Edinburgh’s vast collections of medieval and Georgian architecture, including numerous stone tenements, cause it to be considered one of Europe’s most dramatic cities. You'll be struck by the historical traditions of Scotland on this incredible journey, but you'll be wowed by the pageantry and pomp of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the largest and most festive military band performance in the world.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

Travel to Scotland aboard an overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Touch down in Edinburgh. Meet your Go Ahead representative, who will accompany you to your hotel. You’ll then have free time before this evening’s included dinner with the rest of your group. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Edinburgh

A professional local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour down the medieval Royal Mile, along Princes Street, past the Scott Memorial and the Holyroodhouse Palace, and up to Edinburgh Castle. The castle’s collection of royal treasures includes the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Destiny. Formerly called the Stone of Scone, this coronation symbol was stolen and smuggled to England many centuries ago and recently returned in 1997. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century home of poet Sir Walter Scott, and then visit the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the four Borders abbeys. Tonight, prepare for the spectacle of a lifetime as you join thousands under the lights of Edinburgh Castle for an evening of military bands, dance and performances. The Military Tattoo is about to begin. (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.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Today is free to continue your explorations of Edinburgh. For great views, climb to the top of the Walter Scott Monument, overlooking the Royal Mile, or to Calton Hill, which takes in the Firth of Forth and Arthur’s Seat. Or opt to journey to St. Andrews. This “birthplace of golf” is also famous for its historic university, its castle, cathedral and dramatic coastal setting. The excursion includes a visit to the British Golf Museum. This evening, head back to the Military Tattoo stage to take in another astonishing performance. Not to be missed: the Massed Highland Dancers and the haunting music of the Lone Piper. (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 5 - Inverness

On your way north to Inverness, stop in Perthshire, the gateway to the Highlands, for a visit to Blair Athol Castle. You’ll also visit the 18th-century Whisky Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, to learn the secrets behind traditional Scotch whisky. Check into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 - Inverness

Divided by the scenic River Ness, the city of Inverness is truly a hidden gem, with some of the friendliest locals in Scotland and a fine collection of shops, pubs and museums. Discover the city on your own today or venture into the surrounding highlands. Or join an optional excursion to historic Culloden Moor, site of the last battle fought on British soil. You’ll also see the pre-historic Clara Cairns and Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. (B)

$75 USD

Culloden Moor and Cawdor Castle Visit Cawdor Castle, the fictional setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth then travel to Clara Cairns, one of the oldest collections of prehistoric monuments in Scotland.

Day 7 - The Highlands

Travel southwest across the Highlands and stop at Loch Ness. This deep, mysterious lake is “home” to the fabled Loch Ness Monster, about whom legends and superstitions abound. Learn more about the famous creature and the amazing efforts to find it during a stop at the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition. Arrive later in the western Highlands region, where dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

Day 8 - The Highlands

The scenery around the Western Highlands is some of the world’s most naturally breathtaking. On a free day, you might explore the traditional Scottish town of Fort William, a great base for ascents to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Or join a memorable excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. The castle is the most photographed in the world, dramatically situated in the middle of Loch Duich. The isle, meanwhile, is as close as you can get to a time warp. Here is a land of craggy highlands, otherwordly coastline and small country villages where Gaelic is still spoken. (B)

$99 USD

Eilean Donan Castle & Loch Ness *A Go Ahead Favorite excursion!* Set on a tiny island in the middle of a loch, one look at Eilean Donan Castle and you'll know why it's the world's most photographed castle.

Day 9 - Glasgow

Drive through historic Glencoe, site of the notorious 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan, and take the high road to the bonny banks of  Loch Lomond as you travel through the Trossachs to Glasgow, Scotland’s “second city.” An expert local guide leads this afternoon’s tour of Glasgow, which prospered in Victorian times and has recently again come to cultural prominence after being honored as the 1990 European City of Culture as well as the U.K. City of Architecture and Design. Pass through the city’s bustling heart in George Square and along the banks of the River Clyde. Also included in your tour is a visit to the renowned Burrell Collection, whose 8,000 exhibits feature everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Rodin sculptures. (B)

Day 10 - Glasgow

Depart for home, or remain in Glasgow for our two-night tour extension. (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 Edinburgh and depart from Glasgow. Included transportation on “Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands” is by private motorcoach. All of the cities and towns on this itinerary are accessible on foot, but you may want to break up periods of walking by using public transportation. Edinburgh and Glasgow both have 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) and at Glasgow Central and Queen Street Stations.

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, 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.