EALASAID's
SCOTTISH TOURS LTD.
2007 Vacation Itinerary Summary
Departure August 26, 2007
All tours
(8, 10, 12 and 14 days) begin on the same day in August. All guests are
provided with transport to Glasgow at the end of their visit, as noted in
the itinerary below.
Day 1
As this is a "Land Only" tour, I
will meet you at Glasgow International Airport. We'll visit Loch Lomond on
our way to Tomintoul, the Highest Village in the Highlands. In the past we
would have stayed here, but this year we are going to do something different
and travel a little further to Grantown-on-Spey, in the beautiful Spey
Valley and stay at the Garth Hotel. This wonderful hotel is situated on The
Square and is a lovely place for a welcoming cocktail reception and a
traditional Highland dinner. We'll have an early night in preparation for
our further adventures...
Day 2
We're off to see some favourite
Highland Castles; Fraser, Crathes, and Fyvie. This is a great way to start,
soak up some atmosphere and get a sense of Scotland’s storied (and often
troubled) history.
Day 3
We'll spend the morning boating on
the Moray Firth watching for wildlife, but especially for the Dolphins. Then
it's Loch Ness (keep a keen eye!), the famous ruins of Urquhart Castle,
historic Culloden Moor, and Cawdor Castle of Macbeth fame.
Day 4
Choices! You can Golf the Highlands,
go Salmon fishing in the world famous River Spey, or Pony Trekking in the
Grampians. If you prefer something less strenuous maybe you would like to
take the Old Steam Railway from Glenbogle to Aviemore and do some shopping!
Later, we'll all join in a traditional Scottish High Tea, followed by a
private Highland Whisky Nosing.
Day 5
A day of Whisky Distillery tours,
followed by a unique and exclusive experience at Ballindalloch Castle, the
Castle Estate of the Macpherson-Grants. We’ll have a private tour of the
castle and then, the Macpherson-Grant family has graciously accepted our
invitation and will join us for dinner in Ballindalloch's exquisite dining
room.
Day 6
We are out and about to explore the
North Eastern coastline, with stops at Elgin Cathedral and Johnstone of
Elgin's marvellous woollen mill. Finally, into the hills to visit The Old
Monastery for a fine dinner. The Monastery is regarded by the local
Highlanders as one of the finest restaurants in the area and has the added
charm of actually having been, in days past, a monastery.
Day 7
Games Day! It’s the international
renowned Braemar Gathering, royalty and all. This is “The” Highland Games
and not to be missed. This will be our last night at The Garth and there's
a special farewell Ceilidh planned. By now you'll likely have met many of
the local folk and we'll have a grand farewell together.
Day 8
Leaving will be sad, but we’re off
to the Isle of Mull!
Sadly we’ll also
say goodbye to guests taking the 8 Day tour, who are provided with transport
to Glasgow.
For those continuing on though, on
our way to Mull we’ll see Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain),
Glencoe (famous for the massacre of the MacDonalds), take the ferry from
Lochaline to Mull and travel up to the seaside village of Tobermory. We’ll
stay the night at the Isle of Mull Hotel, overlooking Craignure Bay and
across the bay from Duart Castle.
Day 9
We’ll tour Duart Castle, travel
across the south of the Island and go over to the Isle of Iona, the
birthplace of Christianity in Scotland and the burial ground of 43 Scottish
Kings. Then it’s back to the mainland, via Oban on our way to Dunkeld,
where we’ll spend the next few days in country estate comfort at The Hilton
Stakis, the former 7th Duke of Atholl’s Sporting Estate.
Welcoming cocktails of course.
Day 10
We have a special sporting event
planned on the Hilton Stakis' sporting estate (price included). Don't worry
you don't have to wear a kilt, unless of course, you want to!
Guests on the 10
Day tour will have the opportunity to partake in the sporting event in the
morning, before taking transport to Glasgow.
For those staying on we'll leave
some free time in the afternoon, so that you can enjoy some of the Hilton
Stakis' many available activities. Our day will be followed by dinner in one
of the estate's private dining rooms.
Day 11
Today we'll see Scotland's
birthplace, the seat of kings at Scone Palace. Then it’s off to Stirling
Bridge where Sir William Wallace's most famous victory was won and to see
monument in his honour, (if you can reach the top of this impressive spire,
you may deserve the title brave heart yourself!). Next is mighty Stirling
Castle and Bannockburn, where Robert The Bruce freed Scotland.
Day 12
Ahhh... too many goodbyes!
Those on the 12 Day Tour will depart for Glasgow.
For those guests continuing on the
14 day tour we'll leave The Hilton Stakis for Edinburgh, where we'll visit
Edinburgh Castle, walk The Royal Mile, and see Holyrood House before
checking into The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. The Balmoral is renowned
as one of "the" fine hotels of Old Europe and we are going to bask in its
luxury.
Day 13
A completely free day in Edinburgh
to do as you wish! Shop 'till you drop on Princes Street, visit more
historical sights, or just follow your fancy. At 9:00 P.M. I will host a
farewell cocktail party at the Balmoral.
Day 14
Sadly, I say goodbye to the last of
my guests as we transfer to the Glasgow International Airport. I always miss
all of my new friends as we go our separate ways, but we'll have fond
memories, some wonderful pictures to show and stories to tell, and as
always, our parting wish will be,
Haste Ye Back!
The Fine Print
All prices
are per person, double occupancy. Singles pay a "single supplement"
comprised of hotel supplement costs only. All posted pricing is based upon
exchange rates as at December 15, 2006. See "Terms and Conditions",
available from your Travel/Sales Agent regarding exchange rates, booking
deadlines and other information.
Prices include all accommodations, activity and event fees, castle and
historic sight entry fees, most meals (including wine), cocktail
parties, all ground transportation, and associated Scottish "VAT" (retail)
taxes, all as described in the detailed itinerary for each tour. Additional
activities guests staying 10 days or longer may choose on "open" days (there
are usually two open days, one in Edinburgh, one at the Stakis, Dunkeld) are
not included
