Presented by Golden Valley Travel Inc.

Day 1: Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Overnight Flight
An overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning landscapes, lively cities, stirring history and distinct myths and stories.

Day 2: Thursday, October 07, 2010
Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a lovely welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Friday, October 08, 2010
Edinburgh
A locally guided tour of this regal city includes Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyrood*, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. This afternoon you have free time to explore the city or strike up conversations with the locals to hear stories in their distinctive brogue.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Saturday, October 09, 2010
Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Aviemore
Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf, to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. There is time to explore before visiting the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world’s finest. Continue to Aviemore, Scotland’s premiere highland resort.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Sunday, October 10, 2010
Aviemore - Inverness - Thurso
At Inverness, visit the prehistoric burial ground of Clava Cairns where some of the graves date back to 3,000 B.C. Then, visit Culloden Battlefield where, in April 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of history and the lives of the Highland people. Next, visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle**, built in 1275. Enjoy a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Later, soak in the breathtaking coastal drive along windswept cliffs that overlook Scotland’s pristine Moray Firth. Your day concludes in Thurso where you will visit Caithness Horizons, Thurso’s museum of natural resources.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Monday, October 11, 2010
Thurso - Orkney Islands - Thurso
A full day of adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands. Traveling to Gill’s Bay, board a ferry bound for St. Margaret's Hope. On the crossing you’ll see seabirds, perhaps porpoises and seals, and if you are very lucky, the family of otters that live in Gill’s Bay! A local guide introduces this magical place that very few visitors to Scotland get to experience. Visit the Italian Chapel and Skara Brae where you will discover the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Next, pass the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar, reported to be older than Stonehenge. Visit the town of Viking Kirkwall before returning to the mainland.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thurso - Loch Ness - Ballachulish
Today, enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you travel through Inverness, known for people who delight in the craic - Gaelic for “light hearted chat.” Take in the panorama of Loch Ness, one of Britain’s most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Here, enjoy a visit to the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle. Travel through the Great Glen, famous for its many lochs (lakes), before arriving at your hotel situated on lovely Loch Linnhe.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ballachulish - Isle of Skye - Ballachulish
Take the stunningly beautiful ride along the “Road to the Isles” and over the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, also known in poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle). Enjoy dramatic views of the Cuillin Hills. Then, visit Armadale Castle and Gardens*** and the Museum of the Isles where you will learn about island life and the history of Skye. Conclude your visit with views of the isle from yet another vantage point during a ferry crossing back to the mainland. Returning to Ballachulish, see Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the clansmen for battle during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 9: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ballachulish - Drymen
Begin your day with a delightful sheepdog demonstration and the opportunity to learn about Scottish farming at the Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle. Continue to Stirling Castle, first erected 900 years ago and formerly used as a royal residence for the House of Stewart - this is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Join your fellow travelers for a Scottish farewell dinner complete with Scottish piper.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Friday, October 15, 2010
Drymen - Tour Ends
Your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Drymen.
Today Breakfast is included.

October 06 - October 15, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
	Apex International or Apex City, Edinburgh
DAY 4
	Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore
DAY 5 - 6
	Royal Hotel, Thurso
DAY 7 - 8
	Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish
	or Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish
DAY 9
	Winnock Hotel, Drymen
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Passengers arriving in Edinburgh from August 6 - 28, 2010 will receive tickets to Edinburgh's famous Military Tattoo show. **When Dunrobin Castle is closed you will visit Fort George or similar. The Falconry display is available only when Dunrobin Castle is available. ***Armadale Castle and Gardens is open from April to October. On other dates a visit to Eilean Donan Castle will be substituted. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. All Collette airport transfers will depart from/return to Edinburgh, Scotland airport. Due to itinerary scheduling, arrival flights should arrive prior to 5:00 PM. You may require a very early morning departure from the hotel on the last day. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 AM. Days and features are interchangeable.
• *The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.