Our itinerary
is designed to give you a balanced introduction to
the
country in a leisurely and unhurried way. As ever,
you can expect to stay in a wide variety of attractive
accommodations,
each with its own charm. You can also expect a traditional
warm welcome. Certain departures may also be combined
with our ten-day Borders tour.
|
Tour
Code
|
Arrive
Glasgow
|
Depart
Edinburgh
|
|
WISE
|
Saturday
|
Friday
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
SCO01
|
08 May 2004
|
21 May 2004
|
|
SCO02
|
29
May 2004
|
11
June 2004
|
|
SCO03
|
12
Jun 2004
|
25
June 2004
|
|
SCO04
|
24
Jul 2004
|
06
Aug 2004
|
|
SCO05
|
28
Aug 2004
|
10
Sep 2004
|
|
SCO06
|
11 Sep 2004
|
24 Sep2004
|
|
SCO07
|
25
Sep 2004
|
08
Oct 2004
|
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
DAY ONE - SATURDAY
You will land at Glasgow Airport where you will be
met by your Back-Roads Representative and transferred
to our local base. The afternoon and evening are free
for you to explore this interesting city with its
famed art galleries and parks.
DAY TWO - SUNDAY
Departing from our Glasgow hotel, we head north to
immediately breathe in the atmosphere by the shores
of the celebrated Loch Lomond. Then we head to the
royal city of Stirling. From the esplanade of Stirling
Castle we can admire the surrounding countryside.
For centuries this has been the gateway to the Highlands.
No wonder numerous battles have been fought in this
area, not least the great victory at Bannockburn,
where the Scots trounced the English. We then continue
our journey north into 'Braveheart' country passing
through the picturesque market town of Crieff, long
the site of one of Scotland great cattle 'Trysts'.
We then head to our base for the night in the heart
of the Trossachs via Lochearne, a lovely highland
loch overlooked by mountains.
DAY THREE - MONDAY
We'll have time to visit the Rob Roy Visitor Centre
in Callander and his grave at nearby Balquhidder before
we head west through some stunning scenery as we drive
through Glen Dochart and Glen Orchy. We'll visit Kilchurn
Castle or Inveraray gaol/jail before continuing west.
This afternoon's itinerary includes a visit to one
of Argyll's woodland gardens. We'll have time to explore
Dunstaffnage Castle before reaching our base for the
next three nights.
DAY FOUR - TUESDAY
This morning is spent at leisure exploring Oban, the
mainland port for the Hebridean Isles and full of
local colour. After taking in a classic elevated view
over the town, we make the short winding drive to
Easdale Island. On the way we cross the only bridge
over the Atlantic Ocean and pass the fascinatingly
named Inn 'Tigh Na Troos' (House of the Trousers!).
Once on Easdale Island we visit the local folk museum,
where we learn about the life of the former slate
mining community. This is probably one of the most
photogenic fishing villages you'll find anywhere in
the world.
Oban
DAY FIVE - WEDNESDAY
Time to take to the water, crossing the Firth of Lorne
to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull. The ferry journey
itself is a delight with fine views of mainland and
island vistas. Before reaching Craignure, our first
port of call, there's a grand view of Duart Castle,
ancestral home of the McClean clan. Once on dry land
we head across the open, untouched landscape to Fionnphort
in the south. From here we take a very short ferry
ride, as foot passengers, to the revered Island of
Iona, home to St. Columba and early Christian missionaries
1400 years ago. Within the shadow of the cathedral,
Scots kings until Macbeth's time were buried. There
is a special atmosphere here aided by the almost total
lack of motor cars. Returning to Mull we follow, time
permitting, the rugged coastline to the west, with
the possibility (depending on weather) of breathtaking
views of the Outer Hebridean Islands offshore.
Oban
DAY SIX - THURSDAY
A day of glorious mountain scenery awaits us as we
head north through the Grampian and North West Highland
ranges. As we enter the splendid isolation of the
pass of Glen Coe there's a real sense of majesty in
the scenery. A visit to the Glencoe visitors’
centre gives us a chance to discover the real truth
behind the tragic massacre of the MacDonalds. Arriving
at the busy highland town of Fort William, there's
an opportunity for the 'essentials' of life - eating,
banking and shopping! Continuing our full day, we
take in the Caledonian Canal - maybe there'll be yachts
traversing the locking system to begin their voyage
through Scotland's inland waterways. As we follow
the canal, there are views of Britain's highest mountain,
Ben Nevis, a haven for skiers and climbers alike.
As we leave the canal, we encounter the imposing Glen
Finnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel. Winding
around loch, brae and mountain, we cross by ferry
to the Isle of Skye.
DAY SEVEN - FRIDAY
It's time to take a look around the misty Isle of
Skye. Nowhere on this island is it possible to ignore
the sea as it eats away at the coastline. It was from
islands like this that thousands left in 'coffin'
ships crossing the Atlantic to a new life. Amongst
today's highlights are the island's 'capital', Portree,
the 17th century ruined Duntulm Castle built by the
MacDonalds on the site of a Celtic fort, the Old Man
of Storr, a black basalt column 160ft tall and 40ft
in diameter and the unique landscape of the 'quirang'.
