Sunday, August 1 – Glasgow, Scotland – Tour Begins
Our tour begins in Glasgow, a cultural trove for art, music, and history. Experience the culture at the National Piping Centre, where experts wield classic bagpipes. This afternoon we’ll get things started as one should in Scotland, and enjoy a demonstration and lesson with a renowned bagpiper. You’ll feel like a local when you try the instrument yourself! This evening, toast to the start of our Amazing Journey at our Orientation and Welcome Dinner at the Centre’s lively farm-to-table restaurant. (D)
Monday, August 2 – Glasgow – Inveraray – Auchindrain – Ferry to Islay
We leave the city behind, traveling along sloping fields and rolling clouds. Enter into a land where clan legacy runs deep – a point of pride and ancestry for the locals. Stop in Inveraray, home to the Clan Campbell and current Duke of Argyll. Enjoy some free time to explore, perhaps visiting the castle and its gardens. In nearby Auchindrain, discover Scotland’s rural history during a guided tour of this well-preserved farm township and see how Scottish ancestors lived and worked. Ferry to the lands of the mystical Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata, shrouded in legend and serving as the inspiration of Celtic tales rivaling those of King Arthur. Stop at the Isle of Islay, the world capital of whisky, and enjoy dinner at our hotel along the waterfront. (B, D)
Tuesday, August 3 – Islay
Peek into Islay’s tempestuous whisky history on a coastal walking tour linking three well-known distilleries. Stop for a guided visit of Lagavulin Distillery and taste the peaty “water of life.” Later, it’s your choice! Meet the locals at the Columba Gaelic Centre and enjoy light snacks as you learn about the Gaelic language and listen to live folk music -OR- delve further into Islay’s whisky culture and visit a second distillery. (B)
Wednesday, August 4 – Islay – Loch Finlaggan – Ferry to Oban – Loch Melfort
Visit a local mill that weaves traditional tartan and tweed, including costumes featured in Braveheart, Forrest Gump, and Rob Roy. Make your way to Finlaggan, the cradle of Clan Donald, and hike to the loch (lake). Visit the ruins of the medieval chapel and burial grounds, stepping into another time where neighboring clans created pivotal alliances. Later, depart Islay via ferry to Oban, watching the sunshine dance along the waves as you travel past the mountainous Isle of Jura. Continue to Loch Melfort and settle into our hotel for the next three nights. Take in a stunning view of the ocean from your room before wandering the grounds, home to friendly Highland cows and neighboring the National Trust’s Arduaine Gardens. (B, D)
Thursday, August 5 – Loch Melfort – Isle of Iona – Isle of Staffa – Loch Melfort
Embark on a seafaring adventure and be whisked away on an exciting RIB boat (covered, rigid-hull Zodiac). Our first destination of the day is Iona, an island that serves as one of the area’s oldest Christian religious centers. Ascend to the abbey on foot and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Hop back in our RIB boat and head to the nearby Isle of Staffa, home to the ethereal Fingal’s Cave. Serving as the inspiration for Wordsworth, Keats, Mendelssohn and countless others, the cave features hexagonal columns that seem beyond nature’s power. Peer into the cave from our boat before returning to Loch Melfort. Watch the clouds roll by as the sun fades into the horizon – the night is yours to enjoy. (B, D)
Friday, August 6 – Loch Melfort – Kilmartin Glen – Loch Melfort
We begin our day with a walk in Kilmartin Glen, passing by mysterious standing stones, henges and cairns that dot the countryside. Perhaps you will make the most of free time in the afternoon with an optional exhilarating boat ride: this excursion takes you to the area of the powerful Corryvreckan Whirlpool via RIB boat, giving you an intimate look at the local wildlife as you search for eagles, seals, and other marine life with an expert local guide. This evening, join together with our Amazing Journeys community for Shabbat services, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Saturday, August 7 – Loch Melfort – Loch Lomond – Luss – Pitlochry
Journey to Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain. Meet your personal kilted guide and hop into an off-road vehicle for an adventure through the land of Clan McGregor. Ascend the hill and hear the rustling of the wind, admiring an unparalleled vantage point of Loch Lomond and its numerous islands. For those feeling a little adventurous, take the wheel yourself and drive under the guidance of an expert instructor. After a picnic lunch, visit Luss, a quaint village of stone cottages and bright flowers. Journey further into the Highlands, pausing at Queen’s View – the landscape beloved by Queen Victoria – for your first impression of the Cairngorms Mountains. Your night ends in Pitlochry, a small town from the 18th century. (B, L)
Sunday, August 8 – Pitlochry – Blair Castle – Pitlochry
Discover Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. This historic estate, nestled in the Perthshire Highlands, is home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Take to the Highland landscape on a scenic hike along the stunning Queen’s Drive and River Clunie -OR- explore the picturesque village of Braemar at your own pace, perhaps visiting their Highland Games Center and Museum to find out more about caber (log) tossing and hammer throwing. (B)
Monday, August 9 – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
