Compare Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction vs 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction 5 \| Excellent 50 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer	12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	10 days	12 days
Price From	$ 4,300	$ 3,559
Price Per Day	$ 430	$ 297
Highlights	Be on the lookout for Nessy while cruising Lock Ness amongst the Scottish Highlands Grab your spot of tea as we wind our way through medieval Edinburgh with a local guide Scotland and whiskey. Learn all there is to know and become a famed expert at the Blair Athol distillery Explore mighty Caernarfon Castle. This fortress had stood the test of time Say no more – London Head to new heights by cog railway on Mount Snowden.	View Scotland's crown jewels on a tour of stately Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city Visit the Culloden Moor Battlefield where the Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746 Take a boat ride past Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness At a working farm, participate in a typical day of a Highland shepherd and his dogs Travel to Dunrobin Castle, that resembles a French Chateau - the largest castle in Northern Highlands Learn the art of Scotch whisky making, at a Whisky Distillery and enjoy a tour and tasting Ferry to the spellbinding Orkney Islands with its mysterious Neolithic sites and tall sandstone cliffs Travel to the magical Isle of Skye, with its jagged mountains, sparkling lochs, medieval castles Tour historically important Stirling Castle, favored residence of the Stuart kings and queens †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Premium
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Scotland England Wales	Scotland
Cities and Attractions	Blair Castle Caernarfon Castle Conwy Castle Edinburgh Glasgow Inverness Loch Ness London Scottish Highlands Windsor Great Park	Edinburgh Glasgow Loch Ness
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Educational/ learning History Hot Springs Nature Photography Wildlife viewing	N/A
Meals Included	8 Breakfasts \| 5 Dinners	N/A
Description	Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom.	2 Edinburgh, 2 Aviemore, 2 Wick or Thurso, 2 Isle of Skye, 2 Glasgow

Itinerary: Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales

Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.

Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry

Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)

Day 3 - Scottish Highlands

Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)

Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh

After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)

Day 5 - Edinburgh

This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.

This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)

Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales

This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)

Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle

Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)

Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England

This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)

Day 9 - London

After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)

Day 10 - Depart London

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)

Itinerary: 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Scotland
Depart for Scotland

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Edinburgh
Arrive in dramatic Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city with its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Edinburgh City Tour
This morning join a local guide for a city tour of historic Edinburgh. The route will take you past the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and Princes Street. Also included is a visit to Edinburgh Castle where you can see the Crown Room, St. Margaret's Chapel, and much more! The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps attend the optional Scottish Dinner with traditional entertainment
Optional: Scottish Dinner & Show (PM)
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Monday - St. Andrews, Sheepdog Demonstration, Aviemore
A day of outstanding scenery as you arrive in the charming town of St. Andrews, celebrated for its golf courses and internationally renowned St. Andrews University, where Prince William studied. Next travel to a working farm to participate in a typical day of a Highland shepherd and his dogs. Watch up to eight dogs working at the same time on the sheep and hear their individual whistle commands - a unique experience! Meet the friendly collie pups, and help shear a sheep! Continue the drive and admire the serene landscape on your way to the hotel in the resort town of Aviemore within magnificent Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Aviemore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness
Morning visit to the site of the Culloden Battlefield where Jacobite forces faced the British army in 1746, marking the collapse of the Jacobite uprising and beginning of the integration of the Highlands into the British Kingdom. Learn more about this famous battle through exhibitions at the Visitor's Center. Afterward, visit Cawdor Castle*, best known for its literary connection to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Tour the 15th century castle with its sumptuous interior and stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens. Then, travel to picturesque Loch Ness, immortalized by the Loch Ness Monster. Take a scenic boat ride past the ruins of iconic Urquhart Castle perched on the banks of the lake, one of the most striking sights in Scotland. From this commanding viewpoint, look out for elusive Nessie, the terrifying monster that according to legend lives in this lake. The rest of the day is yours
*Cawdor Castle closes for inside visits from late September through December. An audio guided visit to the grounds and garden will be provided instead.
Overnight: Aviemore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Wednesday - Dunrobin Castle, Whisky Distillery & Tasting, Wick
This morning, travel to Dunrobin Castle, dating back to 1275, with over 190 rooms - the largest castle in northern Scotland! Tour the regal castle, its rooms with valuable artifacts and a library with over 10,000 volumes. In the castle gardens, see an interesting demonstration of falconry by these well-trained birds of prey. Next, tour a local distillery in the town of Wick, along with a lecture about whisky making and tasting of this Scottish delight. Arrive in Wick, one of the most northerly towns in mainland Scotland. Perhaps join the optional pub evening for a night of storytelling and traditional music. Dinner together caps a lovely day
Optional: Storytelling & Traditional Pub Evening (PM)
Overnight: Wick
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Orkney Islands
Board a ferry this morning to the spellbinding Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Scotland with a unique culture and history. The islands encompass mysterious Neolithic sites, tall sandstone cliffs, and seal colonies. The first stop is to the ancient settlement of Skara Brae, a 5000-year-old preserved village. Driving across the Churchill barriers created during WWII to deter submarines, view the ornate Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Return to Wick in time for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Wick
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Village of Ullapool, Fish and Chips Lunch, Isle of Skye
Depart Wick this morning and travel to the quaint fishing village of Ullapool in the North West Highlands - a perfect place to enjoy a fish and chips lunch! Then continue driving to the magical Isle of Skye. View the stunning landscapes along the way, including jagged mountains, sparkling lochs, delightful fishing villages and medieval castles. After this beautiful day, dinner awaits you at the hotel this evening
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Skye Museum of Island Life, Flora MacDonald's Monument, Dunvegan Castle
After breakfast this morning, head to northern Skye's best attraction: The Skye Museum of Island Life. Go back in time and get an insight into island life in the late 1800s. After, walk behind the museum to Kilmuir Cemetery. Here, pay your respects to Flora MacDonald's Memorial, a woman famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape, after his defeat at the battle of Culloden in 1746. Continue your tour to Portree, the main town of Skye with its picturesque harbor and brightly colored houses, for lunch on your own and some leisure time in this delightful town. Later, a visit to Dunvegan Castle, built in the 13th century, on a basalt rock in a bucolic loch side location. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Enjoy dinner together at the hotel this evening
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Scenic Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Head south to Glencoe, Scotland's most scenic and most historic glen, site of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692 on the orders of King William. Glencoe is one of the places in the country that has been featured in many of the Harry Potter movies. Journey along the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond (immortalized by the song) with time for a relaxing lunch on your own in these beautiful surroundings before arriving in the vibrant port city of Glasgow, famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. This evening, opportunity to discover Glasgow's many lively pubs and restaurants on your own
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Monday - Tour Glasgow
In Glasgow, begin the day with views of the city's splendid architecture, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, the centre of the city's shipbuilding industry. Stop at timeless St. Mungo's Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint and founder of the city, before free time to stroll the lively streets. Later, visit the historically-important Stirling Castle, favored residence of the Stuart kings and queens. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. Tour the halls, chapels, and bedrooms of this imposing castle. Before returning to Glasgow, view the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, dedicated to Sir William Wallace. Tonight, bid a fond farewell to Scotland and your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Depart Scotland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Compare Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction vs 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland by Gate 1 Travel

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