Presented by Shillelaghs - The Travel Club

Day 1: Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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, June 23, 2011
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, June 24, 2011
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 enjoy 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, June 25, 2011
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, June 26, 2011
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** which was built in 1725. Later, soak in the breathtaking coastal drive along windswept cliffs that overlook Scotland’s pristine Moray Firth. Your day concludes in Thurso.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Monday, June 27, 2011
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 and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
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, June 29, 2011
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 to 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, June 30, 2011
Ballachulish - Drymen
Begin your day with a delightful sheep dog 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, July 01, 2011
Drymen - Tour Ends
Your tour of Scotland comes to a close in Drymen.
Today Breakfast is included.

June 22 - July 1, 2011

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
	Apex International, Edinburgh
	or Apex City, Edinburgh
DAY 4
	Macdonald Highland Resort, Aviemore
DAY 5 - 6
	Royal Hotel, Thurso
DAY 7 - 8
	Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish
	or Ballachulish 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.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Passengers arriving in Edinburgh from August 5 - 27, 2011 will receive tickets to Edinburgh's famous Military Tattoo show. *The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions. **When Dunrobin Castle is closed you will visit Fort George or similar. The Falconry display is only available on a Sunday from June 1-Aug 31. ***Armadale Castle and Gardens is open from April to October. On other dates a visit to Eilean Donan Castle will be substituted.
• All Collette airport transfers will depart from Edinburgh, Scotland airport and return to Glasgow, 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.
• 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.