Description
Explore the Castle, the Crown Jewels, the History and the Highlands of Edinburgh, Scotland (Europe) for Six Days & Five Nights at Your Choice of the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, the Macdonald Holyrood, or the Apex Grassmarket Hotel for Two, Including a Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour and a Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Tour (Land Only)
Escape to vibrant Edinburgh, where history and modernity meet in a cosmopolitan city set against the striking landscape of Scotland. Originally Scotland's defensive fortress for hundreds of years with its position presiding over the North Sea, Edinburgh is now a must-see destination, as is its namesake - Edinburgh Castle - which you'll enjoy exploring on your tour with skip-the-line access. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park and Fort Augustus on your personalized small-group day trip to the Scottish Highlands.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe, and one of the oldest fortified palaces, and is sure to capture your imagination! Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, the castle is home to the National War Museum and the National Monument. On your tour you can walk through Crown Square, the main courtyard of the castle, and see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. In fact, when you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens ? and even the odd pirate or two! Your walking tour saves you valuable time with skip-the-line access, allowing you to stay and explore the fortress independently for as long as you like.
As you head into the Scottish Highlands to explore Loch Ness and Glencoe, get comfortable inside your 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and depart central Edinburgh. This small group tour will take you to Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, en route to Glencoe, a Highland glen filled with eerie tales about the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692. Journey onward through the 18th-century Fort William, and gaze out at the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen. Reaching Fort Augustus, disembark on the shores of Loch Ness, where you can opt for a seasonal boat ride on the loch and listen for the Loch Ness Monster 'Nessie' on the sonar system. After a lunch break, continue your drive to Cairngorms National Park via Spean Bridge village. Take in the views of Loch Laggan and the windswept mountains, including Craig Meagaidh, where the TV series Monarch of the Glen was filmed. Your scenic journey continues over the Drummochter Summit to Pitlochry. After exploring this Victorian town, your tour concludes with the return drive to Edinburgh.
A beautiful and cultured city, you will find a wealth of things to do in Edinburgh. Discover nearby historic attractions like the shops along Princes Street, the National Museum of Scotland or the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, all within walking distance of the hotels. Start your Royal Mile journey at Edinburgh Castle and take in the dramatic panorama over Scotland's capital. From there, walk down the cobbled street past the St. Giles Cathedral, John Knox's House and shops selling Scottish crafts and tartan goods. At the end of the Mile, you'll find a uniquely Scottish marriage of old and new power, where Holyrood Palace sits opposite the Scottish Parliament. After a day spent sightseeing, Edinburgh at night is not to be missed. Take in a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse, enjoy a meal at one of Edinburgh's Michelin-starred restaurants or dance the night away in the lively clubs on George Street or the Cowgate.
Stay at your choice of four wonderful hotels in the city. A stay along Edinburgh's vibrant Royal Mile at the Hotel Radisson Blu puts you in the ideal location for exploring this breathtaking and historic city! With its attractive turret and 16th-century-style edifice, this alluring hotel in Edinburgh blends charming Old World architecture with modern-day comfort. Formerly The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is in the heart of the New Town, a UNESCO world heritage site. You'll love the smart look of the hotel, inspired by the golden age of travel, as well as the genuine sense of Scottish hospitality. Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh is situated in the city's historic and beautiful old town, just a couple of minutes' walk from the world famous Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament building. The hotel's convenient location in the city centre also means that you're within easy walking distance of Waverley Railway station and the bustle of the city's main thoroughfare, Princes Street. And the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a stylish property that offers contemporary comfort in an ideal location.
Your trip for two includes:
6 days/5 nights accommodations at Your Choice of the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, the Macdonald Holyrood, or the Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Daily complimentary breakfast
All room-related taxes (including VAT)
Edinburgh Castle tour with skip-the-line access
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands small-group day tour
Free concierge reservation service
Item Special Note
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. Tour runs on specific days of the week and at specific times. If tour is not available, it may be substituted with equal or similar experience. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Blackout dates: Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo Festival. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. Loch Ness cruise operates seasonally and is the responsibility of the traveler. Minimum age for Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands tour is 5 years old. Admission fee to Fort Augustus Abbey is not included. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please contact us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.