With its Victorian and Georgian architecture and its winding medieval streets, Edinburgh is one of Europe's most enchanting cities. From stunning Edinburgh Castle perched atop an extinct volcano to the city's vibrant arts and culture scenes, Edinburgh is both ancient and modern, elegant and fun.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

Depart from the U.S. on an overnight transatlantic flight bound for Scotland.

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Touch down in Edinburgh. After clearing customs, you'll be met by a Go Ahead representative, who will escort you to your hotel and assist with check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to begin exploring the city. Tonight, you might enjoy joining your group for an optional dinner in Edinburgh's Old Town. (B in flight)

$79 USD

Dinner in Edinburgh Tonight, become acquainted with your group while you enjoy a traditional Scottish meal. Specialties might include shortbread, smoked salmon, kippers, Scotch broth, venison, oatcakes, jelly, jam, and of course, haggis.

Day 3 - Edinburgh

With eight days in Edinburgh, capital of Scotland and one of Europe’s truly great cities, you’ll see and learn about generations of history—from old tribes who once called the city’s Castle Rock “Edwinesburh” to the battles with the English, who sacked Edinburgh an amazing seven times. But the city survived—both the Old and New Towns were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. On your first full day in the city, you can begin exploring the city on your own or opt to embark on a comprehensive tour of Edinburgh from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon, you can join an optional excursion to Abbotsford House and Melrose Abbey. (B)

$69 USD

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey Travel through the Borders region to the 19-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The romantic-style home is known as Abbotsford House and now serves as a museum for the Scottish artifacts Scott collected throughout his lifetime. Please note: Access to Abbotsford House involves a short but steep walk.

$85 USD

Edinburgh Sightseeing Tour A local guide leads this morning’s comprehensive sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. The tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Explore the art of Edinburgh today with a visit to the National Gallery on the Mound, to see the best in both International and Scottish art. Or you might discover the story of Scotland at the Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street. Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion to the Scottish border country, and see the lands where Scotland fought for its independence. (B)

$125 USD

Scottish Borders Enjoy a day out in a unique area of the United Kingdom characterized by the rolling hills that separate Scotland and England.

Day 5 - Edinburgh

Today is yours to spend how you wish. You might continue your explorations of Edinburgh's art and culture with a visit to the Fruitmarket Gallery in Market Street, to view the best in contemporary art. Or you can embark on an optional excursion to St. Andrew's, said to be the birthplace of golf. (B)

$99 USD

St. Andrews Set on Scotland’s picturesque coastline, St. Andrews is a renowned university town as well as the birthplace of golf.

Day 6 - Edinburgh

Spend the day browsing the shops lining Princes Street and the Royal Mile, and take in the city's marvelous Victorian and Georgian architecture. Once you sit down to lunch, you'll discover why Edinburgh is named one of the most desirable places to live. Or you can venture to Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, made famous by Braveheart's William Wallace, on today's optional excursion. (B)

$115 USD

Trossachs & Sterling Castle Stretching from the rugged Highlands to the gentle Lowland slopes, Trossachs National Park has wild mountain glens, towering giants, rolling hill country, rivers, woodlands and lochs. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you travel towards Stirling, Edinburgh's "little sister."

Day 7 - Edinburgh

Take a day to kick back and enjoy the greener side of Edinburgh. Located right in the center of the city, Princes Street Gardens is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a picnic and sit back and admire the castle. Holyrood Park feels like a bit of the country in the middle of the city, and the Royal Botanical Gardens should not be missed. Or you can take in more rugged scenery on a full-day optional excursion into the Scottish Highlands. Tonight, you can opt to join your group for a fun and festive Scottish Ceilidh, followed by dinner. (B)

$115 USD

Scottish Ceilidh Enjoy this special evening of Scottish tradition. Along with a savory dinner of local favorites, the evening includes folk dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers, and the "Ceremony of the Haggis."

$125 USD

Scottish Highlands Journey into the Scottish Highlands on today’s excursion and experience the dramatic landscapes of Northern Scotland. Visit Blair Atholl Castle and a whiskey distillery on your tour.

Day 8 - Edinburgh

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your flight home. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Scotland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Scotland. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Edinburgh. Edinburgh is accessible on foot, but you may want to break up periods of walking by using public transportation. Edinburgh has a fairly efficient bus system. Passes and packages are available.

If you decide to take an excursion outside the cities on your own, make use of ScotRail’s excellent train system. You can pick up trains at Edinburgh’s main station (near the Scott Monument, between Old Town and New Town).

Clothing & Packing Tips

Even during the summer, Scotland can experience some periods of lower temperatures, especially in the Highlands region. For that reason, packing in layers is a good idea. Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The British pound is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Scotland rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.

We advise that you take a combination of bank/debit cards and credit cards. They may be used at ATMs, which are widely available in Edinburgh and Glasgow (mostly on the Cirrus and Plus international networks). We also suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Please note: It has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops— and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity.

We recommend £2 per person per day for your driver and £4 to £6 per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend £1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.