Day 1
Accommodation
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
Your tour includes a private transfer from Edinburgh Airport to your Downtown Hotel. Once you have collected your luggage, proceed through to the Arrivals Hall, to meet your driver. You will be quickly escorted outside, where your ride awaits. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your Downtown Edinburgh Hotel, and have completely bypassed the endless searching for the right airport shuttle, bus or taxi. All part of our Authentic Vacations 5-star Customer Service!
Scotch Whisky Experience
Edinburgh, Scotland
Beside Edinburgh Castle and at the top of the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s five-star Scotch Whisky Experience is one of Scotland’s most prestigious visitor attractions. The Centre has been purpose-built around the Whisky Tour, devoted to telling the story of Scotland’s most famous product - Scotch Whisky. Led by the resident ‘Distillery Ghost, the Centre features a unique, state-of-the-art ride, driving visitors through the replica distillery!
This family-friendly tour includes:
• Whisky barrel ride through the production of Scotch Whisky
• Introduction to the aromas in Whisky
• A dram of Scotch Malt Whisky (Irn Bru for under 18s)
• World's largest collection of Scotch Whisky (almost 3,500 bottles!)
• Whisky tasting glass to take away
• Discount voucher for the Distillery Shop
Arrive at
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport. If arriving from the U.S., please note that your flight is overnight.
Edinburgh is a small airport, ensuring that your experience there is a pleasant one. The airport is located 8 miles west of downtown Ediunburgh, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to make the journey by car or bus.
Must-See Sites
Edinburgh, Scotland
On The Map: Edinburgh is located in the southeast of Scotland. Edinburgh is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Glasgow to the west, and A68 from Newcastle, England to the southeast.
Edinburgh knows how to welcome travelers with grace and charm. She also knows how to kick up her heels and enjoy a nice shot of Scotch Whisky after a festival. The hill that Edinburgh Castle stands upon has been Scotland’s remarkable silent witness since the Bronze Age. Today her streets are filled with cutting-edge galleries and museums, tributes to the love of literature and music, fine cuisine, quirky shops, theater, and an extravagance of festivals. Four ancient streets, called the Royal Mile, are the main thoroughfare. Running through medieval Edinburgh with her 66 alleys, tumbling shops, cobblestones, and tight homes the Royal Mile takes you to New Town. Here you’ll stroll through fine gardens, perfect Georgian architecture and broad squares. The mix of time, while lost in time, is a heady brew. There may be no finer city than Edinburgh Scotland, to participate in the gifts of the past with an eye to a brilliant future.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
On The Map: Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the west end of Edinburgh's Old Town. From its lofty position on Castle Rock, the castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline, and is impossible to miss!
Edinburgh castle sits on a high, rocky hill with a narrow ridge running east above the Old Town of Edinburgh. There has been a fortification of some kind here for thousands of years. The castle has existed through layers of time and history, and it is indeed magnificent. Edinburgh Castle has highlighted the city’s skyline for 800 years, is a national symbol, and it is Scotland’s most popular site to visit. The castle was a vital possession in Scotland’s historic struggles. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in eight languages. The audio tour takes the visitor on a tour around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history.
The Royal Mile, Scotland
On The Map: The Royal Mile is located in Old Town Edinburgh, and runs between Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace.
The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Edinburgh, and boasts a number of famous historical sites and buildings, as well as an impressive array of shops, eateries and pubs. The Royal Mile is actually more than a mile by 107 yards. It starts at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle & ends at the gates of Holyrood Palace. There are several independently named streets which connect to make up the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Cannongate, and Abbey Strand. The major attractions on the Royal Mile are: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, The National Museum of Scotland & Camera Obscura - Scotland's oldest purpose-built attraction.
Overnight Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
On The Map: Edinburgh is located in the southeast of Scotland. Edinburgh is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Glasgow to the west, and A68 from Newcastle, England to the southeast.
