Monday May 19th, Meet tour director and coach at Gatwick Airport and we head south to Worthing, where we visit our first gardens, Highdown Gardens, which were created in a chalk pit overlooking the downs, to prove that plants could grow in chalk. Many of the plants were collected from the Himalayan regions. We will spend time here, also have time to visit the Highdown Tearoom, where we can have lunch (not inc.) or just tea and scones, before we continue on to the nearby town of Arundel, where we will visit the historical castle or have time just to explore the town and local shops. Late afternoon head to our hotel for the next few nights. Welcome Dinner Inc. (D)

Tuesday May 20th, Today we head west from London to one of the most famous sites in all of Europe, Stonehenge outside the village of Amesbury, the neolithic standing stones that has the world talking about how they were built and why. We continue on to Great Chalfield Manor House where we tour the house and beautiful gardens, which were designed by Alfred Parsons and boast a Yew Topiary in the shape of a house without windows. Afterwards we head into the nearby town of Bath for some free time for lunch and an afternoon to either shop or explore this ancient roman town known for its roman baths with healing powers. We return to our hotel for the evening. Dinner on own. (B)

Wednesday May 21st, After breakfast we head to the local train station to get the train into London where we will head to the Chelsea Flower Show on one of the Member's Only Days. We will have an exclusive tour around all the aspects of the show, meeting many of the floral designers from around the world, the gardeners and landscapers and getting to see all of the beautiful flowers and plants that makes Chelsea the leading Flower Show in the World. We enjoy our day and have the option of getting tickets to a London Show (optional) or having dinner in a top notch London restaurant (optional/on your own) before we return at our leisure to our hotel south of London. (B)

Thursday May 22nd, Free day to explore the city on your own (train tickets are included) to shop or visit one of the many museums or tourist sites available in the city, including the London Eye, Tower of London or Tate Gallery (not inc). Overnight Hotel south of London. Dinner on own. (B)

Friday May 23rd, We depart from our hotel to the airport and catch our midmorning flight to Glasgow where we meet our Scottish coach and driver and head off on our next adventure. We stop a local tea room in the quaint village of Luss and have lunch (not inc) they are famous for their home made soups and baking. We then head over the back roads towards the Rest and Be Thankful, where we stop for a photo opportunity. Continue on to the town of Inveraray where we can shop at the best Whisky shop in the country if not the world, Loch Fyne whiskies, if they don't have it, no one does, (or they will get it for you)! Then we head to our hotel for the evening. Overnight in a Country House Hotel in the countryside outside of Oban. Dinner inc. (B) (D)

Saturday May 24th, Day trip south to the historical hill fort of Dunadd, where the history of Scotland began, and we have the chance to climb to the top of this historical site with commanding views over the haunted glens surrounding it. We hear the story of the haunted valley of Kilmartin Glen, with a visit to the museum. Then we continue north to visit the gardens of Ardmaddy Castle and on to Seil Island and the small garden of An Cala. Continue north to Oban with some free time in the town and an early dinner in town before returning to our hotel for the evening. Dinner Inc. (B) (D)

Sunday May 25th, After breakfast we head North to Castle Stalker view, where we stop at a quaint shop which has commanding views over Castle Stalker, sitting out on an islet on its own small island. Great photo opportunities here. Then we continue on past Glencoe, where the MacDonald's were slaughtered in their beds in 1692, where we stop for photos (we do this often) followed by yet another short stop at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal. At this point we are heading west through the beautiful scenery of the highlands to the small fishing village of Mallaig. When we get to the Isle of Skye, we have time for a visit to the main town of Portree, for lunch, and where we can shop in some of the quaint shops, inc. drive past the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Then we head to the northern end of the island to our hotel. Dinner on own. (B) (D)

