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Are you ready to weave a tapestry of unforgettable memories in the heart of Scotland? Join us on “Gaelic Galavant: A Sisterhood Journey Through Scotland,” where ancient castles whisper tales of yore, misty highlands beckon with their enchanting beauty, and the warmth of Gaelic culture embraces you. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey into the soul of Scotland, experienced through the eyes of sisterhood.
From the vibrant streets of Glasgow to the serene shores of Loch Lomond, every step of our journey is crafted to enrich your spirit. Imagine exploring the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, sharing laughter over a freshly caught seafood feast in Oban, and feeling the thrill of discovery at the mystical Isle of Iona. Each day unfolds like a page from a storybook, brimming with adventure, culture, and the kind of magic that only Scotland can offer.
But what truly sets this journey apart is the sisterhood you’ll build along the way. With like-minded women by your side, each experience becomes more vibrant, each laugh a little louder, and every memory more meaningful. Whether you’re bonding over a Scottish whisky tasting, marveling at the majestic landscapes from a ferry, or sharing stories under the Scottish sky, these are the moments where lifelong friendships are forged. This tour isn’t just about seeing Scotland; it’s about experiencing it together, creating bonds that transcend the journey itself.
So, gather your spirit of adventure, pack your enthusiasm, and join us for “Gaelic Galavant: A Sisterhood Journey Through Scotland.” Embrace the chance to make new friends, explore breathtaking landscapes, and become a part of our traveling sisterhood. Scotland awaits, and so does a journey of a lifetime!
Welcome to Scotland! Once you pass through immigration and customs, you’ll meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall and be transported to our hotel. Today is yours to rest, rejuvenate, and relax. Perhaps this evening, you’ll join your Sisters for an informal get-together in the hotel. No meals are included today.
Hotel: Hilton, Glasgow
Today is yours to rest, relax, or independently explore with your Sisters. Don’t forget to come back for our Welcome Dinner this evening. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Hilton, Glasgow
Soak in the rich culture of Glasgow as we join our local guide on a walking and coach tour that leads us through historic George Square and the beautiful Beaux-Arts style architecture that surrounds it; to Provands Lordship—the oldest surviving house in the city; the medieval Glasgow Cathedral; prestigious Blythswood Square; and the futuristic-looking Science Centre. After lunch on your own in central Glasgow, it’s your choice! View one of Europe’s great art collections at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery -OR- see the city’s fabulous technology and transport collections at the Riverside Museum, situated on the banks of the River Clyde. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton, Glasgow
Today, we’ll leave the city behind, traveling along sloping fields towards Loch Lomond. We’ll visit a family-run farm with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills, see border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration, and enjoy Scottish snacks. Next, we’ll arrive in Luss and explore this quaint lakeside village of stone cottages and bright flowers. After enjoying lunch on your own with your Sisters, it’s off to Auchindrain where we’ll learn about Scotland’s rural history during a guided tour of this well-preserved farm township dating back to the 16th century. Then, we’ll continue to Loch Melfort and settle into our hotel for the next three nights. Be sure to take in the stunning views of the ocean from the hotel before wandering the grounds, home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust’s Arduaine Gardens. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Loch Melfort Hotel
This morning, put on your comfy shoes and embark on a guided walking tour of historic Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles.” Uncover the history of the iconic McCaig’s Tower and find out what’s buried under the North Pier as we traverse the scenic harborside town with a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy some free time with your Sisters, perhaps exploring Oban’s food stalls and seeing for yourself why it’s considered the seafood capital of Scotland. Later, we’ll return to our hotel in Loch Melfort to relax and spend the remainder of the day as we please before we meet together for dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Loch Melfort Hotel
Today, it’s time to island hop. We will take the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull, a picturesque island that is the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands. Then, we’ll continue to the Isle of Iona, one of Western Europe’s oldest Christian religious centers. Journey to Iona Abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore the tranquility of the grounds on your own with your Sisters before returning to Oban and back to our hotel in Loch Melfort. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Loch Melfort Hotel
Geological wonders await us in the Highlands today. We’ll head to the National Nature Reserve in Glencoe and stop at the visitor center to learn about the spectacular Glencoe mountain range, then you can walk the trails and experience this unique landscape for yourself. After lunch, we will continue on to Loch Ness. Wander the ruins of the legendary Urquhart Castle and imagine all that transpired inside the walls of this 13th-century medieval fortress. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Inverness, capital of the Highlands, to settle into our hotel. After our dinner together, you may wish to take a stroll with our Tour Director to neighboring Eden Court along the River Ness. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Best Western Palace Hotel Inverness
This morning, we’ll head out on the water and cruise Moray Firth, traveling up the Beauly Firth to the Caledonian Canal and then back out as far as Munlochy Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, porpoises, seals, and numerous shore birds along the way. Later, we’ll continue to Culloden Battlefield, where in 1746, a half-hour battle changed the course of Scotland’s history. Experience the 360-degree battle immersion theater at the visitor center and see artifacts from the conflict. Later this afternoon, we’ll return to Inverness, where you’ll have the rest of the day and evening to explore and dine with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Best Western Palace Hotel Inverness
Immerse yourself in history today at Blair Castle & Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan Murray. Explore the ornate 18th century interiors and wander the nine acres of walled gardens where you may spot a peacock roaming free. After lunch, we’ll continue to Bamff Ecotourism for an incredible experience. We’ll meet the owners of this tranquil estate and learn why they’re helping to reintroduce the wild beaver population to Scotland. Continue on to Dundee, an up-and-coming city on the banks of the River Tay. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: The Landmark Dundee
This morning, it’s your choice! Visit Discovery Point, home to the RRS Discovery, the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica in 1901 -OR- get inspired at the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s highly acclaimed design museum. Our day ends in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. This evening, we’ll join together for the rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classicly Scottish. We’ll feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: VOCO Edinburgh
We’re going to start with an impactful moment as we get a local’s perspective from a guide with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become tour guides of their own city. After our tour, we’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish with your Sisters. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll among the Georgian architecture of the New Town or journey to Leith for a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Tonight, we’ll gather together for a whisky-inspired Farewell Dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland and toast to your Scottish explorations. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: VOCO, Edinburgh
Sadly, our Scottish adventure comes to a close today. We’ll transfer back to the Edinburgh airport for our flights home. (Breakfast)
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is a moderately paced itinerary that involves some longer days and more activities. Expect some early hotel departures, and limited time for day time rest and rejuvenation as the itineraries are designed to ensure that you see as much as possible in these wonderful destinations. This may include longer coach journeys and guests should be able to join a walking tour lasting 1-2 hours with stops possibly over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.