Edinburgh knows how to welcome travelers with grace and charm. She also knows how to kick up her heels and enjoy a nice shot of Scotch Whisky after a festival. The hill that Edinburgh Castle stands upon has been Scotland’s remarkable silent witness since the Bronze Age. Today her streets are filled with cutting-edge galleries and museums, tributes to the love of literature and music, fine cuisine, quirky shops, theater, and an extravagance of festivals. Four ancient streets, called the Royal Mile, are the main thoroughfare. Running through medieval Edinburgh with her 66 alleys, tumbling shops, cobblestones, and tight homes the Royal Mile takes you to New Town. Here you’ll stroll through fine gardens, perfect Georgian architecture and broad squares. The mix of time, while lost in time, is a heady brew. There may be no finer city than Edinburgh Scotland, to participate in the gifts of the past with an eye to a brilliant future.
Day 2
Accommodation
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour
Edinburgh, Scotland
Discover the secrets behind the making of Scotland’s national drink and in particular the best variety of all - single malt whisky. Your tour takes you west from Edinburgh past Stirling to visit the first distillery of the day at Glengoyne. Beautifully situated at the foot of the Campsie Hills, which provide the water supply for the whisky making, this tour will introduce you to the simple but magical process of turning barley, water and yeast into whisky. From here you will take a scenic drive to the shores of Loch Lomond in the heart of Scotland’s first National Park for a tasty pub lunch and the chance to sample some local beers. After lunch we recommend a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the loch and all its islands before heading off towards the second distillery of the day at Deanston. This converted cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith has many interesting features and produces some unique flavours in its whisky. After a relaxed afternoon visit here you will return to Edinburgh with the stories and flavours of single malt whisky fresh in your mind.
Inclusions:
*Full-day touring on a Mercedes 16 seater mini-bus - perfectly sized to go where larger tour buses cannot.
*A professional and experienced Driver/Guide. The uniquely small group size ensures a friendly & personal service.
Exclusions:
*Lunch & Refreshments
*Whisky Distillery Entrance & Tasting Fees (There are many tasting options to choose from at each location on teh day of your tour)
Must-See Sites
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland
On The Map: Loch Lomond is located in Central Scotland, approx. 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. The main A82 road runs along the west shore of the lake en route to Fort William and beyond to Inverness.
Encompassing approx 720 square miles, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs became Scotland’s first National Park in 2002. Originally made famous by the novels of Sir Walter Scott in the early 1800s, The Trossachs has been enjoyed as the ‘Highlands in Miniature’ by tourists ever since. For two centuries, people have come here to walk, climb, cycle and sail, to breathe fresh clean air and drink in the spectacular views. The landscapes covered by the Park range from the uplands of Breadalbane to the sea lochs of Argyll, and included within its area is the whole of Scotland's largest loch, Loch Lomond. The northern end of the loch is deep and narrow, with mountains on either side, including the iconic Ben Lomond. The southern half of the loch is much more pastoral and is home to many islands. The surrounding mountainous areas include 21 ‘Munros’ (individual mountains over 3000ft); 20 ‘Corbetts’ (individual mountains over 2,500ft); and two forest parks. To appreciate the very best of the Trossachs, we recommend the route of the Duke’s Pass from Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine.
Blair Castle, Scotland
On The Map: Blair Castle is located in Perthshire in the centre of Scotland, just north of Pitlochry Town. The castle is accessed via the main A9 road that connects the towns of Inverness (to the north), and Pitlochry & Perth (to the south).
The only man in Europe still allowed to have a private army is the Duke of Atholl, who resides at Blair Castle! The sight of his magnificent, white castle on the main road north will stop you in your tracks. The oldest part of the castle was built in 1269. During the Jacobite campaigns, it was designed anew, and the turrets were added. A brilliant stroke of genius. The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Blair Castle stands proudly against the magnificent backdrop of Highland Perthshire. With collections that fill over 30 rooms, there are few historic homes in Britain that can claim to have more comprehensive family treasures than Blair Castle, which portrays Scottish life over 700 years. After a tour of the castle you can enjoy the variety and tranquility of the grounds and gardens which form part of one of Scotland's great estates.