Monday May 26th, Day to tour Skye with a local guide, tour of Dunvegan Castle, home of the McLeod Clan and site of the Fairy Flag, and the Skye Highland Life Museum, we stop in Portree to shop for a while, at the Skye soap shop, Skye Batiks or the Over the Rainbow shop, or visit the shop that promotes the Gaelic College on Skye, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, or just hang out in a pub and *meet the locals*. Skye people are very friendly! And we can also stopat quaint artisan shops along the way. There are no formal gardens on Skye, however every cottage has beautiful gardens and there are glorious flowers and plants everywhere so we will see lots and lots of color and blooms! We will also visit the garden of Flora MacDonald's cottage (you might even be staying in her cottage) and we will also be visiting her grave, so maybe we can take a flower from her garden and put it on her grave, but shhhhh! Don't tell anyone! Overnight Skye. Dinner on own. (B)

Tuesday May 27th, We head south off the Isle of Skye today, back down towards Portree and over the New Bridge, built in 1996 to connect the island to the mainland. We then head north through some stunning scenery which takes up to Loch carron where we can stop and take some photographs of this beautiful Loch and we will continue north into the very northern Highlands past LochMaree which also boasts a Monster like Loch Ness, and on to Poolewe, where the most famous of Scottish gardens are, Inverewe Gardens. Originally Designed by Osgood McKenzie, this sub-tropical garden is located further north than Moscow, but thanks to the North American drift, all kinds of tropical plants grow on 50 acres of land. We have a guided walk with the gardener and learn all about this very unique garden in the most unusual of places. After our enjoyable day exploring we head to our hotel for the evening, approx. 30 miles away. Dinner Inc. (B) (D)

Wednesday May 28th, Today we head to the other coast, to the home of the Dukes of Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle with its marvelous formal gardens with a French Influence, laid out by Barry who built the extension to the Castle and also the Houses of Parliament in London. We have plenty of time to enjoy touring the castle and the gardens, possibly see the falconry exhibit also, before we head south to Inverness where we check into our hotel for the next two nights. Culloden House Hotel. Dinner Inc. Visit by Culloden Ghost Tonight. (B) (D)

Thursday May 29th, Day trip to Elgin to Johnston's Cashmere Woollen Mill where you can see how woollens are made and purchase some wonderfully made products, before we head to Cawdor Castle and its beautiful gardens, and Maze. Our final visit of the day is to the haunted Culloden Battlefield where the last land battle on British soil was held on April 16, 1746 where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated. We return to our hotel. Second to Final Night Dinner Inc. (B) (D)

Friday May 30th, After our good Scottish breakfast we depart south for our final day in Edinburgh where we arrive early afternoon and after a short city tour, we check into our hotel. You can visit one of the many free Museums in the city, Edinburgh's famous Castle (ticket inc) or Holyrood Palace (not inc), Mary Kings Close Haunted Undergroud Tour (not inc) or shopping on either Princes Street or George Street, or hang out in one of the many pubs or tea rooms around the city. Lots to do here. Dinner on own. Enjoy your final night of the tour! (B)

Saturday May 31st, After breakfast, Transport to Edinburgh airport to flight back to London or directly to USA. (B)

This is a relatively Luxury Tour. You are not required to Dress up, however the Properties we use are very nice, historical properties. It is also a Small Group Tour, This is reflected in the price. 14 people Max. The only thing you will see in herds, is sheep!

Tour Includes Full English or Scottish Breakfast Daily, 6 gourmet 3 or 4 course Dinners, Entry into all sites visited (unless noted) services of a Tour Director throughout the tour, Experienced Coach Driver, Flight from Gatwick to Glasgow. 12 nights accommodation, All hotels and guest houses are Historical properties, minimum 3 or 4 star. Please call or email us for a list of the properties we use. We do not use big modern hotels, we use historical properties to enhance your experience of your holiday. All hotels do have ensuite bathrooms, most have t.v's, telephones and tea makers in each room. Tour is strictly limited to 14 people, children over 14 only allowed. Cost is 2695 UK pounds per person based on double occupancy. Air from USA/Canada to UK is NOT included. Single supplement of 500UK pounds. Everything IS included that is mentioned. All sites we visit, we do not drive by, or see, we actually stop and visit them. We cannot accomodate special requests while enroute, however if you make any requests in advance we will endeaver to accomodate them.

Notes: Coaches are non-smoking. Scotland is a non-smoking country also. Please advise us if you are a smoker and we will make arrangements. Also please advise if you have any disabilities however mild so we can accomodate this also. Not all hotels, however luxury have elevators.

