Glorious Scotland (2024)

September 16 - 22, 2024

Scotland is a country that never fails to delight, and with this in mind Transcendent Travel is pleased to offer "Glorious Scotland" including visits to the Highlands, iconic castles, gardens, and sites that make Scotland such a spectacular country to explore.

Description

The tour will begin in Edinburgh where guests will stay conveniently on the legendary Royal Mile. Our time in Edinburgh will include an exclusive private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and an unforgettable gala evening onboard Britannia the former yacht of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following our time in Edinburgh, we will head to the iconic Glamis Castle as well as the magnificent Dunnottar Castle on Scotland's rugged coastline. Then we head into the Highlands where we will stay for two nights in Fonab Castle, regularly voted one of the UK's top castle hotels. While in the highlands we will explore the area around Balmoral Castle, the much loved retreat of the Royal Family, including a stop at Crathie Kirk, and an afternoon Highland wildlife safari.

Our time in Scotland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Stirling Castle, where we will explore the famous castle used for the crowning of many of Scotland's Kings and Queens. Along the way, expect some unique touches such as live Scottish music, local culinary delights, whiskey, and all the things that make Scotland special. Memorable traveling is all about creating a blend of unique experiences, paired with delicious meals and superior accommodations. In this tour you can be assured of the combination of all three ― alongside our personal touches, which will ensure your enjoyment of the entire experience.

I do hope you will join us for these memorable tours, where we will explore together the places that make Scotland such a wonderful country.

Tour Highlights:

“ANDREW IS AMAZING. VERY SMOOTH TRIP, HE HANDLED A POTENTIALLY EMBARRASSING SITUATION FOR ME WITH LITTLE FANFARE. OUR ACCOMMODATIONS WERE FABULOUS, THE MEALS WERE WONDERFUL. I NEVER FELT RUSHED. WOULD RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY! CAN’T WAIT TO GO AGAIN.”

— SUSAN

A very special gala evening aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
Special visits to Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire & The Highlands
A two-night castle stay
Memorable castle stops including Glamis, Stirling & Dunnottar
Unique Scottish elements including live music
Luxurious accommodations and fine dining
And so much more. See the brochure for full tour details.

INCLUSIONS:
		11 superior meals
6 nights of deluxe accommodations divided between Edinburgh, Aberdeen and The Highlands
Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations
Guides, tours, and admission fees at tour venues

	
SPECIAL EXTRAS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITINERARY:
		 Curator/expert led tours at various times
Wine included with all group dinners
Snacks at various points during the tour
Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties

	

Print / Download Brochure

To Book Call, +1 (866) 654-7508

Itinerary

Day 1 - Monday

MORNING AND AFTERNOON ARRIVALS INTO EDINBURGH
LATE AFTERNOON: OLD EDINBURGH HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
6:30PM: WELCOME TO SCOTLAND DINNER, FOLLOWED BY LIVE SCOTTISH MUSIC
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

This morning and afternoon, guests will arrive to Edinburgh's top-rated Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh near the iconic Royal Mile. Guests can take a few hours to rest or begin discovering Edinburgh.

Our first official group event will be a Welcome to Scotland dinner followed by an evening of live Scottish Music at one of Edinburgh's legendary pubs.

Day 2 - Tuesday

A FULL SCOTTISH OR CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST TO START THE DAY
A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE GARDENS AT THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
A VISIT TO THE MAGNIFICENT STATE ROOMS AT THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
LUNCH AND THE AFTERNOON AT YOUR LEISURE TO EXPLORE EDINBURGH
A PRIVATE GALA EVENING ONBOARD BRITANNIA, THE FORMER YACHT OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

After breakfast, we will walk down Edinburgh’s legendary Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Presently, it is the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

After our private guided tour of the lovely gardens, used each July by Her Majesty The Queen, we will head into the magnificent State Rooms including the ancient rooms once used by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Lunch and the afternoon will be at your leisure to explore Edinburgh. After a great afternoon exploring, we will head to nearby Leith and board the Royal Yacht Britannia for our unforgettable evening onboard.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT: The Royal Yacht Britannia

A Private Gala Evening On Board

On Tuesday evening, tour participants will experience an unforgettable private evening onboard the Queen's private yacht and home which took Her Majesty and her family around the World representing the United Kingdom. As we arrive, we will be piped up the red carpet using the royal entrance reserved for Her Majesty and her personal guests. We will then enjoy a champagne and canapés reception in the Queen's Drawing Room, where guests will be able to relax and even sit on furniture personally selected for the rooms by Her Majesty.