Overnight Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
On The Map: Edinburgh is located in the southeast of Scotland. Edinburgh is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Glasgow to the west, and A68 from Newcastle, England to the southeast.
Edinburgh knows how to welcome travelers with grace and charm. She also knows how to kick up her heels and enjoy a nice shot of Scotch Whisky after a festival. The hill that Edinburgh Castle stands upon has been Scotland’s remarkable silent witness since the Bronze Age. Today her streets are filled with cutting-edge galleries and museums, tributes to the love of literature and music, fine cuisine, quirky shops, theater, and an extravagance of festivals. Four ancient streets, called the Royal Mile, are the main thoroughfare. Running through medieval Edinburgh with her 66 alleys, tumbling shops, cobblestones, and tight homes the Royal Mile takes you to New Town. Here you’ll stroll through fine gardens, perfect Georgian architecture and broad squares. The mix of time, while lost in time, is a heady brew. There may be no finer city than Edinburgh Scotland, to participate in the gifts of the past with an eye to a brilliant future.
Day 3
Accommodation
Room Type: Castle/Woodland Double or Twin
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Blair Athol Distillery Tour
Pitlochry, Scotland
Enjoy a tour of Blair Athol Distillery! Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry. From the water of the Allt Dour burn comes their 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, with a mellow deep-toned aroma, a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish. Blair Athol wins hearts through its contribution to the Bell's Blend, the most popular blended whisky in the UK. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and provides a detailed explanation of the traditional art of malt whisky distilling, as well as an insight into the specialist craft of the Blender. A complimenary 'dram' of whisky is included with your visit, as is a discount voucher, which can be redeemed in the on-site shop for a purchase of a 70cl bottle of Single Malt Whisky. Yum!
Must-See Sites
Blair Castle, Scotland
On The Map: Blair Castle is located in Perthshire in the centre of Scotland, just north of Pitlochry Town. The castle is accessed via the main A9 road that connects the towns of Inverness (to the north), and Pitlochry & Perth (to the south).
The only man in Europe still allowed to have a private army is the Duke of Atholl, who resides at Blair Castle! The sight of his magnificent, white castle on the main road north will stop you in your tracks. The oldest part of the castle was built in 1269. During the Jacobite campaigns, it was designed anew, and the turrets were added. A brilliant stroke of genius. The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Blair Castle stands proudly against the magnificent backdrop of Highland Perthshire. With collections that fill over 30 rooms, there are few historic homes in Britain that can claim to have more comprehensive family treasures than Blair Castle, which portrays Scottish life over 700 years. After a tour of the castle you can enjoy the variety and tranquility of the grounds and gardens which form part of one of Scotland's great estates.
Overnight Location
Pitlochry, Scotland
On The Map: Pitlochry is located in the very heart of Scotland. Cairngorms National Park is very close by to the north, and Edinburgh less than 1.5 hours to the south via the A9 road.
When Queen Victoria fell in love with the Highlands of Scotland, Pitlochry was a quiet village surrounded by the pine-covered hills of the Central Highlands. It became famous when she named it one of the finest resorts in Europe, and visitors began arriving to discover the magic of the Highlands. This vibrant town in the wooded valley of the River Tummel runs along a main street that’s lined with shops and eating places. It bustles with visitors, but relax and go with the flow. Look behind the busy-ness, and you’ll see the charming, Highland Victorian town that is still Pitlochry. Pitlochry is farther from the sea than any other place in Scotland, and it makes a good base for exploring the surrounding scenery, which is spectacular.
Day 4
Accommodation
Room Type: Castle/Woodland Double or Twin
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Dewar's Connoisseurs Tour
Aberfeldy, Scotland
Come to Aberfeldy Village, where John Alexander founded the Dewar's Distillery, and view first-hand the magic still in operation today! Walk through reconstructions of Tommy Dewar's plush London office, as well as Dewar's first Blending Room. Your tour also includes a short film on the Origins of Scotch Whisky, an Heritage Exhibition & Distillery Tour. You will then be treated to special whisky tastings of: Dewar's 12 Year Old, Dewar's 18 Year Old, Aberfeldy 12 Year Old & Aberfeldy 21 Year Old. Your experience is completed by Cask Tasting in the Warehouse & a complimentary 'nosing glass'. You will also receive a tasting tray of 5 x 15ml drams. Dewar's Distillery is open Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. Last admission for tours, one hour prior to closing.