Tuesday June 17th, depart on overnight flight from the USA to Glasgow Scotland.

Wednesday June 18th, Arrive at Glasgow airport and you are met by tour director and coach/driver. Head north from Glasgow to Balloch where we visit Loch Lomond Shores, where we have a chance to watch a video of the history behind the song Loch Lomond and see some beautiful views over the area. We continue on to Luss where we have lunch at a Taste of Scotland Member Coffee Shop & Tea Room which is famous for its wonderful homemade soups. You have some time to explore the historical church in the town. We then head over the back roads towards the Rest and Be Thankful, where we stop of a photo opportunity. Continue on to the town of Inveraray where we have some time to visit this quaint town which has the Best Whisky shop in the world, Loch Fyne Whiskys, where you can find collector bottles and just about any hard to find whisky. If they don't have it, they can probably get it for you. We continue on to Loch Awe, near Oban to our hotel for the evening. Overnight Taychreggan Country House Hotel, a 4* Country House Hotel with a 2 rosette Dining Room. Our first 4 Course Gourmet Dinner of fine local specialities is included. (LD)

Thursday June 19th, Day trip to south to the historical hill fort of Dunadd, where the adventurous can climb to the top of the hill and stand in a very special place where the Kingdom of Scotland began, then we pass some of the standing stones of the haunted valley of Kilmartin Glen, with a visit to the museum to hear the history of the area. We then continue north to Oban where we have an afternoon tour the local Single Malt Distillery, Oban Distillery and you learn about how *Uisge Beatha* the water of life, aka Whisky is made in small distilleries around Scotland, inc. the one at Oban. Ssome free time to shop, explore or take a short boat ride to Seal Island (not inc). We have an early dinner in the town at a wonderful Local Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood from local waters, EE-usk, Gaelic for Fish. (Restaurant subject to availability) Return to Taychreggan, for another night, where they have plenty of more single malts you can try in the bar (for a price of course)! (BD)

Friday June 20th, After breakfast we head North to Castle Stalker view, where we stop at a quaint shop which has commanding views over Castle Stalker, sitting out on an islet on its own small island. Then we continue on past Glencoe , followed by a short stop at Neptune’s staircase. We continue on through the beautiful scenery to the small fishing village of Mallaig. We have time for lunch, (not inc) in one of the great little restaurants or pubs in town. Mallaig is known for local seafood and fish and chips, so you have plenty of places to choose from! We then take the mid afternoon ferry to The Isle of Skye. When we get to the Isle of Skye, we stop for a visit to Clan Donald center, the home of the MacDonalds who rules the southern half of Skye for hundreds of years, before we head north to Portree the main town on the island, then to the northern peninsula of Trotternish to our hotel for the next two evenings. Gourmet 3 course dinner Inc. (BD)

Saturday June 21st, Day tour of Skye with local guide, visit the Highland Life Museum, Dunvegan Castle, home of the Clan McLeod’s and site of the Fairy Flag. We stop for lunch at one of the top restaurants in the world, Three Chimneys in the village of Corbost and enjoy the wonderful view, great atmosphere of the old highland crofters cottage and dine one the fabulous gourmet food they have been renouned for for years. After lunch we take a drive to the Talisker Distillery which we tour and have a tasting at, time permitting we can stop at quaint artisan shops along the way, with some free time to shop in Portree (time permitting), while our guide tells us the story of the island and its Bonnie Prince Charlie connections. Return to hotel. Tonight you can have dinner on your own in the hotel restaurant or the quaint and fun bar and hang out with the locals and some lively music. (BL)

Sunday June 22nd, After breakfast we will say goodbye to our new friends on Skye we head south past the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a Balsic Rock formation on the coast that looks like a Kilt, and head off the Island by way of the New Bridge, built in 1996 it was the first bridge to link Skye to the mainland of Scotland. We continue on to Eilean Donan castle where we stop for a visit to this well known castle that was used in the filming of the Highlander series and the James Bond Movie, The World is Not Enough! After our tour, we have time for lunch (not inc) in the quaint tea room/gift shop at the castle, before we continue on our way towards Loch Ness. We stop at what was once Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart where we tour the castle and hear the history of the castle. We head north up the side of the Loch to the city of Inverness to our hotel for the next few nights, Culloden House Hotel. Tonight we have a 4 course gourmet dinner in the 4 star, 2 rosette restaurant. Their Chef was Hotel Chef of the year, 2005/2006. (BD)