After the reception, we will enjoy a private, expert-led tour of the yacht taking us to all areas including the private Royal Bedrooms, staff quarters, and official rooms used to entertain many of the world's Heads of State. Then, just like Her Majesty's guests, we will process into the State Dining Room, to be seated at the royal mahogany table with the finest china, linens and crystal and where we will enjoy a 4-course dinner prepared onboard by the ship’s top-rated culinary team. After dinner, we will hear from Royal Yacht expert, Ian Shapiro who will fascinate us with stories of the history of Britannia and other royal yachts.

Insider tip from Andrew
"This experience will be beyond special, and exclusive. Not many people get to experience this, and I'm sure this will be the highlight of the tour for many."

Day 3 - Wednesday

A FULL SCOTTISH OR CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST TO START THE DAY
TRAVEL FROM EDINBURGH TO GLAMIS CASTLE
TOUR OF GLAMIS CASTLE AND GARDENS
LUNCH AT YOUR LEISURE AT GLAMIS
TRAVEL TO DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
TIME TO EXPLORE DUNNOTTAR CASTLE (ON SCOTLAND’S MAJESTIC COASTLINE)
EVENING GROUP DINNER
OVERNIGHT AT ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, NEAR ABERDEEN

After breakfast we will depart Edinburgh for Glamis Castle, one of Scotland’s finest castles, and ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Still the home of the Strathmore family, Glamis is renowned for the ancient castle, and exquisite gardens.

Following a few hours at Glamis, we will head to the iconic Dunnottar Castle located right on the rugged coastline.

We will continue on to our lovely overnight accommodations, the top-rated Ardoe House Hotel & Spa located near Aberdeen.

Day 4 - Thursday

DELICIOUS BREAKFAST AT ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA
TRAVEL TO CRATHES CASTLE AND GARDENS IN THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS
TIME TO EXPLORE CRATHES CASTLE AND ITS LOVELY HIGHLAND GARDENS
CONTINUE ON TO BALLATER, LOCATED ON THE EDGE OF BALMORAL ESTATE
LUNCH AND SHOPPING AT YOUR LEISURE IN BALLATER
LATE AFTERNOON EXPLORING AND RELAXING AT FONAB CASTLE
ELEGANT SCOTTISH EVENING DINNER IN THE LIBRARY AT FONAB CASTLE
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT FONAB CASTLE HOTEL

After breakfast, we will head further into the heart of the Highlands to experience the wonderful gardens and interiors at Crathes Castle. Then we’re off to the wonderful village of Ballater on the edge of the Queen’s Balmoral Estate. Guests will explore the town’s many shops which have been supplying the Royal Family for generations. As you stroll thru Ballater, you soon discover the peace and beauty of this Highland hideaway.

This afternoon, we will arrive at Fonab Castle where we will be guests for the next two nights. Take time to relax with a book in the library or drawing room, take a stroll thru the wonderful grounds or just relax in this, your very own Highland oasis.

Tonight we will dine in full Scottish fashion in the lovely dining room at Fonab (with perhaps a Scottish surprise or two to add to the fun!). After dinner, enjoy a Scotch before bed -- then walk up the grand staircase to your luxurious castle bedroom.

Day 5 - Friday

BREAKFAST AT FONAB CASTLE
VISIT TO CRATHIE KIRK CHURCH, THE PARISH CHURCH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
AFTERNOON HIGHLAND WILDLIFE SAFARI
VISIT TO THE PICTURESQUE TOWN OF PITLOCHRY
ELEGANT SCOTTISH EVENING DINNER IN THE LIBRARY AT FONAB CASTLE
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT FONAB CASTLE HOTEL

Today guests will explore the area around Balmoral Castle, the much loved retreat of the Royal Family, including a stop at Crathie Kirk, and an afternoon Highland wildlife safari.

Then it's back to our Highland home, Fonab Castle, where we will enjoy another memorable dinner together.

Day 6 - Saturday

A LUXURIOUS BREAKFAST AT FONAB CASTLE HOTEL
TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND’S LEGENDARY STIRLING CASTLE
TIME TO EXPLORE THE CASTLE AND ITS TREASURES
CONTINUE ON TO EDINBURGH
CHECK-IN TO THE KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL IN EDINBURGH
A MEMORABLE GROUP DINNER IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

Today guests will explore Scotland’s most famous castle, Stirling. A visit to Stirling is unforgettable, as many of the major events in Scotland’s history have taken place within its walls.

After ample time to explore, we will head back into Edinburgh where we will enjoy another memorable dinner together in full Scottish-style.

Day 7 - Sunday

Tour ends this morning after breakfast.