Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1: Tues., Aug. 23 – Today is a travel day from Home to Pearson International Airport by motor coach for our departure to Scotland. The tour will depart from Orillia, Barrie, Bayfield Mall behind Canadian Tire Store & the Tour Office in the late afternoon. Overnight parking is available at our Tour Office. A free shuttle van service is available with a minimum of 6 customers from the Collingwood, Stayner & Wasaga Beach area upon request and transferred to meet the coach in Barrie. This evening we start our journey with an overnight direct flight aboard Air Transat to Glasgow.
Day 2: Wed., Aug. 24 – This morning we arrive at Glasgow airport and meet our coach and driver from Dodds Coach Lines. Travel to Edinburgh for a two-night stay at the centrally located Ibis Southbridge Hotel. Enjoy a group dinner and get acquainted with your fellow travellers. (D)
Day 3: Thurs., Aug. 25 – Our day starts with a guided city tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy exploring the city on your own. Tonight, we attend a performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. This takes place on the Esplanade of the Castle annually and features acts from all over the world and is attended by hundreds of thousands. (B & D)
Day 4: Fri., Aug. 26 -We depart Edinburgh and travel via Loch Lomond and Inveraray to the beautiful seaside town of Oban for a two-night stay at the Alexandra Hotel. (B & D)
Day 5: Sat., Aug. 27 – This morning we will board the Ferry from Oban travel to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Our coach will take us to the most southern tip of the island, and we will cross over by passenger ferry to the tiny Island of Iona. It is here that Columba brought Christianity to Scotland, arriving in AD563, he established a Centre of Religious learning. Visit the Abbey and enjoy exploring this peaceful island. (B & D)
Day 6: Sun., Aug. 28 – Enjoy the outstanding scenery as we travel the rugged Highlands, stopping at Glen Coe known as the weeping glen. It is the site of Scotland’s most famous massacre involving the Campbell and MacDonald Clans. Our accommodation for 2 nights is the Muthu Fort William which overlooks scenic Loch Linnhe. (B & D)
Day 7: Mon., Aug. 29 – Today our journey is by rail as we travel the West Highland line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct as we make our way to Mallaig. The crescent shaped viaduct is known for its remarkable engineering as well as its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. There will be time to explore this picturesque fishing village prior to our return trip to Fort William. (B & D)
Day 8: Tues., Aug. 30 – After breakfast, we depart for Ullapool. We will travel to the Isle of Skye and visit the southern part of the island before continuing our journey to Ullapool for an overnight stay at the Royal Hotel. (B & D)
Day 9: Wed., Aug. 31 -Today we continue travelling the scenic North coast with a lunch stop in Durness enroute to Thurso for our two-night stay at the Royal Hotel. (B & D)
Day 10: Thurs., Sept. 1 – Today we travel to John O’Groats to meet the Ferry for our day trip to Orkney. We will meet our local driver/guide and travel across the Churchill Barriers. (B & D)
Day 11: Fri., Sept. 2 – Our journey in the North continues as we travel the coast, visiting the Culloden Battlefield where a half hour battle occurred in 1746 and changed the course of history. Our day includes a visit to Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland’s stately homes and the family seat of the Clan Sutherland. Our overnight stay is at the Jury’s Hotel located in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. (B & D)
Day 12: Sat., Sept. 3 – This morning we depart Inverness travelling to Dundee with various along the route including a visit to Speyside, home to several of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. Learn about this iconic industry and sample one of Scotland’s best-known exports. Our 2-night stay will be at the Queens Hotel in Dundee. (B & D)
Day 13: Sun., Sept. 4 – Today we explore the City of Dundee, best known for jute, jam and journalism. Our visits include the V&A – Scotland’s first design museum and Discovery Point which is home to the famous RRS Discovery, the ship that took Scott and Shackelton to Antarctica in 1901. (B & D)
Day 14: Mon., Sept. 5 – This morning we travel to Ayrshire via St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest University town and home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Enjoy some free time in Glasgow prior to checking in to the Western House in Ayr, for 2 nights. (B & D)
Day 15: Tues., Sept. 6 – Today we explore the lowlands with a drive through Ayrshire to the village of Alloway located on the River Doon. It is best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland’s famous poet. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the town on your own and perhaps shop for some last minute souvenirs. (B & D)
Day 16: Wed., Sept. 7 – This morning we return to Glasgow airport, after breakfast for our direct flight home. Upon arrival at Pearson Airport, we will be met by our Hammond Coach for our return to the Tour Office, Barrie & Orillia.
Tour includes: motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 14 nights hotel & taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase, attractions, admissions and guided tours as outlined in the itinerary, 13 breakfasts, 14 dinners, HST included on flights and transfers to airport.
Cost per person: Twin $7430.00 & Single $8770.00 The tour is limited to 34 passengers.
A valid Canadian Passport is required for this tour with the expiry date being a minimum of 6 months past the date of travel. You will be required to provide a photocopy of your passport at time of booking. Proof of Full covid vaccinations are required for this tour.
An initial deposit of $1000.00 is required at time of booking.
A second deposit of $ 2500.00 is required March 1, 2022
The balance is due in full by June 1, 2022
Travel insurance is available through our office at time of booking and is strongly advised.
