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Discover Scotland

There is no way to properly describe Scotland. It is beautiful for sure, but that's not the only reason to travel there. There are definitely wonderful castles and lochs, but those aren't the only reason either. The people are extremely pleasant, witty, and accommodating, but that's not quite all either.

Scotland can only be described as a feeling that you get when you enter the rugged country. There's something in that sea mist that transfers into you some of the history and passion that has been a part of Scotland forever. That same feeling will stay with you forever and make this a trip that you won't ever forget.

Tour Dates: August 29, 2010 - September 4, 2010 - 6 nights, 7 days plus departure day.
     [If you are taking an overnight flight (most from the U.S. and Canada are), you will actually leave on August 28th]

Tour Price: $1,449 - land only. Price includes all taxes and fees, 7 nights lodging in perfectly located premier hotels, coach transportation, airport transfers, all breakfasts, one lunch, five dinners, and much more (see below).

Price is per person based on two people sharing a room. Single supplement is available, please contact us for information. Airfare not included in price.

Group Rate: If you are a group of 6 or more you are eligible for a discount of $50 per person. Please Contact us for details.


What you get for you're money:

- Better Hotel Location – We want you to be able to explore on your own and you can’t do that from a hotel outside of the city. On this tour we stay in central Edinburgh (just off the Royal Mile), and central Inverness.

- Personal Service – For this, like all of our tours, we handle every aspect of the trip personally. From planning to customer service to leading the tour, you deal with the same people. This allows us to respond quicker and be flexible with changes and allows you to get to know us and feel more comfortable.

- Experienced Guide, Guaranteed – We are in our 10th year of guiding tours and we run each one personally. Traveling with another company leaves your vacation in the hands of several guides with widely varying levels of quality and experience. There’s no risk with Great Explorations Tours because you know what you’re getting every single time.

Great hotels, hometown service, and experience; you can’t find that with another tour company.


By purchasing this tour, you are stating that you have read and understand our Policies and Procedures.

Payment Options

Clicking the "Pay Now" button above will take you to the PayPal website. It is completely safe and will return you to this site following payment. Please note that a $250 deposit per person is required to reserve your spot. Full payment is not due until 60 days prior to the departure date. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

(PayPal note: You do not need a PayPal account to purchase our tours with PayPal, simply click "Continue" below the "Don't have a PayPal account?" heading to the left of the Log In box.)


Day 0 (Saturday, August 28, 2010) - Depart from USA

Today you'll be leaving the USA for Edinburgh. We refer to it as day zero because you won't actually arrive in Scotland until the next day. Enjoy your flight and try to get some sleep.


Day 1 (Sunday, August 29, 2010) - Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.

Welcome to Scotland, where the land and sky seem to meet. After transferring to your Edinburgh hotel, you'll have some time to relax or explore a little of this wonderful city before meeting the group and your guides for a welcome dinner.

Hotel: Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner


Day 2 (Monday, August 30, 2010) - Inverness via Loch Ness

Today we start our journey towards Inverness, the main city in the Highlands, which will be our base for the next three nights. On the way there we stop first at Doune Catle, a 14th century stronghold made famous in the movie "Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail".

As we move north we stop by some amazing scenery including Glen Coe, Fort William, and the fabled Loch Ness (pictured). We then arrive in Inverness, which will be our home for the next two nights

Hotel: Kingsmills Hotel Inverness or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 3 (Tuesday, August 31, 2010) - The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Today we see some of the most beautiful scenery you are likely to find. We take a day trip to the Isle of Skye to see some of its awe-inspiring views. We will also stop at Eilean Donan Castle (pictured), which stands at the intersection of several bodies of water giving it an amazingly photogenic backdrop.

There will also be plenty of time to explore the charming town of Inverness, where our hotel is. Inverness is deep in the highlands and carries a long history of clan battles, but that doesn't detract from its wonderful spirit.

Hotel: Kingsmills Hotel Inverness or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner


Day 4 (Wednesday, September 1, 2010) - Aberdeen via The Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery

Today we move on toward the city of Aberdeen. First we make a stop at the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery whose wonderful displays are enjoyed by even those who aren't necessarily whisky fans.

We also stop by Crathes Castle, a 16th century fortress on wonderful grounds that contain a four acre walled garden.

Hotel: Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner


Day 5 (Thursday, September 2, 2010) - Edinburgh via Rosslyn Chapel

We head back toward the Scottish capital today but before we arrive we stop at Glamis Castle (pictured), a very picturesque building that was the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret.

We will also visit one of the more intriguing sights in Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel. The intricately decorated chapel is very beautiful, but open to much interpretation over its meaning. From Rosslyn, it's off to Edinburgh to enjoy our last two nights in Scotland.

Hotel: Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 6 (Friday, September 3, 2010) - Edinburgh

Your guides will lead you on a tour of Edinburgh including its imposing castle (pictured) and Royal Mile (pictured below), the series of streets leading away from Castle Rock. You'll also have time to explore Edinburgh on your own with your guides there to help you with anything you would like to do.

Hotel: Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 7 (Saturday, September 4, 2010) - Depart Scotland for USA

Today you will transfer back to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope you fully enjoyed your Scottish vacation.


What's Included in This Tour (the following list is a minimum, more may be added later):

  • Luxury Coach Transportation with Professional Driver
  • First Class Accommodations
  • Knowledgeable, Professional Tour Guides
  • Airport Transfers
  • All Tips for Guides and Driver
  • Great Explorations Tours luggage tags
  • Documents listing restaurants, pubs, sights, and public transportation
  • Breakfast Every Morning (except morning of arrival)
  • Three dinners
  • Walking Tour of Central Edinburgh
  • Tour of Central Inverness
  • Admission to the following:
    • Doune Castle
    • Glenfiddich Distillery
    • Crathes Castle
    • Glamis Castel
    • Edinburgh Castle

Inerested in learning a little more about what a tour to Scotland might be like? Click here to read our travel tips for this tour.

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