We'll also visit the memorial to Flora MacDonald,
famed accomplice of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Close by
lies a fine folk museum where a peat fire burns and
heather lines the roof.
DAY EIGHT - SATURDAY
Grab your binoculars and telephoto lenses because
today's the day we go monster hunting! Not just any
monster either but the most famous wee beastie in
the whole world! Loch Ness is a long, deep, dark and
mysterious body of water. On our way there, we'll
encounter the Caledonian Canal again. It is at Fort
Augustus that the Canal enters Loch Ness via six locks.
On Loch Ness itself is Urquhart Castle, a ruin that
has become a favourite place for Nessie spotting -
some folk believe she lives underneath the structure
itself. In Drumnadrochit there's a chance to take
in the documented evidence of one of the Loch Ness
monster exhibitions. Maybe after this the doubters
will be more convinced! Onward to Inverness, the busy
'capital' of the Highlands and our base for the next
three nights.
DAY NINE - SUNDAY
We'll rest awhile, as they say here, and enjoy a pleasant
day exploring this Highland capital at leisure on
foot and by public tranport.
You may wish to consider taking an optional day's
excursion to the isle of Orkney. Although this is
a very long day (with a 06.00 start and a 21.00 finish)
it is a fantastic opportunity to see the fabulous
prehistoric sites on the Island.
For wildlife lovers there's another possible optional
tour to see the puffins and seals way north in John
O'Groats.
DAY TEN - MONDAY
The day begins at Clava Cairns burial site. Lying
close to Inverness, these circles of stones from the
dawn of human civilisation sit in a quiet sheltered
spot of the Scottish countryside. Close by is Culloden
Moor, site of the great battle of 1746 when the forces
of King George II defeated the Jacobite rebels of
Bonnie Prince Charlie. There is a fine exhibition
and a stroll around the battlefield with its memorial
stones provides a lasting memory. Heading north from
Inverness to the Falls of Rogie, we are assured of
fine pine forests, rushing rivers and, if our timing
is right, the sight of the Atlantic salmon jumping
impossible waterfalls. On our way home, we ponder
the question of the siting of Macbeth's castle. Was
it in the modern town of Inverness or perhaps nearby
at Cawdor?
DAY ELEVEN - TUESDAY
As we start our journey south, we pick up the famous
whisky trail. You can be sure of a visit to one of
the many distilleries that can be found in the area.
We'll pass through Grantown-on-Spey, a popular ski
resort on our way to Braemar, scene of that most famous
of Highland games attended by the Royals. If we have
time, we'll visit Braemar Castle, built in 1628 and
largely rebuilt as a residence in the 18th century.
The Scottish home of the royal family can be found
at nearby Balmoral. There's a chance to view the grounds
and exhibition for departures in May, June or July.
Finally, we wind our way to the attractive town of
Ballater, our base for the night.
DAY TWELVE - WEDNESDAY
This morning we may take a short drive through the
'Granite City' of Aberdeen before picking up the coastal
route south. We visit Dunnottar Castle ruins, said
to be in the most romantic setting in Scotland. Cromwell's
troops captured this Royalist stronghold after months
of siege in 1652. As we continue south, we pass through
the fishing town of Arbroath, home of the 'smokie'
(a tasty smoked fish) and the site of an outstandingly
beautiful 12th century abbey ruin. Dundee is our next
port of call. Here we'll find Scott's 'Discovery'
and the frigate 'Unicorn', the oldest British-built
ship still afloat, now a museum for the Royal Navy.
Rounding off our vist wil be a short spell in St Andrews.
No time for a round of golf , we're sorry to say!
(But at least we'll save you soem golf balls!). At
the end of a full day, we cross the Firth of Tay to
the Kingdom of Fife and our nightstop for the next
two nights.
Fife
DAY THIRTEEN - THURSDAY
A relaxing day as we explore the charming coastline
of the Kingdom of Fife. Anstruther itself is still
a working fishing port and many of its neighbours
continue to ply a similar trade. Winding our way up
the coast we examine in detail the timeless beauty
of Crail, another fishing village, once the centre
of a major trading partnership with continental Europe.
Next, the Royal Stwart Castle at Falkland before making
our way to the fascinating town of Culross. This is
the most complete example of a Scottish burgh of the
16th and 17th centuries. We'll take time to explore
the visitor centre before driving through Dunfermline
and south over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. NOTE:
dinner is not included tonight to give more flexibility
to explore Edinburgh. Visit www.edinburgh.org
Edinburgh
DAY FOURTEEN - FRIDAY
Return airport transfer unless you elect to extend
your stay and spend some time in this 'Athens of the
North'. Please note, transfer from Edinburgh to Glasgow
airport attract a cost supplement.
This tour can be combined with our North Country
tour which departs from Glasgow and tours through
the Lakes District, Isle of Man, Peaks and Cotswolds
to London.
Price US
$2599.00
Single Supplement US
$545.00
Whats Included ? Click
here for full details
Advantages and
price justification - click here.
