*Please be aware that air transportation is not included!  We have travelers coming from all over the US and some foreign countries.  The group will all meet in Edinburgh.  Again, note that this tour begins and ends using the Edinburgh airport.  When making your flight arrangements, please book flights using Edinburgh airport.  If returning to the US following the tour, a round-trip using Edinburgh airport is recommended.

​

 

 

​

 

Your AAD Tour Managers:

Jeff and Lisa Caplinger

 

Your AAD Scotland Tour Guide:

Marco Edigatti

​

​

Day 0 - June 8, 2025

Travel day from the United States

​

Day 1 - June 9, 2024

 Welcome to Scotland!   On your arrival at Edinburgh Airport, once you have collected your luggage, make your way to the arrivals hall where your driver and guide will be waiting for you with a sign: All About Destinations. Once all introductions have been made and your luggage loaded on your air-conditioned touring vehicle, your journey begins!

​

You will be welcomed by your guide, Marco Edigatti, as we transfer to Glasgow and enjoy a city tour of Scotland's largest city.  Glasgow was also known as the second city of the British Empire.  Glasgow features incredible historic architecture from the 18th and 19th century which contrasts beautifully with modern buildings as the city continues to grow and thrive.  Following the city tour, our group will check into the hotel.  Your afternoon is free for you to explore a little and get your bearings.  In the evening we will celebrate our arrival in Scotland with our traditional All About Destinations Welcome Dinner and then stay overnight in the hotel.  DINNER - OVERNIGHT IN GLASGOW

​

Day 2 - June 10, 2024

Glasgow - Oban/Fort William - After breakfast at the hotel, We will continue our city tour and visit of Glasgow Cathedral.  Erected between AD 1136 and 1484, Glasgow Cathedral is now Scotland’s largest place of worship. Its history reflects contrasting Christian identities. The site was an ancient pilgrimage destination containing the tomb of the 6th-century Celtic missionary to Strathclyde, St Kentigern (or Mungo).  This gave access to the special grace of a saint close to God and whose remains emitted the breath of the Holy Spirit, making the place ‘holy.’  Following the cathedral, we will visit the Burrell Collection, a museum managed by Glasgow Museums. It houses the art collection of Sir William Burrell and Constance, Lady Burrell. 

 

The day continues with our departure to the north and Inveraray via Loch Lomond.  Inveraray is a town in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is on the western shore of Loch Fyne.  A former royal burgh, Inveraray is the traditional county town of Argyll, and ancestral seat to the Duke of Argyll.  Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault and is often considered the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands.  This loch is famous the world over for the catchy tune "The Bonny Banks O' Loch Lomond".  Following lunch (OYO) we will visit iconic Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail. The group will depart from Inveraray to the towns Oban via the Coastal Route, and then on to Fort William via Glencoe Valley.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER - OVERNIGHT IN FORT WILLIAM​

​

Day 3 - June 11, 2024

Oban/Fort William - Isle of Sky - Following breakfast at the hotel. we will depart to the romantic Isle of Skye. To access the island, we will ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The soaring peaks of the Cuillin Hills, the dramatic geology of the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing, an extraordinary assembly of pinnacles, rock towers and secret places.  Then on to to Portree, the main village in Skye.  Lunch (OYO) will be at your leisure.  The group will continue from Portree reaching Dunvegan and visiting Dunvegan Castle.  Dunvegan Castle is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years.  Architecturally it is a building of high importance, containing the work of at least ten building periods ranging from the 1200s to the 1850s. From here we have a departure to Kyle of Lochalsh.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.  BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER - OVERNIGHT IN KYLE OF LOCHALSH

​

Day 4 - June 12, 2024

Skye - Loch Ness - Inverness - After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Dornie to visit the Eilean Donan Castle.  Eilean Donan Castle is a Scottish castle tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh). 

 

Then on to Drumnadrochit to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the Loch Ness.  After free time for lunch (OYO), we will visit of the Loch Ness Visitor Centre and do a 30-minute cruise on the Loch Ness ("Nessie" watch anyone?). Then our departure to Inverness for a city tour and free time. Inverness is he largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER  -OVERNIGHT IN INVERNESS

​

Day 5 - June 13, 2024

Inverness/Nairn - Aberdeen - After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Elgin to visit the Cathedral.  Elgin Cathedral, also known as the ‘Lantern of the North’ , is a majestic and historic ruin situated in Elgin.  The Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, dating back to the 13th century.  In addition, we will visit a whisky distillery while in Elgin. Our departure will take us to Ballater. Lying eight miles along the River Dee to the west, its rich history and royal connections are world famous.  Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family, which explains the many 'By Royal Appointment' signs that can be seen on local shops and business. The group will have some free time for lunch (OYO) and then visit Balmoral Castle or Castle Fraser (based on availabiity).

 

We will continue on to Aberdeen.  Aberdeen is a busy seaport town, the British centre of the North Sea oil industry, and the commercial capital of northeastern Scotland.  Aberdeen also features Scotland's oldest bridge, the Brig O'Balgownie, that dates from the Wars of Scottish Independence.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER -OVERNIGHT IN ABERDEEN

​

Day 6 - June 14, 2024

​Aberdeen - Edinburgh - Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart Aberdeen and  travel towards Edinburgh. Along the way, we will have a photo stop at Dunnottar Castle.  The castle has played host to some of Scotland's greatest historical figures including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots and is famous for its role in saving the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) from Oliver Cromwell's (Puritan) army in the 1650s. We continue on to Glamis. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V.  Glamis Castle was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Our Day 5 journey continues to Perth.  Perth is known as the 'Fair City', which is in tribute to Walter Scott's book, The Fair Maid of Perth.  We will have some free time for lunch (OYO) and then on to Edinburgh via Forth Road Bridge.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER -OVERNIGHT IN EDINBURGH

​

Day 7 - June 15, 2024

Edinburgh - After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart on a morning tour of the city and visit Edinburgh Castle.  Edinburgh is Scotland's second-most populous city, after Glasgow, and the seventh-most populous city in the United Kingdom.  The city  has topped the global chart numerous times as the 'most beautiful' and 'walkable' city in the world.  We will have some exploration time for lunch (OYO). In the afternoon, we will visit  Holyroodhouse Palace.  The Palace is the official residence of the British monarch (King Charles III) in Scotland.  Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.  There will be additional time for exploring Edinburgh followed by our farewell dinner. BREAKFAST, LUNCH (OYO), DINNER - OVERNIGHT IN EDINBURGH

 

Day 8 - June 16, 2024

"Mar Sin Leat!" (Scottish Gaelic for Goodbye) 

Depart Scotland from Edinburgh Airport - Turnhouse Airport.  Today marks the end of your Scottish 8-Day Tour.  Following breakfast at hotel, you will have some leisure time before meeting Marco and your driver at the agreed time in the lobby of your hotel and make the short journey to Edinburgh Airport - Turnhouse Airport.  Depart on your return flight home with wonderful vacation memories!

​

​

*Please be aware that air transportation is not included!  We have travelers coming from all over the US and some foreign countries.  The group will all meet in Edinburgh.  Again, note that this tour begins and ends using the Edinburgh airport.  When making your flight arrangements, please book flights using Edinburgh airport.  If returning to the US following the tour, a round-trip using Edinburgh airport is recommended.