Description
Escape to Castles and a Cruise, Dining and Drams in Edinburgh, Fort Augustus and Glasgow, Scotland (Europe) for for Two Nights at The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh for Two, Two Nights at the Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, Two Nights at the Grand Hotel Central Glasgow in Glasgow, Including Private Transfers (Glasgow), a Traditional Scottish Evening of Dinner and Entertainment, Edinburgh Walking Tour, Access to Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument, a High-Speed RIB Cruise on Loch Ness, Food Walking Tour of Glasgow and a Clydesdale Distillery Chocolate and Whiskey Tour (Land Only)
Escape to the handsome cities, green hills, magnificent castles and freshwater lochs of Scotland, a small country bursting with heroes and history, striking landscapes and cobblestone streets, myths and medieval stories! You'll spend a week on a fantastic journey to vibrant Edinburgh, where history and modernity meet in a cosmopolitan city, before venturing to the picturesque little village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, and finally on to the exciting city of Glasgow. Get to know the country better with a show, half-day tours, access to castles, a thrilling boat ride and a few drams of whiskey of course!
Begin your exploration of Edinburgh with traditional Scottish entertainment, including music, dancing and song in the magnificent setting of historic Prestonfield House, Scotland's most indulgent retreat! Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine, followed by Scotland's most famous show for over 40 years, a lavish production of Scottish music, song and dance! Then see the wonders of this hilly historical and cosmopolitan jewel for yourself on a half-day tour. The Royal Mile runs through Old Town, and connects the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal family's official residence in Scotland, but which is more famous as the 16th-century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots, to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. This historic fortress dominates the city from its lofty seat atop an extinct volcanic rock, and is home to the 12th-century St. Margaret's Chapel. Wander the cobblestone streets that lead to fantastic dining, rambunctious taverns and exciting shopping. Standing at the gateway of old-town Edinburgh since the 1860s, your accommodations at the heritage Dunstane House are quite unlike anywhere you've ever stayed before, and are a breath of fresh Orkney air. Dunstane House is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, offering a relaxing, contemporary sanctuary that blends the story of the capital with the Orkney roots of its owners ? a stylish and welcoming city retreat with an authentic Scottish soul.
From the beating heart of Edinburgh to the southern tip of Loch Ness, you'll head north by way of Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument to the historic and scenic hamlet of Fort Augustus, which lies on the impressive 60-mile long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Fort William, and which offers spectacular views. A visit to Stirling Castle is an essential! Boasting impressive architecture, its location rivals even Edinburgh Castle's for sheer magnificence as it sits on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle, from christenings to coronations. Your next stop is to one of Stirling's most distinctive landmarks - the National Wallace Monument - overlooking the scene of Scotland's victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This is a place where history is something you can touch and feel, as you follow the story of Sir William Wallace, patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland. An exhilarating thrill ride aboard an RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) cruising the waters of Loch Ness is an incredible way to see castles! After touring and exploring all day, take a step back in time at The Lovat, the only four-star hotel in Loch Ness. This award-winning eco-conscious hotel is a beautiful Victorian building located in the loch-side village of Fort Augustus, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
You'll then head south toward Glasgow, taking the scenic route and making a stop in Glencoe, a village set on the picturesque banks of Loch Leven. Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glencoe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. You may even stumble upon iconic film locations in your exploration, as the other-worldly beauty of Glencoe has been featured in James Bond's Skyfall and several Harry Potter movies! Next is your stay in Glasgow, a lively, bustling place, distinctive and full of character, where you are bound to get a very warm welcome indeed. This is a city with striking architecture, contemporary art spaces and fascinating museums, many of which are free. Glasgow city center is one of the best shopping destinations in the UK, outside of London's West End, and when it comes to nightlife, Glasgow knows what it's doing. With a diverse culinary scene an abundance of pubs and bars as well as some of the UK's best music venues, this is the city for the night owls. Your walking food tour of Glasgow is the ideal way to get to know the city, with stops in interesting historical buildings, incredible food from local owners, and the chance to learn about the city's rich history. Your Clydeside Distillery whiskey experience is a tour of three parts and three wee drams. Discover the Dockside Story, watch the craftsmen handcraft the new make spirit, and taste three 10-year-old single malt whiskies from the Highlands, Lowlands and Islay. Next, the expert guide will show you around The Clydeside Distillery, where you'll meet lively craftsmen as they handcraft pure new make spirit using traditional methods and time-honored skills. Your last two nights will be spent at the four-star historic hotel adjoining Glasgow Central Station, the Principal Grand Central Hotel Glasgow. Originally built in the late 19th-century as a great British railway hotel and today known as one of the city's most prestigious buildings, the hotel has welcomed many famous guests including Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill. Today, this iconic hotel is still a very much loved landmark in Glasgow's skyline, set within the hub of the Style Mile and at the center of the city's many attractions.
Your trip for two includes:
2 nights accommodations at Dunstane House in Edinburgh
2 nights accommodations at The Lovat Hotel in Fort Augustus
2 nights accommodations at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow
Evening Scottish show with dinner and entertainment at Prestonfield House
Private half-day tour of Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle
A tour of Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument, including entrance fees
Small-group high-speed RIB cruise on Loch Ness
Small-group walking food tour of Glasgow
Private transfer to Glasgow with a stop in Glencoe and Loch Lomond enroute (entrance fees not included)
Private Clydeside Distillery whiskey experience
Round trip airport transfers
Driver-guide for transfers between cities
Free concierge reservation service
Terms and Conditions
Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Please email auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel. Blackout dates: Military Tattoo Festival and Fringe Festival. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Tours and excursions run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45-day advance reservation is required.