Tour Scenic Scotland, A Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 8 Days) | Visit United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Meals

4 Dinner (D) 7 Breakfast (B) 1 Lunch (L) Edinburgh: Full of curiosities, the world of sheepdog training will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. Meet Julie Hill, the first and only woman to have won the Supreme International Sheepdog Championships. Over dinner, learn how Julie trains Border Collies in some of the remotest and most rugged hill terrain in the UK, single-handedly tending to sheep that graze over 600 acres.

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. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). 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.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. 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.

Accommodation

7 night accommodation

Others

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. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. 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 utilised. 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. Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history onthe 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 Centre, 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. 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. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Edinburgh: Get up close and personal with the culture and crafts of Scotland over an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop, creating your very own Islander Harris Tweed® Handbag. Embrace the spirit of Scotland step–by–step as you select the body colour of the bag, your favourite Harris Tweed® cloth lid and decorative strap. Once you’ve chosen the different components, construct your bag with a set of tools prepared for you. Take a piece of Edinburgh home with you in your very own bespoke Harris Tweed® Islander Handbag. Edinburgh: Alternatively known as the Maidens’ Castle until the 16th century, Edinburgh Castle offers dramatic vistas and historic insights. Walk with your Local Expert within the walls of the castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts. Edinburgh: Meet Louise, Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh since 2006. Louise has played for Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope, and many celebrities to events. She has performed on ITV This Morning, the Olympics, and even provided a bagpipe lesson to legendary Queen guitarist Dr. Brian May. Celebrate the heritage and sounds of Scotland over a demonstration and bagpipe workshop from "Scotland’s National Piper."

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Glasgow
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Glasgow

Glasgow, the undisputed capital of Scottish culture, offers endless opportunities for the curious traveller. 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 travellers, celebrate your first night of your Scotland women-only tour over dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Glasgow Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Glasgow Sightseeing

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 Day 3: Travel On To Oban
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Travel On To Oban

Rising above the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a symbol of Scottish national pride and was once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the castle’s halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous ’Stirling Heads’ and admire views of the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge. 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 Oban, a renowned seafood capital of Scotland, where you can opt to sample the local fare over a Seafood Dinner.
Day 4 Day 4: Oban
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Oban

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, where it is rumoured the Book of Kells was made. Before returning to Oban, view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place of many Scottish kings.
Day 5 Day 5: To The Highland Capital Of Inverness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: To The Highland Capital Of Inverness

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 Centre. 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 an Insight Choice between a relaxing Loch Ness Cruise and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
Day 6 Day 6: Blair Castle And Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Blair Castle And Edinburgh

Blair Castle is a treasure trove of history and fine 18th-century interiors. Join an Optional Experience to learn about its seven centuries as home to the Atholl family, through both turbulent and peaceful times. Even the gardens surrounding Blair Castle, featuring a nine-acre walled garden, wooded grove, gothic folly, kirk ruin and extensive deer park, will have you slowing your pace and 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, live music and Ceilidhs, traditional Scottish Barn Dances.
Day 7 Day 7: Edinburgh Castle And Orientation
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle And Orientation

Edinburgh offers endless possibilities for the curious traveller. 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 sights and insights into the lives of the royals. Discover the local arts and culture over an Islander Edinburgh Handbag Workshop, making your own handbag. Before dinner enjoy a demonstration and bagpipe playing workshop by Louise the Piper, who piped for the Prince and Princess of Wales. To complete your Scotland trip, dine on an unforgettable dinner joined by sheepdog herding champion Julie Hill.
Day 8 Day 8: Depart Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Depart Edinburgh

It’s time to close the chapter on a memorable Scotland tour. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.

8 days tour

Scenic Scotland, A Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 8 Days)

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Itinerary of your trip Scenic Scotland, A Women-Only Tour (Small Group, 8 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Glasgow

Day 2: Glasgow Sightseeing

Day 3: Travel On To Oban

Day 4: Oban

Day 5: To The Highland Capital Of Inverness

Day 6: Blair Castle And Edinburgh

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle And Orientation

Day 8: Depart Edinburgh

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