Welcome to the Scotland’s Highlands Islands and Cities, sponsored by Cruise Planners and Trafalgar Tours!

Cruise Planners and Martindale Travel and Tours is delighted to be offering another of our exclusive land program departures, this time to the glories of Scotland. With our partner, Trafalgar Tours, this unforgettable Scottish Highlands trip travels into the far-reaches of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Tread in the footsteps of the popular Outlander book series, keep your eyes peeled for Nessie and delve into the history of the kings, warriors, and Rob Roy. Departing July 30, 2022, this 13-day program will begin in Edinburgh and end in Glasgow, with visits to St. Andrews, Loch Ness, Inverness, the Orkney Islands, Skye, Oban and the Isles of Mull and Iona.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 12 nights hotel accommodations in first class properties – Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• 12 breakfasts
• 1 lunch (Be My Guest)
• 5 dinners
• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Ferry to the Orkney Isles and return
• Ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona
• Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
• Optional Experiences and free time
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Handcrafted Highlights

DAY 1: 30 JULY 2022 – Welcome to Edinburgh
Embrace the allure of ‘Auld Reekie’ and explore its labyrinthine lanes, before joining
your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your turas
through an unimaginably beautiful part of the world.
Meal(s):Welcome Reception
Hotel(s): Apex Haymarket

DAY 2: 31 JULY 2022 – Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Let your Local Specialist take you on an informative sightseeing tour of Edinburgh.
See the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament Building and the
Royal Mile, delving into the heart of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched
atop Castle Rock. Stroll through the grand New Town with its Gothic façades enjoying
the rest of the day at leisure. Tickets to see the Edinburgh Tattoo are included on
departures that coincide with performance dates.
Meal(s):Breakfast

DAY 3: 01 AUGUST 2022 – A Day of Abbeys, Landscapes and History
A scenic day’s excursion brings us to the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian
Jedburgh Abbey, which we will have an opportunity to view. Continue to nearby
Melrose Abbey, said to be the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Robert the
Bruce. We take the scenic route back to Edinburgh this afternoon, following the lush
green landscapes along the Tweed River.
Meal(s):Breakfast

DAY 4: 02 AUGUST 2022 – Explore Glamis Castle and on to Creative Dundee
This morning, we cross the Firth of Forth to the celebrated home of golf – St. Andrews,
to view its ancient university and famous golf course. Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes
centre stage as we visit Glamis Castle, once the home of the beloved Queen Mother and
birthplace of Princess Margaret. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and explore its
beautiful gardens, before we travel to the waterfront city of Dundee, distinguished for
its status as the first UNESCO City of Design, and the original home of
marmalade.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Apex City Quay

DAY 5: 03 AUGUST 2022 – Venture to Culloden and the Scottish Highlands
Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at a famous distillery,
including a tasting of Scotland’s much-loved golden nectar. Hearts and hands warmed,
we wind our way to the tragic battlefield and Visitor Centre at Culloden, past rugged
landscapes and the imposing Cairngorms Mountains. Visit the site where Bonnie Prince
Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated. Our final stop for the night is in the heart of the
Scottish Highlands and gateway to Loch Ness.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Carrbridge

DAY 6: 04 AUGUST 2022 – Journey to Loch Ness, Inverness and Thurso
The mystical haunt of Nessie is our first stop today before passing through Inverness en
route to Dunrobin Castle. This stately home and its magnificent gardens, inspired by the
Palace of Versailles, comes straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Spend your afternoon
exploring its château-like structure and surrounds, once home to the Clan
Sutherland. Arriving in Thurso, our home for the next two nights, we enjoy dinner at our
hotel.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel(s): Pentland

DAY 7: 05 AUGUST 2022 – A Day on the Orkney Islands
We board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the stretch of WWII
causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by
Italian prisoners of war. See the prehistoric free-standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar
before visiting Skara Brae and delving into the stories of the Neolithic village. We stop
at beautiful Kirkwall Cathedral for a photo opportunity before returning to our hotel for
dinner.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8: 06 AUGUST 2022 – Over the Sea to Skye
Dramatic landscapes accompany our scenic drive along the rugged north-west coastline
of the Scottish Highlands to remote Ullapool on the shores of Loch Broom. We journey to
the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a tiny island where three sea
lochs meet, then continue to the Isle of Skye where we’ll stay overnight and enjoy a
delicious dinner in our hotel.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel(s): Kings Arms

DAY 9: 07 AUGUST 2022 – Onwards to Oban
We return to the mainland following a beautiful route that takes us past the
Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express once crossed to
his beloved school of magic. We pass Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe,
renowned as the gateway to Ben Nevis, before continuing to Oban, our Highland
home for the next two nights.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): The Royal

DAY 10: 08 AUGUST 2022 – Sail to the Isles of Mull and Iona
Set sail from Oban to the Isle of Mull, disembarking at Craignure. Cross the pretty
island countryside to catch a ferry from Fionnphort to the island of Iona, which was
once the home of a Gaelic monastic community in Iona Abbey. Before our journey
back to Oban, we’ll have the chance to view Rèilig Odhrain, the final resting place
of many Scottish kings.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11: 09 AUGUST 2022 – Off to Glasgow
A solemn reminder of the MacDonald clansmen, who were massacred at the ‘Glen
of Weeping’, marks our morning journey south to Glasgow. We follow the banks of
Loch Lomond, then enjoy an orientation tour visiting St. Mungo’s Cathedral and viewing
George Square with its statues of Britain’s famous sons and daughters.
Meal(s):Breakfast
Hotel(s): Holiday Inn Theatreland

DAY 12: 10 AUGUST 2022 – Uncover Stirling Castle’s Secrets
Venture to Bannockburn, where King Robert Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of
England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Mary, Queen of Scots and
several Scottish kings and queens have made Stirling Castle their home over the
centuries. Enjoy a visit to its grounds and delve into the history of this royal residence
and fortress, besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. We’ll visit the
splendidly decorated Royal Palace of King James V and view the renowned Stirling
Heads. Later, we Connect With Locals, joining the Wood family this afternoon for a
memorable Be My Guest experience at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard,
amidst tales of Rob Roy. This evening, we return to Glasgow for time at leisure to enjoy
true Scottish hospitality.
Meal(s):Breakfast, Be My Guest

DAY 13: 11 AUGUST 2022 – Farewell Glasgow
Our epic journey across Scotland’s highlands, islands and cities has come to an
end. It’s time to say a fond farewell to our travel companions and Travel Director as
our memorable holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport
transfer at www.trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Meal(s):Breakfast