Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland , recognised as the capital since at least the 15th century. The city has long been a centre of education, particularly in the fields of medicine, Scots law, literature, philosophy, the sciences and engineering. It is the second largest financial centre in the United Kingdom. and the city's historical and cultural attractions have made it the United Kingdom's second most visited tourist destination.
Departure from your home town, flight to land in Edingburh (EDI), Capital of Scotland
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel. The best way to explore Edinburgh is by using The Royal Edinburgh Ticket, which includes 3 bus tours to take in 48hrs. The Edinburgh Tour, The Majestic Tour and City Sightseeing Edinburgh. Included Fast-track entrance to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse means you won’t have to spend time waiting in line and you’ll have more time to discover Scotland’s historic and beautiful capital.
City Sightseeing Edinburgh (hop on and hop off): Start from Waverley Bridge and enjoy the ride as the bus drive to some of the finest, culture-rich destinations in Edinburgh. Experience the great historic marketplace; Grassmarket, located right in the middle of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hop off to learn all about the history of Edinburgh in the National Museum of Scotland on famous Chambers Street. Next on the agenda is John Knox House, a magnificent medieval building dating back all the way to the 15th century. Fancy a stroll while you're visiting? Recommend you hop off and take a walk along Canongate, where you'll see some glorious buildings, or at Holyrood, where you can roam around the royal park and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
After sightseeing, back to hotel. Free and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. Continue to enjoy and explore using the Royal Edinburgh ticket.
The Edinburgh Tour: Explore sights including Edinburgh Castle.
The Majestic Tour heads north of Edinburgh's City Centre towards the port of Leith with highlights including Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Back to Hotel. Free and overnight.
Lunch & Dinner on guest own account.
Breakfast at hotel. The day tour will first stop at Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway which leads into the quaint island village of Lindisfarne, and from there, enjoy stunning views of Lindisfarne Castle, (which dates back to 1550). Spend time wandering through the ruins of its Priory where the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were produced, sample some of the world-famous Lindisfarne 'Mead' brewed by Monks on the island, and enjoy the tranquillity for which the island is renowned.
Then continue south on to the bustling market town of Alnwick, whose greatest building is the medieval Alnwick Castle. Enjoy time in the town centre or remain at the castle complex where there is something for everyone. Home of the Percy Family for over 700 years, Alnwick Castle is considered one of the finest castles in England and proudly known as “The Windsor of the North”. Visitors can step into the unexpected in the spectacular Alnwick Garden, with its wonderful Grand Cascade and Poison Gardens. It's grounds were also used in the Harry Potter films.
In the mid-afternoon we begin to drive north to cross the River Tweed into the historic border town of Coldstream. If time permits during this journey there will be a stop at Flodden Field, one of the best preserved battlefields in Northern Europe and scene of the infamous battle of 1513 which ended in victory for the English and the death of James IV, King of Scots.
After tour, back to Edinburgh. Free and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel. From Edinburgh, this tour heads towards Stirling, catching views of the castle and The Wallace Monument. We will continue towards Callander where we will have morning coffee stop and the chance to meet “Hamish”, the Hairy Coo. The journey continues northwards into the Highlands over Rannoch Moor until come to the dark brooding Pass of Glencoe where we will stop for a photo opportunity, and hear the haunting story of the famous massacre of 1692.
After crossing Loch Leven at Ballachulish, stop for lunch in the Fort William area before following the course of the Caledonian Canal up the Great Glen to Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. Here will cruise on the loch for an hour or so, or enjoy the tranquil little village on the banks of Loch Ness.
NOTE: This part of the tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions in the winter months.
After stop at Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, the tour will begin it’s return journey south. You will pass by Loch Laggan, the set for the internationally recognised ‘Monarch of the Glen’, before making a stop in picturesque Pitlochry, a delightful Victorian resort town.
Journeying past Perth and through the Kingdom of Fife, will cross the Forth Road Bridge alongside the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before arriving back in Edinburgh with a million memories. Suitable relaxing music will be played during your comfortable drive home to Edinburgh for city centre drop-offs.
Back to hotel. Free and overnight.
Lunch & Dinner on guest own account.
Breakfast at hotel. Check out.
Transfer to Edinburgh airport, board the flight return to your hometown.