Please allow 2 hours approximately for your tour.
Must-See Sites
Kinloch Rannoch, Scotland
On The Map: The Village of Kinloch Rannoch is located on the eastern shore of Loch Rannoch, just 20 miles west of Pitlochry on the A9 & B847 Roads. GPS Coordinates: 56.702822, -4.189878.
The main economic activities in the area of Kinloch Rannoch are tourism, forestry and farming. Local tourist activities include rafting, cycling and trekking. Near the village is a hill reputed to resemble the head, shoulders, and torso of a man. It has been given the name of "The Sleeping Giant". Local myth says that the giant will wake up only when he hears the sounds of his master's flute. It also has a waterfall known as Fall of Allt Mor and there is a walkway to the hill. The village of Kinloch Rannoch is a good place from which to start exploring the Clan Trail. A series of interesting story boards have been placed at accessible points around the loch shore that tell the fascinating tales of clans prominent in the district before the 19th and 20th centuries. There is also a Crannog (artificial island) near the far west of the loch which was used in the 18th century as a base for outlawed members of the MacGregor Clan. The beautiful scenery surrounding Kinloch Rannoch (pictured), was used to good effect in the Outlander series, as the background for Claire and Frank's second honeymoon at the end of the war.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
On The Map: The Cairngorms National Park, (Scotland's biggest), occupies a large region in the northeast of the country. The nearest major town is Aberdeen to the east, but Cairngorms NP is quite central to all Scotland's large cities.
Scotland’s pristine National Park, the Cairngorms, have the highest, rugged mountain range in Britain rising to 4,296 feet. This country is heaven for walkers, skiers, rock climbers & nature lovers. A number of species of rare birds are attracted to the thriving, unusual alpine flora. Rock-climbers and skiers particularly love the challenge of the Cairngorms. Its craggy sides attract climbers from around the world—they practice at the Cairngorms before trips to the Himalayas! During the summer a funicular railway climbs Cairngorm. The views over the Spey Valley are spectacular. There’s also a steam railway, dating from 1863, that runs from Aviemore and Broomhila. This is a great way to get up-close to nature if you’re not into the thrills-and-chills of mountain sports! Also, many estates in the valley supplement their income by introducing visitors to the Highlands. See Britain’s only herd of reindeer and walk among them - the Cairngorm Reindeer Center is happy to take you to these lovely animals. With mixed woodlands at the base, and the summit forming a sub-polar plateau, the Cairngorms present a huge variety of flora. Ancient Caledonian pines, once common in the area, still survive in Abernathy Forest. Fragile and flourishing, Arctic flowers thrive in the heights.
Overnight Location
Aberfeldy, Scotland
On The Map: Aberfeldy is located just off the A827 road in Central Scotland. The major town of Pitlochry is 15 miles to the northeast
Aberfeldy is a small, cute market town in the Perthsire Highlands, with a population of some 2000. The town was forever immortalized in Robert Burns' poem, 'The Birks of Aberfeldy'. The entrance to the Birks of Aberfeldy – a well known gorge and scenic walk – lies on the southern outskirts of Aberfeldy on the A826. The Birks is classified as a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' and contains many varieties of flora and fauna, some of which are protected. Glen Lyon, widely regarded as one of Scotland's most stunning and least-visited valleys, lies about 5 miles from the outskirts of Aberfeldy. The town is also known for Wade's Bridge, constructed in 1733. The bridge was built by architect William Adam, father of the more famous Robert Adam.
Day 5
Depart From
Depart from Edinburgh Airport, Scotland
Return to Edinburgh Airport 2 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
Edinburgh is a small airport, but offers a surprisingly large array of shops and restaurants. If you have some time on your hands after check-in and security, you won't be bored!
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