FEATURED GETAWAYS
Discover Scotland
October 14 - 22, 2020
OVERVIEW
From the great capital of Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Skye, you'll travel through 8,000 years of history and become immersed in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
DAY 1
DEPARTURE DAY - Travel as a group from a designated meeting spot to Toronto International Airport. Take an overnight flight to Edinburgh.
DAY 2
WELCOME TO EDINBURGH - Land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. The day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner with wine.
DAY 3
EDINBURGH, THE CAPITAL OF CULTURE. Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then wander the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. In the Old Town, visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the Honours of Scotland. At the bottom of the Royal Mile stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen.
DAY 4
TO ST. ANDREWS AND THE HIGHLAND CAPITAL OF INVERNESS. - Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternately, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, one of the only occupied castles in Scotland, inhabited by the same family since the 16th century. As guests of the castle, you will be treated to an authentic Farm-to-Table experience, in the tradition of a Scottish Tea and Scones. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds offering the very best in Highland hospitality.
DAY 5
CULLODEN, LOCH NESS AND ON TO THURSO - See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Pause at the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky and learn about the production of this national drink.
DAY 6
A DAY IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS - Start the day by driving to the most northern point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquility supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
DAY 7
OVER THE SEA TO SKYE - Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie to see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
DAY 8
THROUGH THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TO GLENCOE - Relaxed start to your day. Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. You'll enjoy more spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
DAY 9
ALONG THE BONNIE BANKS OF LOCH LOMOND TO GLASGOW - Relaxed start to your day. Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore as you wish.
DAY 10
DEPART GLASGOW - Your land tour comes to an end after breakfast. A transfer will take us to the fly back home to Toronto and return to your meeting point back home.
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Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
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Your host Rosie Dietrich, a TICO certified travel advisor and the owner of Dietrich Getaways will ensure your journey includes a familiar face from back home to help you along the way to make your trip memorable. Will also come along to take those candid photos you may not think of taking for yourself.
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Enjoy the comfort of a luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach (same size as a regular ### passenger coach) with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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8 nights accommodations
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Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT), 4 Dinners (D) and 2 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
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Arrival and departure transfers.
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Return flights: Toronto to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Toronto. Economy Class Standard.
RATES
$##### CAD per person based on double occupancy. Includes all taxes and fees. Flight seat selection, checked baggage, gratuities, beverages and additional meals are extra. Non-Refundable Deposit of $#### due at time of booking. Final Payment Due #########.
IMPORTANT DATES
Introductory Meeting: DATE & LOCATION TBD. Please RSVP to info@dietrichgetaways.com by DATE.
Booking Starts: DATE with a $##### non-refundable deposit. Only 30 spots are available.
Final Payment: DATE
