DAY 1 | Aug. 12.
Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland.A
DAY 2 | Aug. 13. Edinburgh / Stirling
Upon arrival, transfer to Stirling and the Stirling Highland Hotel. After getting settled in your room, enjoy British afternoon tea. Tonight, attend a special Welcome Reception and Dinner featuring a traditional Haggis Ceremony and festive Highland dancers.
DAY 3 | Aug. 14. Stirling
Educational Focus: Medieval History.
Excursion: Stirling. Explore the magnificent Stirling Castle. See the Wallace Monument, built to honor the hero portrayed in “Braveheart,” William Wallace. Visit the historic site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.
Educational Focus: Meet the People. Talk with local residents about life in Scotland.
DAY 4 | Aug. 15. Loch Lomond / The Trossachs
Educational Focus: The Stuart Line and the Jacobite Rebellions.
Excursion: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Journey to the quaint town of Luss situated on the “bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.” Enjoy a walking tour, lunch and time to explore. Continue through Aberfoyle and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which stretches from Loch Lomond into the heart of the Trossachs. Climb aboard a steamship for a cruise on Loch Katrine, made famous in Scott’s narrative poem, “Lady of the Lake.”
DAY 5 | Aug. 16. Perth
Educational Focus: Scotland Today.
Excursion: Scone Palace and The Famous Grouse Experience. Travel to Perth to visit the impressive halls of Scone Palace. The kings of Scotland were crowned here on the celebrated Stone of Scone, also called the Stone of Destiny. Then, discover the secrets of Scotland’s whisky artistry at The Famous Grouse Experience, Scotland’s oldest distillery. Top the day off with a comprehensive tasting. Return to Stirling via the Roman Road.
DAY 6 | Aug. 17. Edinburgh
Independent Exploration: The morning is at leisure.
Excursion: Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo. One of Europe’s most distinguished capitals, Edinburgh fostered the 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment. Famous for its architecture, this world-class city has splendid medieval structures in historic Old Town and Georgian buildings in the New Town. Journey along the Royal Mile in Old Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle and High Street. This evening, witness the matchless spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
DAY 7 | Aug. 18. St. Andrews
Excursion: St. Andrews. Enjoy a scenic drive to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. See St. Andrews Cathedral and the ruins of a spectacular castle first fortified during the 1100s. From 1200, the castle served as the main residence of bishops and archbishops of St. Andrews, the administrative center of the Scottish Church and a well-fortified and formidable prison. Stop at the Old Course where golf was first played 600 years ago. St. Andrews is also home to the highly regarded University of St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university and Britain’s third-oldest university.
DAY 8 | Aug. 19. Stirling
Independent Exploration: Experience the sights and sounds of Stirling on your own. If you wish, take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Edinburgh.
Attend a farewell reception and graduation ceremony followed by a farewell dinner and ceilidh, a traditional Celtic music, dance and storytelling party.
DAY 9 | Aug. 20
Transfer to the airport for the return
flight to your gateway city.