Monday June 23rd, Day tour around Inverness, starting with a visit to Clava Cairns, the standing stones and burial carins made famous in the Outlander Series of books by Diana Gabaldon, a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the last land battle on British soil and was defeated in 1746. Follow this with a visit to a Kiltmakers in Inverness. Some free time in the afternoon to explore the town. Overnight Culloden House. Tonight we have dinner in a local restaurant that has wonderful views, and specializes in modern Scottish cooking. Return to Culloden House Hotel. (BD)

Tuesday June 24th, After our good Scottish Breakfast for which Culloden House has had many food awards, we drive down south down the A9 and stop at the smallest distillery in Scotland, Edradour where only 3 people work, for a tour of this very fascinating distillery. We have some free time in Pitlochry where you can have lunch in one of the many pubs or restaurants in town, before we head towards St Andrews, You will have a pass to get into the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle and there are many quaint shops in the seaside town. We then head to our hotel for the evening that has a gourmet restaurant, in fact it is classed a *Restaurant with Rooms*, 3 course dinner inc. Overnight St Andrews area. (BD)

Wednesday June 25th, After breakfast we head to the Old Course Practice range (subject to availability) and have fun hitting balls at the range, with the views of the Old Course 18th Hole in the distance. We then contine south to Edinburgh, where we arrive early afternoon and check into our hotel for the next two nights. Many pubs and restaurants to sample along the Royal Mile. Tonight you have a free night to explore and enjoy one of the many places to dine in this exciting capital city. We have plenty of suggestions for you. Dinner on own. (B)

Thursday June 26th, After breakfast you have a free day to explore the city, visit Edinburgh castle, Holyrood Palace or the new Parliament buildings, take an underground haunted tour of Mary Kings Close, or do some shopping on Princes Street or George Street, or visit the Single Malt Scotch Whisky Center. (No coach available today). ** You will have a pass that gets you into Edinburgh Castle and a ticket for Holyrood Palace. Other entry fees not inc. All museums in the city are free. We will have dinner at the famous The Witchery by the Castle tonight (subject to availability) with its unique location and atmosphere lit by church candles. Gourmet dinner Inc. Overnight 4 star hotel in Edinburgh Old Town. (BD)

Friday June 27th, Morning drive south to visit the Glenkinchie Distillery, another distillery in the same group as Oban and Talisker, for a tour and tasting then we continue on south to Rosslyn Chapel were we tour this beautiful historical chapel made even more famous by the book The Da Vinci Code, We have lunch in a quaint pub in the village of Roslin (not inc) before we continue west to Glasgow where we check into our hotel early afternoon and have some time to rest or explore the local area, or take a train the few short miles to the city centre for shopping. Final night Gourmet dinner at a Well Known Glasgow restaurant and overnight Glasgow. (BD)

Saturday June 28th, After breakfast, we escort you back to Glasgow airport for your flights home.

Tour is 10 nights of accommodation in 4 - 5 star historical properties inc. full Scottish breakfast daily, 8 gourmet dinners, 2 lunches, Entry into all sites listed, and service of tour guide, local guides and luxury midi coach and experienced driver. Not inc. are other lunches, other dinners, and GRATUITIES. There are no hidden extras, all sites listed are visited, we don't drive past or stop and not go in. This tour is for people who want to try different, local gourmet food, that is truly delicious and unique and is interested in Distilleries and whisky tasting as well as the history, castles and peoples of this amazing country. Basically, a little bit of the Best of Scotland has to offer! Cost does not inc AIRFARE from your destination. Price starts at 2395 UK Pounds. Upgrades to suites are available.

Wednesday July 23rd , depart on your own (not inc) on overnight flight from the USA or Canada to Glasgow, Scotland.

