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Rick Steves' Heart of Scotland in 8 Days Tour, Day by Day
Our new Heart of Scotland tour is Rick's personal "best of" distillation of our two-week Best of Scotland tour. Starting in the "urban" Highlands town of Inverness and ending in regal Edinburgh, you'll cruise mystical Loch Ness, explore stony castles, ponder evocative battlefields and prehistoric crannogs, marvel at sheepdogs in action, taste test a wee dram of whisky, read the green at St. Andrews, and stroll the narrow lanes and alleyways of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Let's go…
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Days 1 & 2: Welcome to Scotland
We'll gather at our hotel in Inverness at 4 p.m. for a "Welcome to Scotland" meeting. Then we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk and get acquainted with one another over dinner together.
The next morning we'll enjoy a panoramic cruise of Loch Ness (monster sightings not guaranteed) before disembarking at the dramatic lochside ruins of Urquhart Castle. Then we're off to still-lived-in Cawdor Castle, where we'll stroll through manicured gardens and enjoy afternoon tea. We'll end our day together with a tour of evocative Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's defeat in 1746 marked the beginning of the end of the Highland clan system. Tonight is a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional music in one of Inverness' many pubs.
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Day 3: The Rugged, Romantic Highlands
We'll explore more of the scenic and romantic Highlands today as we travel to Pitlochry. Along the way, we'll stop in Speyside, happy home to half of all Scottish whisky distilleries, where we'll visit a cooperage and watch master coopers build the oak casks so vital to the industry. After lunch together, we'll head to a local sheep farm to learn about Scotland's wool industry and marvel at the talented sheepdogs in action. This evening we'll enjoy dinner together.
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Day 4: Crannogs and Whisky
This morning we'll tour a reconstruction of Scotland's unique crannogs — prehistoric, thatched-roofed defensive huts built on piers out over the lochs — and learn about the Iron Age people who first farmed these lands. Then we'll head to the Hermitage, a magical stretch of forest where we'll hear tales of Scottish Romanticism amidst Black Linn Falls and towering fir trees. After lunch, we're off to Aberfeldy to tour a whisky distillery and enjoy a wee dram while learning about this iconic Scottish elixir. This evening is yours to explore Pitlochry and find dinner on your own.
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Day 5: Charming St. Andrews
Today we're off to St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and a mecca for golfers worldwide. You'll have time to explore the ruins of St. Andrews' medieval cathedral, watch duffers playing the Old Course — considered the birthplace of golf — and enjoy lunch. Then we'll cross the famous Firth of Forth on our way to Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. Your guide will orient you to our lively neighborhood before setting you free for the rest of the evening.
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Day 6: Edinburgh’s Historic Heart
This morning we'll take a walking tour of Edinburgh's old town, winding our way up the Royal Mile — with its wealth of historic buildings, quaint shops, narrow lanes, and hidden courtyards — then onto Grassmarket and Greyfriars cemetery. This afternoon, visit imposing Edinburgh Castle at your leisure to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Scone and to soak up the dramatic views from this military stronghold and birthplace of the city. Tonight, join your guide and fellow tour members for an evening of Scottish music.
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Day 7: The Politics of Scotland
Since the days of William Wallace, the Scots have chafed under English rule, and over the centuries Scotland's drive for independence has not waned. Today we'll explore the complicated relationship between Scotland and England, beginning with a tour of the Scottish Parliament, where we'll learn about the modern independence movement that came with self-rule. Then we'll take a look at the "other side" with a visit to the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh: the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse. The remainder of the day is yours to explore more of this regal city. Tonight we'll share memories of Scotland and toast new friends at our final dinner together. Slàinte!
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Day 8: Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. Edinburgh's airport and train station are easy connections from our neighborhood. Glasgow is one hour away by train; London is 90 minutes by air. For those tempted to continue their trip, Edinburgh is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, and many other exciting destinations. Turas math dhut! (Happy travels!)
Learn more about Rick's Heart of Scotland in 8 Days tour.