewilding Center, which focuses on reintroducing native species and preserving the ecosystem. These visits support various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and life on land.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions