Wednesday, August 11 to Thursday, August 26, 2010
Scotland – featuring Highlands, Islands and Cities including the Edinburgh Tattoo

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1: Wed., Aug. 11 – This afternoon our coach will transfer us from Orillia at 3:30p.m., the Barrie, Kozlov Mall at 4:00p.m. & the Tour Office at 4:30p.m., to Pearson International Airport. Tonight we start our journey with an overnight flight on Air Transat to Glasgow. Our flight departs at 8:25p.m.
Day 2: Thurs., Aug. 12 - Glasgow - This morning we arrive at Glasgow Airport at 8:00a.m. and meet our coach and driver from Dodds Coach. We will have some free time in the city centre before checking into our centrally located hotel. Dinner this evening is at the hotel. (D).
Day 3: Fri., Aug. 13 – Glasgow to Islay - After breakfast we depart Glasgow and travel via Loch Lomond to the ferry terminal at Kennacraig on West Loch Tarber. The ferry sails down West Loch Tarbert and past the low-lying Isle of Gigha. Heading towards Islay we pass the white painted coastal distilleries of Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin before arriving in Port Ellen for our 2-night stay is at the Machrie Hotel. (B & D)
Day 4: Sat., Aug. 14 - Islay - Today with our local guide, we will discover the Island. In the Visitor Centre at Finlaggan explore the importance of this settlement as the main residence of the Lords of the Isles. Visit the famous Round Church in Bowmor and tour one of Islay’s whiskey distilleries famous for their single malts. (B & D)
Day 5: Sun., Aug. 15 – Islay to Inveraray - This morning after breakfast, we depart Islay by ferry for Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula and travel on to Inveraray and the Argyll Hotel for our three-night stay. Our visits today include a stop in Ardrishaig at the entrance to the Crinan Canal that links Loch Fyne with Loch Crinan on the west coast and cuts out the long sea journey round the Mull of Kintyre before continuing on to the small town of Lochgilphead. Before arriving in Inveraray we visit Auchindrain Museum, an extraordinary and original Township or of cottages, longhouses, barns and byres that enable the visitor to step back in time. (B & D)
Day 6: Mon., Aug. 16 – Inveraray - Today we visit St. Conan’s Kirk that Walter Douglas Campbell began building in 1907 and was finally completed and dedicated for worship in 1930. Our next visit is to the Cruachan Power Station, a working power station hidden in a massive cavern deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan on the shores of Lochawe. The guided tour takes you on a short journey deep inside the mountain Ben Cruachan. (B & D)
Day 7: Tues., Aug. 17 – Inveraray - This morning after breakfast, we depart the hotel and take the ferry from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. We drive to the most southern tip of the island and cross over by passenger ferry to the tiny Island of Iona. It is here that Columba brought Christianity to Scotland. (B & D)
Day 8: Wed., Aug. 18 - Inverness - Today is a day filled with scenery as we depart Inveraray and travel via Glencoe, Fort William, Fort Augustus and Loch Ness to Inverness and the Glen Mhor Hotel. We will make a photo stop at Glencoe. We then travel on to Fort William situated on the shore of Loch Linnhe and under the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. After lunch, make a photo stop on the hillside above Spean Bridge at the war memorial to the Commandos. (B & D)
Day 9: Thurs., Aug. 19 - Inverness - Today is a free day to enjoy Inverness and explore this northern city on your own. Our hotel is centrally located in the town and within easy walking distance of the Castle, shops and other points of interest. You could take an optional visit to the Culloden Battlefield, restored by The National Trust for Scotland to what it looked like on the day of battle, 16 April 1746. (B & D)
Day 10: Fri., Aug. 20 - Inverness to Aberdeen - This morning we visit Pluscarden Abbey, a medieval monastery still inhabited by monks. We will continue on to Elgin, a busy market town with several 19th century buildings and a magnificent ruined cathedral dating from 1224. For lunch, sample delicious Scottish fayre, at Baxter’s’Highland Village. We will also make a stop in Huntly at Scotland’s first Shortbread Visitor Attraction. We continue on to Aberdeen for a 2-night stay. (B & D)
Day 11: Sat., Aug. 21 - Aberdeen - Today after breakfast, we explore Aberdeen with our step on guide. Aberdeen is nicknamed the ‘Granite City’ due to the sparkling buildings fashioned from the granite, which lends the city its name. Today we visit Aberdeen’s three key attractions: Provost Skene’s House, Aberdeen’s oldest private town house, Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. (B & D)
Day 12: Sun., Aug. 22 - Aberdeen - Today we visit Royal Deeside, a favourite retreat of Royalty and commoner alike. Ballater is a town where almost every shop has a by ‘Royal Appointment’ coat of arms above its door. We continue on to Crathie Church where the Royal family worships when they are at Balmoral. (B & D)
Day 13: Mon., Aug. 23 - Aberdeen to Falkirk - This morning we depart Aberdeen and travel via Brechin, Forfar, Glamis Castle, Perth, and Stirling. This morning we visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore. We also visit the town of Sterling. There will be time to visit the castle and view Wallace’s monument. (B & D)
Day 14:Tues., Aug. 24 - Falkirk (Evening Tattoo) Our day will include a guided city tour of Edinburgh, free time for shopping and detailed sight-seeing of the Old Town’s Royal Mile, New Town’s Princes Street and George Street. This evening we attend the spectacular Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of the magnificent and historic Edinburgh Castle. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tattoo. (B & D)
Day 15: Wed., Aug. 25 - Falkirk- This morning our first stop is the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering feat that links Scotland’s existing canals. This afternoon we explore the home of golf- St. Andrews. Visit the ruins of the once largest cathedral in Scotland and view the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the most famous in the world. (B & D)
Day 16: Thurs., Aug. 26 - This morning we depart the hotel for the Glasgow Airport. Our direct flight departs at 9:45a.m.and our scheduled arrival in Toronto is at 12:15p.m. Our coach will be waiting at the airport for our return trip home. (B)


Tour includes: transfer from Barrie by motor coach to Pearson International Airport, return flights – economy air, motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 14 nights hotel accommodation, hotel taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase each, 15 breakfasts, 14 dinners, attractions and guided tours as listed in the itinerary & HST EXEMPT.

Cost per person:
Twin $4850.00
Single $6135.00

Limited Club seating is available at an additional cost of $600.00
A deposit of $1200.00 is required at the time of booking, with the balance due in full by June 15, 2010.

**please note there is moderate walking on this tour**

A Valid Passport is required for this tour.

RBC Travel Insurance is available through our office at the time of booking at an additional charge.