Putter around St. Andrews, the world-capital of golf. On a guided tour of the Old Course’s hallowed grounds, learn more about the origins of the clubs and caddies in the hometown of golf. Explore more of St. Andrews on your own before continuing to Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital. Later this evening, take your seat at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland’s greatest events. (B)
Tuesday, August 10 – Edinburgh
Start the morning with an impact moment and get a local’s perspective with a guide from Invisible Cities – a social enterprise that trains people affected by homelessness to become tour guides of their own city. After our tour, visit the Palace at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The rest of the day is yours. Maybe you’ll want to walk the Royal Mile and take in the Fringe Festival, the largest festival of its kind, or 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. This evening, we’ll gather for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and dinner and toast to your Scottish explorations. (B, D)
Wednesday, August 11 – Edinburgh – Tour Ends
Wish Scotland and a fond farewell as you depart for home with memories of an amazing journey. (B)
Our Hotels
Night 1 Hilton Glasgow, Glasgow
Night 2-3 Machrie Hotel, Islay
Night 4-6 Loch Melfort Hotel, Loch Melfort
Night 7-8 Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry
Night 9-10 VOCO Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Please note:
– Alternate hotels may be used.
– The order of the tour may be changed.
– Some activities are weather dependent.
– This tour is rated Activity Level 3 (out of 4) You should be comfortable walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours). You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (zodiac, ferry, bus). You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.
– The Old Course at St. Andrews and Palace of Holyroodhouse may be occasionally closed due to tournaments and when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions.
| Rates |
Double |
Single |
|
$4399 |
$5399 |
A deposit of $400 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due May 20, 2021.
Join us in both Ireland and Scotland and save a combined early booking discount of $300!
Roommate matching available.
Rates are subject to change based on availability. We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate this tour.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Pre & Post Tour Stay: We have a limited number of rooms for pre-tour stays in Glasgow and post-tour stay in Edinburgh. Rates include breakfast and taxes. We are unable to provide roommate matching for pre- or post-night stays.
Glasgow: Hilton Glasgow (July 31)
Twin – $175 per person
Single – $330
Edinburgh: VOCO Edinburgh (August 11)
Twin – $240 per person
Single – $460
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until March 18, 2021, there is a $50 penalty for cancellation. From March 19 – May 20, 2021, the cancellation penalty is $400. From May 21 – July 1, 2021 the cancellation penalty is 35% of the cost of the tour. From July 2, 2021 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program.
Travel Protection Plan – Cancel For Any Reason: Our tour operator offers a travel protection and cancellation waiver for citizens of the US, Canada and Australia only – $299 USD and $339 CAD. If taking back-to-back Ireland and Scotland tours, cost of coverage is $448.50 USD. Please contact Amazing Journeys for rates for Australian citizens. This Travel Protection Plan affords guests flexibility to cancel their travel plans for any reason up to 24 hours before departure for a full cash refund – not a voucher. In addition to pre-trip cancellation, the Travel Protection Plan offers additional coverages like trip interruption, medical expenses, baggage loss, and more. This waiver must be purchased with your trip registration and initial deposit. Once purchased, this policy is non-refundable. Click here for full policy terms and details. If you are requesting a double occupancy room, should you need to cancel, you will be responsible for the difference between the double occupancy and the single occupancy rate as your roommate will still be occupying the stateroom.
Travel protection is highly recommended.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare is not included in the tour rate. Flight between Ireland and Scotland are not included for those participating in both the Ireland and Scotland tours and must be purchased to participate. Transfers are included. For your flights, it is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters. This tour begins in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Passport & Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. A visa is not required for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Great Britain or EU countries. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.
COVID Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and you must send us a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the CDC logo by email to or fax to Amazing Journeys. We do not test for COVID-19 or any other diseases. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces except when dining. It is up to each traveler to be aware of any requirements or changes to state mandates and airline requirements as they are changing often. We are currently operating smaller groups and using larger busses. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces. Many events will be held outside and we will be having reminders of social distancing. Hand sanitizers will be distributed, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be encouraged throughout your stay. Depending upon the situation at the time of this trip and the destination, some tour components may be modified, including meals and how many travelers we may limit to sitting at each table.
This tour is operated by Collette
