Scenic Scotland - Classic Group
Scenic Scotland - Classic Group
$3925
Scenic Scotland - Classic Group
8 Days Starting in Glasgow and ending in Edinburgh
Visiting: Glasgow, Oban, Isle of Mull, Inverness, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSCOZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Scotland's lands are so diverse they will leave you spellbound. Appreciate the 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. Delve into the history of Scottish royals at Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
- Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram’ to compete your visit.
Top Rated Highlights
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Isle of Mull: Embark on a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, an ideal way to explore the sights and insights of the Scottish Highlands. At Iona Abbey, your Travel Director reveals its history, beginning with Columba’s monastery until the end of the 12th century followed by a Benedictine abbey. Iona Abbey Museum also houses Scotland’s finest collection of early medieval carved stones and crosses. Then visit the Reilig Odhrain, a sacred burial ground of 48 Scottish Kings.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
Make Travel Matter
Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savor a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Inverness: Over a visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Center, your rewilding expert shares information about the reintroduction of native tree species such as the Caledonian Pine, and animal species such as the lynx, red squirrel and beaver into the wild. Your visit directly contributes to safeguarding one of the most beautiful and ancient landscapes in Europe that is in a critical condition. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Authentic Dining
Glasgow: Tonight you'll be greeted with genuine Scottish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow's city center as you indulge in a carefully curated selection of local flavors and traditional delights. Let the evening unfold as you connect with fellow guests and embark on a journey of culinary discovery in this bustling Scottish hub.
Edinburgh: Enjoy a dinner of modern Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh.
Insight Choice
Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
Scottish Highlands: Learn the fascinating process of Scottish whisky production at a local distillery and malting facility. Glen Ord Distillery was founded in 1838 and has been a major distillery since the mid-1960s and is the perfect place to get an in-depth look at this Scottish drop, complete with a ‘wee dram’ to compete your visit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Voco Grand Central
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: Voco Grand Central
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: Glasgow, Oban
Accommodation: Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center.
Accommodation Name: Ballachulish, Glencoe, Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 and Lunch 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: Oban
Location: Oban, Isle of Mull, Oban
Accommodation: Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center.
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 Oban, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 5: To The Highland Capital Of Inverness Relaxed Start
Location: Oban, Inverness
Accommodation: Dornoch Station Hotel, Pentahotel 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 tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
Day 6: Blair Castle And Edinburgh
Location: Inverness, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Virgin Hotels 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: Virgin Hotels 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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Meals Included
7 Breakfasts (B), 4 Dinners (D), and 1 Lunch (L) are included, offering a taste of local cuisine.
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Choose Your Activity
Select from two carefully chosen activities to customize your travel experience.
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Loch Ness Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Ness, with tales of Nessie.
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Whisky Distillery Tour
Visit Glen Ord Distillery to learn about whisky production and enjoy a tasting.
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Airport Transfers
Scheduled airport transfers on arrival and departure days (conditions apply).
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Ferry Transfers
Includes high-speed ferry transfers as per the itinerary.
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Expert Commentary
Personal radio headsets to hear your guide clearly.
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Wi-Fi Access
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and deliver them to your hotel room.
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Insight Flourishes
Enjoy local specialties representing the destination.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Some optional excursions and activities, which will be highlighted during the tour, are not included and can be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and additional drinks and meals, are not covered.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers outside the itinerary start and end dates, or if you have booked additional nights accommodation, are not included.
Mode of Transport
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.
Accommodation
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
- 4 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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How many meals are included in the Scenic Scotland tour?
The Scenic Scotland tour includes 7 Breakfasts (B), 4 Dinners (D), and 1 Lunch (L).
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What is the starting location of the Scenic Scotland tour?
The starting location of the Scenic Scotland tour is Glasgow.
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Does the Scenic Scotland tour have any sustainability initiatives?
Yes, the Scenic Scotland tour includes a visit to Ardgowan Estate, which educates visitors on sustainability initiatives like reducing food waste, sourcing ingredients locally, and investing in renewable projects such as a wood biomass boiler, a gas plant, and wind turbines. This supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
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What is the ending location of the Scenic Scotland tour?
The ending location of the Scenic Scotland tour is Edinburgh.
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Are airport transfers included in the Scenic Scotland tour?
Yes, airport transfers are included if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. 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.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Scenic Scotland tour?
Accommodation on the Scenic Scotland tour includes stays at hotels such as Voco Grand Central, Ballachulish Hotel or Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Center, Pentahotel Inverness or Dornoch Station Hotel, and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What are some highlights of the Scenic Scotland tour?
Highlights of the Scenic Scotland tour include a Loch Ness cruise, a visit to Glen Ord Distillery, a tour of Stirling Castle, a visit to Ardgowan House, exploration of Inverness, sightseeing in Glasgow, a day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona, and exploring Edinburgh with a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
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What countries does the Scenic Scotland tour visit?
The Scenic Scotland tour visits Scotland and the United Kingdom.
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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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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
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