Highland cattle , Oban Whisky barrels , Keith
DAY 9 • Inverness • Controversial Topic : The Scottish Independence Movement • Culloden Battlefield • Whisky tasting
Learn more about the Controversial Topic of Scottish independence during a conversation with two locals from opposing sides of the independence movement . Although Scotland formally joined the United Kingdom in 1707 , a significant division among the people still remains . After , we ’ ll pay a visit to the Culloden Battlefield to learn about the site ’ s bloody history before returning to Inverness . Later , we ’ ll gather for a whisky tasting at The Malt Room .
Meals : B , D | River Ness Hotel or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 7 , set off on a guided tour of the Isle of Iona , learning all about the island ’ s historical significance with a local resident
DAY 10 • Aberdeen Visit Grantown-on-Spey to explore the charming town center and peruse local shops and cafés before continuing on to Ballater , a picturesque Victorian village nestled at the base of Cairngorms National Park . After , we ’ ll transfer to Aberdeen , Scotland ’ s third largest city . Later , enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a traditional music performance .
Meals : B , D | Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel or similar
DAY 11 • Aberdeen • Aberdeenshire castle • Straw weaving demonstration
Today , we set off to explore one of the 250 castles dotting the landscapes of Aberdeenshire . We ’ ll most likely visit Drum Castle , gifted to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in the early 14th century . We ’ ll enjoy some time exploring the many chambers , towers , and gardens before making our way to Inverurie for lunch . Later , we ’ ll meet a local straw weaver before returning to Aberdeen .
Meals : B , L | Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel or similar
DAY 12 • Edinburgh • St . Andrews On our way to Edinburgh , visit St . Andrews for a walking tour of Scotland ’ s oldest university town , starting with the clubhouse of St . Andrews Golf Club , where we ’ ll learn about the history of one of the oldest golf clubs in the world . Then , our discoveries will take us from the ruins of Scotland ’ s greatest cathedral and St . Andrews Castle , to the University of St . Andrews . After , we continue on to Edinburgh , arriving later this afternoon .
Meals : B , D | Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel or similar
DAY 13 • Edinburgh Today , we ’ ll explore Edinburgh ’ s Old and New Towns , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites . We ’ ll walk up the Royal Mile , running through the heart of the city and connected to the Palace of Holyroodhouse , which lies in the shadow of the extinct volcano known as Arthur ’ s Seat . We ’ ll then continue on to our final destination , the magnificent Edinburgh Castle , where we ’ ll learn about the castle ’ s history as a royal residence , fortress , and prison . The remainder of your day is at your leisure .
Meals : B | Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel or similar
DAY 14 • Edinburgh Enjoy a final day in Edinburgh as you meet local experts who have a deep passion for preserving two of Scotland ’ s traditions : kiltmaking and bagpipes . Then , you ’ ll have free time before sitting down to a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers as you toast to your Scottish discoveries .
Meals : B , D | Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel or similar
DAY 15 • Return to U . S . Transfer to the airport for your flight home . Or , begin your The Remote Shetlands : Wildlife , Nature & Time- Honored Traditions or Dramatic Landscapes of North Wales & Liverpool , England post-trip extension .
Meals : B
For departure dates & prices , visit www . oattravel . com / sco2024pricing
144 Scotland Revealed : Legends , Lochs & Highland Landscapes