Scotland’s Treasures, May 14-26, 2012

We'll show you the unique sites of the regal city of Edinburgh, the secrets of making Scotch whisky, the beautiful shores of Loch Ness and the magnificent Isles of Skye, Mull and Iona...

Fly from Saint John to Glasgow.
Day 1
Arrive in Glasgow. Once through customs, you will be greeted by your meet and greet guide and escorted to your coach. Transfer to the hotel. Tonight join us for a Scottish welcome dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2
Continental breakfast at your hotel. This morning we start off with a city tour of Edinburgh where you will appreciate the contrast between the 18th century Georgian "New Town" with its wide, tree lined streets and elegant squares and the medieval "Old Town". The Royal Mile is the backbone of the old quarter, running from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle.
You will visit Edinburgh Castle which dominates the city from its 400 foot rock where you will see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, now back in Scotland where it belongs. You can also visit the private apartments of Mary Stuart and St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in the city, which dates back to the 11th century.   Free time for lunch and shopping on the Royal Mile or Princes Street.  The afternoon you will travel down to the pretty village of Roslin, south of Edinburgh, where you will visit the world famous Rosslyn Chapel, in which parts of the award winning movie 'The Da Vinci Code' were filmed. Even though the Chapel is nothing more than a ruin nowadays, it is still one of the most magnificent architectural artworks in Scotland.
This evening enjoy free time for dinner.
Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3
Continental breakfast at your hotel. This morning you will depart for Inverness. First stop is Dunkeld, a small town approximately 15 miles north of Perth. You will have free time to explore this lovely Scottish town before continuing your journey to Inverness.
On your way to Inverness, you will stop in Aviemore for hill-walking. Aviemore is one of the most famous Scottish ski resorts and is popular during the summer period for it's lovely mountain trials. Situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the HighLands of Scotland, climb the Cairngorms mountains for stunning views of the Scottish country side (use of chair lift/funicular not included in cost).
Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4
Continental breakfast at your hotel. Today you will travel to the Isle of Skye via Loch Ness. Loch Ness is a striking 38.5 km long loch in the Great Glen (Southwest of Inverness) and forms part of the Caledonian Canal, which links Inverness with Fort William. Up to 213 m deep, the loch contains the largest volume of fresh water of any lake in the British Isles. Famous worldwide for its mysterious inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster, it is also ideal for cruising and sailing. On the banks of the Loch you will visit Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland that fell into decay after 1689 and was blown up in 1692 to prevent it being occupied by Jacobites. Most of the existing remains date from the 16th century and include a tower. Continue on to Fort William. Fort William nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and is the largest town in the highlands of Scotland.
You will have this afternoon at leisure in Fort William. Fort William is famous for its amazing mountain climbing opportunities on Ben Nevis. Climb the highest mountain in Scotland or go shopping in this lovely town. Independent dinner and overnight at your hotel in the Fort William area.

Day 5
Continental breakfast at your hotel.
Depart this morning and cross the bridge to Isle of Skye. Continue to Portree. The rest of the day is free for walking in the area. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 6
Continental breakfast at your hotel.
Today you will have a tour of Isle of Skye, including Dunvegan Castle (weekdays only). This morning, travel to Dunvegan Castle, the most impressive castle on the Isle of Skye. Optional excursion: Take a seal boat trip on Loch Dunvegan. Voted 1 of the best days out in the UK, take a boat trip to see the seal colony in this mystic Loch. (Subject to availability and weather)
This afternoon, travel to the Fairy Glen (also known as Faerie Glen) near Uig. This mystic glen is a true must see on the Isle of Skye. The great rock formations will impress you as you walk down the glen to make your wish to the fairies of Fairy Glen. Dinner and overnight at your Portree area hotel.

Day 7
Continental breakfast at your hotel. Today you will travel from Portree to Oban. Travel to Armadale for your ferry to Maillaig. Glen Coe is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of its quality and variety of winter climbing, but also because of its scenic value and historical associations. You will have free time for walking and lunch in Glen Coe before continuing your journey to Oban later this afternoon.
Check in to your hotel in Oban. Independent dinner and overnight.

