August 11 - Glasgow
Steeped in history yet defined by innovation, Glasgow’s breathtaking Victorian architecture and traditional welcoming embrace have provided a stately inheritance for the city’s commercial resurgence and cultural vigor. Glasgow was once recognized as the second city of the British Empire, built on both sides of the river Clyde.
Your professional guide and tour director will be in the hotel lobby to greet you as you arrive. This evening, join us for a group Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Glasgow, or similar (1 night)
Meals: Welcome Dinner
August 12 – Glasgow – Stirling – Oban
Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. Not only a strategic military post due to its geographic location in the Highlands but also the home to such important Scottish monarchs like King James VI and Mary Queen of Scots. Experience for yourself as we enter the world of Scotland’s Renaissance kings and queens.
Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and gateway to the Isles. A bustling seaside town nestled on the west coast of Scotland, surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside. Home of the Oban distillery which was founded in 1764 by the Stevenson family. The distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest sources for Single Malt Scotch Whisky. You will have a guided tour of the distillery and best of all a ‘tasting’ or ‘two’!
Enjoy your evening at leisure in the beautiful seaside town of Oban.
Accommodation: Oban Bay Hotel, Oban, or similar (2 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Stirling Castle, Oban Distillery Tour & Tasting
August 13 – Oban – Isle of Mull/Isle of Iona - Oban
This morning we take the Caledonia ferry for a 45-minute trip across to the Isle of Mull, the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides. After a drive through the island, we make our way to the port of Fionnphort for a short hop across to the small Island ofIona, currently inhabited by around 130 people. For many centuries, Iona has been an island of special significance for Christians. This is where Christianity was first introduced by St. Columba in 560 AD. You will have the opportunity to visit the Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites. Please note: Ferry crossings are subject to cancellation on short notice due to factors beyond our control. (i.e. weather) We will do our best to provide an alternative arrangement should this occur.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Iona Abbey
August 14 – Glencoe – Fort Williams – Isle of Skye
As we make our way to the Isle of Skye, we travel through Glencoe, the heart of an ancient volcano. The road is one of the most beautiful and other-worldly places in Scotland. The deep valley and towering mountains of Glencoe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. The area is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The area has been featured in films such as James Bond’s Skyfall and several Harry Potter films. Onwards through Fort William, a town in the western Scottish Highlands, on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It’s known as a gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak. Crossing the new bridge, and onto the Isle of Skye, the island boasts spectacular scenery shaped by volcanos and glaciers. Enjoy a bit of leisure time in the picturesque Village of Portree before we make our way to your hotel. Tonight join your friends for a group dinner.
Accommodation: Duisdale House Hotel or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
August 15 – Isle of Skye – Inverness
We make our way to Inverness – undoubtedly one of the most wonderful places to visit in Scotland. It has all the benefits of city life but with all the beauty and nature of the Scotland Highlands on its doorstep. Aptly named “the Capital of the Highlands”, Inverness is a Gaelic word meaning “mouth of the River Ness”. A compact, cosmopolitan city with a lot of heart, Inverness still retains a market town feel dating back to its early development located along the River Ness at the northern end of the Great Glen.
Our day includes a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Built in the 13th Century Eilean Donan is recognized as one of the most iconic images of Scotland, the castle will take you on a journey through time and history.
Accommodation: Kingsmill Hotel or similar (2 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Eilean Donan Castle
August 16 – Inverness
Today we take a journey by boat on Loch Ness, and experience the home to Scotland’s greatest legends! The mysteries and myths of the famous Loch Ness are revealed as your captain sails to Urquhart Castle a castle which magnificently sits on the shores of Loch Ness. One of Scotland’s oldest castles, Urquhart has seen great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
We further explore the highlands to learn of the final confrontation of the 1746 Jacobite Rising, which came to a brutal head on one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Stand on the windswept moor where the Jacobites made their final stand. Experience The Culloden Battlefield, where the battle of Culloden took place.
Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Boat trip on the Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield
August 17 – Inverness – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
This morning we depart for Edinburgh, Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital city – a city of natural beauty, captivating rich history and universally praised for being truly breathtaking - a city that invites you to discover and explore.