Day 8
Continental breakfast at your hotel.
Travel to the harbour of Oban for your ferry to the Isle of Mull. The Isle of Mull has been inhabited since 6000 BC and proof of this can be found on the island.
Continue on to Iona via a second ferry to arrive around midday. Visit the famous Iona Abbey for a guided tour. The monastery, built in 563 by Columba, influenced the spread of Christianity through Scotland and was the place where the Kings were crowned and also buried.
Some time available for your own exploration before returning via ferry to Mull.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel on the Isle of Mull.

Day 9
Continental breakfast at your hotel.
Today you will have a full day excursion to the Isle of Iona. Perhaps visit the Abbey Graveyard where many early Scottish kings and chiefs, as well as kings from Ireland, Norway and France are buried.
Depart early afternoon (approx. 14:30) to return to Oban via both ferries.
Continue to Oban from Mull for overnight at your hotel and free time to make the most of local entertainment! (no dinner included).

Day 10
Continental breakfast at your hotel. Today you will travel to the wonderful city of Glasgow. On your way to Glasgow, you will have free time for lunch in the Loch Lomond area and the village of Luss, before continuing your journey to Glasgow. Loch Lomond is the biggest lake in the United Kingdom and contains many isles. Full of romance and mystique, Loch Lomond has inspired poets and songwriters throughout the centuries. Continue your journey to Glasgow for an independent dinner, and overnight at your hotel.

Day 11
Continental breakfast at your hotel. This morning you will depart for a panoramic city tour of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Glasgow is considered one of Europe’s most exciting and beautiful destinations combining the energy and sophistication of any great international city. As a former UK City of Architecture and Design, Glasgow offers a range of fascinating building in various architectural styles.
This afternoon, you will visit the town of Ayr, the birthplace of Robert Burns, the Scottish poet and lyricist. This evening you will have farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel in the Glasgow area for overnight.

Day 12
Continental breakfast at your hotel. Depart for the airport for your flight Home.

Price per person, Double, Land - CA $2599.00

SINGLE Supplement - CA $800.00

CA $750.00 deposit is required to reserve your seat.

Final Payment Due Date - Mar 1, 2011

Price Includes:
• Luxury Motorcoach for 12 days
• 10-nights Hotel Accommodation
• 10 Breakfasts
• 5 Dinners
• Step on Guides in: EDINBURGH & GLASGOW.
• Entrance to: EDINBURGH CASTLE, ROSSLYN CHAPEL, GLEN MORAY WHISKEY DISTILLERY, DUNVEGAN CASTLE, ROBBIE BURNS HOUSE IN AYR
• Ferries: ISLE OF SKY TO MALLAIG (one way with coach), OBAN TO MULL, MULL TO IONA (return as foot passengers)
• Taxes
• Porterage Assistance at the Hotels
• Tour Director from Freedom Travel

Not included:

• Air from Saint John to Glasgow :
Mon May-14, 2012
Saint John - Toronto   12:00pm  1:07pm
Toronto - Glasgow      8:55pm    8:30am+1day
Sat May-26, 2012
Glasgow - Toronto        8:50am   11:05am
Toronto - Saint John    4:35pm    7:28pm
Approx. Grand Total airfare and taxes per person CA$ 1500.00

• Travel Insurance
Please call us for the exact price quote.

Please note if you book your Air Tickets with Freedom Travel all transfers will be included.

Know Before You Go:

Entry requirements:
A valid Canadian passport is required.

Money of Scotland:
The currency in Scotland is the British Pound (£).

ABMs are widely available.

Credit cards are widely accepted. However, purchases made using a debit or credit card require the entry of a personal identification number (PIN). Travellers should ensure they have the PINs to their credit cards.
Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad.

Electricity:
Voltage in Scotland is 220V.
An adapter (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting.
Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adapter for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord & adapter plug to ensure proper function.