We make our way to St. Andrews, a place of history, learning and culture – a small seaside town known for its religious centre and a place of pilgrimage, then as Scotland’s oldest university town and also known for its golf courses including the Old Course, the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. We will visit the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and give you some free time to enjoy this seaside town known for its many golf courses.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Edinburgh City Centre or similar (3 nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: St. Andrews Castle Ruins
August 18 – Edinburgh
This morning, we visit The Royal Yacht Britannia. Britannia was the first Royal Yacht to be built with complete ocean-going capacity and designed as a Royal residence to entertain guests around the world, sailing over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British Royal Yachts, dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II. Discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board.
Discover the beauty of Edinburgh as we meander through the historic city making our way to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Explore 14 magnificent historic and State apartments, the romantic ruins of the 13th century Holyrood Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens.
This afternoon visit to Edinburgh Castle, the world-famous historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh city – recently voted top UK Heritage attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one attraction. Enjoy a guided tour provided by the castle stewards who will explain its architecture and tell the dramatic history.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Visits: Royal Britannia, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle
August 19 – Edinburgh
Enjoy a day at leisure in Edinburgh, one of the most unique and memorable cities in Europe. Edinburgh has a rare charm with narrow and cobbled passageways, called closes in Scots. The town is known for its majestic buildings and gardens and countless fascinating museums which are free to visit.
Join your group for a Farewell Dinner this evening.
This evening, enjoy an experience like no other – a show which brings together the best of British Military with international performances. The emotionally charged entertainment features cutting edge lighting, sound and military precision. The story of the Military Tattoo began over seven decades ago. Inspired by a simple show called ‘Something About a Soldier’ performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand. Tonight is a privilege to experience the Military Tattoo with your group.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Included Visits: Military Tattoo
August 20 – Edinburgh – Home City
Early morning, transfer to Edinburgh airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: One group transfer to the Edinburgh airport
SMALL GROUP
Average group size 20, maximum 26 guests
Tour Price: Canadian $6,590 per person based on double occupancy.
Solo Supplement: Canadian $2950
Secure your Spot: CAD $500 per person deposit required (credit card accepted)
Secondary deposit due September 3: CAD $500 per person (credit card accepted)
Balance Due: May 5, 2025
Pay your balance by e-transfer or cheque. Credit cards surcharge of 2.25% on balance payments.
Add Prepaid Gratuities: CAD $186 per person
INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
· Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
· Visit to Stirling Castle
· Oban Distillery Tour and Tasting
· Eilean Donan Castle
· Urquhart Castle
· Boat Cruise on Loch Ness
· Culloden Battlefield
· St. Andrews Castle Ruins
· Edinburgh Castle
· Holyrood Palace
· Royal Britannia
· Military Tattoo
· Isle of Mull (Ferry Included)
· Isle of Iona (Ferry Included)
· Entrance to the Iona Abbey
· Group transfer to Edinburgh airport at end of tour
DELUXE ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
· Maldron Hotel Glasgow City (1 Night)
· Oban Bay Hotel, Oban (2 nights)
· Duisdale House Hotel, Isle of Skye (1 Night)
· Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness (2 nights)
· DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre (3 nights)
(note: should accommodation change, accommodation of similar status will be substituted)
INCLUSIVE SERVICES
Professional Guide, Joe Fahy authentically connects you to the people and places of Scotland
Guidance of Tour Leader, Sandy Lidka, managing the details of your tour, ensuring a seamless journey so you can simply enjoy!
Luxury Coach - travel in comfort
Taxes included
Complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels
SMALL GROUP
Average group size 20, maximum 26 guests
There is plenty of opportunity to personalize your travel arrangements. Further Afield Travel and Tours can provide group airfare, additional nights at the beginning or end of your tour and prepaid gratuities. Please inquire.
Travel Insurances: Please inquire for individual rates.
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary. Price is subject to change without notice.
Group price is based on minimum of 20 guests. Trips with less than 20 guests may be subject to cancellation.
We reserve the right to deviate from the tour itinerary, inclusions or hotels should circumstances dictate.
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
No early check in/late check out, hotel porters.
International airfares (speak with our travel experts for assistance in booking your flights)
Travel insurance, visas and items of personal nature
Cancellations: Deposit(s) are non-refundable, 90 – 75 days prior to departure – 50% per person of the total trip cost, 74 – 65 days prior to departure – day of departure/no show, 100% per person of the total trip cost.
Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $150 per person may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person aged 12 or more is eligible, through if less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per suppliers.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again soon.