Thursday July 24th, arrive at Glasgow airport and you are met by tour director and coach/driver. Head north from Glasgow to Balloch, where we have a boat ride on Loch Lomond and see some beautiful views of the local area. We then head to Luss where we have lunch at a local tea room (not inc) and have some time explore the historical church shown in the video and the quaint village. We then head over the back roads towards the Rest and Be Thankful, where we stop for a photo opportunity. Continue on to the town of Inveraray where we can shop at the best Whisky shop in the country if not the world, Loch Fyne whiskies, if they don't have it, no one does, (or they will get it for you)! Then we head to our hotel for the evening. Overnight in a Country House Hotel in the countryside outside of Oban. Dinner Inc.

Friday July 25th, day trip south to the historical hill fort of Dunadd, where the history of Scotland began, and we have the chance to climb to the top of this historical site with commanding views over the haunted glens surrounding it. We then see some of the standing stones of the haunted valley of Kilmartin Glen, with a visit to the museum and hear the story of the history of the area. We then continue north to Oban where we tour the local Oban Single Malt Distillery and then have some free time to shop, explore or take a short boat ride to Seal Island (not inc). Early Dinner in town, (dinner inc.) return to Hotel. Overnight Oban area.

Saturday July 26th, after breakfast we head north to Castle Stalker view, where we stop at a quaint shop which has commanding views over Castle Stalker, sitting out on an islet on its own small island. Great photo opportunities here. Then we continue on past Glencoe, where the MacDonald's were slaughtered in their beds in 1692, where we stop for photos (we do this often) followed by yet another short stop at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal. At this point we are heading west through the beautiful scenery of the highlands to the small fishing village of Mallaig. We have time for lunch, (not inc) in one of the great little restaurants or pubs in town, before taking the mid afternoon ferry to Skye. When we get to the Isle of Skye, stop for a short break in the main town of Portree before we continue. Then we head to the northern end of the island to our hotel. Dinner on own.

Sunday July 27th, Day to tour Skye with a local guide, tour of Dunvegan Castle, home of the McLeod Clan and site of the Fairy Flag, drive past the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, and the Museum of Highland Life, a variety of quaint thatched roof cottages showing life on the island in years gone by, while stopping at quaint artisan shops along the way, and hearing the story of the island and its Bonnie Prince Charlie connections. Overnight Skye. Dinner on own.

Monday July 28th, after breakfast we will say goodbye to our new friends on Skye and stop for a visit to the main town of Portree for some time to shop in the unique shops, inc. Skye soaps, Over the Rainbow, Skye Batiks etc, before we depart for Uig and have time for lunch before we catch the 2pm ferry to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. We stop for a visit to see a tweed weaver in action, making the famous Harris Tweed, then we drive south through the beautiful scenery of the island and visit the Seallam visitor centre, the foremost genealogy centre for the Western Isles before we head to our various guest houses for the evening. Dinner inc. at Rodel Hotel.

Tuesday July 29th, after breakfast we get together and visit the beautiful historical St Clements Church before we head north on the island to the neighboring Island of Lewis, where we visit the world famous Callanais standing stones, and have a chance to soak in the wonderful atmosphere of this ancient stone circle, then we continue on to the Blackhouse village of Gearrannan were we have another view of life as it used to be on these remote islands. We then continue on into Stornoway the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, possibly stopping to see some Peat stacks along the way. Overnight Stornoway. Dinner on own.

Wednesday July 30th, morning to explore the town before we meet for the 12.40 Caledonian McBrayne ferry back to the mainland, to the port of Ullapool, on the northern west coast of Scotland, where we will stop and have lunch at the well known hotel called the Ceilidh Place (not inc) then have some free time to roam around this port town with a rich fishing history. We then head north for an hours drive, through some truly stunning scenery to our small hotel at Scourie for the evening. Dinner inc.

Thursday July 31st, After breakfast we continue around the very north western coast of Scotland, where not many *travellers* go, to Durness where we stop at Smoo Caves, for a visit to these very interesting caves on the very northern coast of Scotland, with some gorgeous scenery and stops for photo opps along the way. We will have lunch (not inc) in a small quaint pub, before we continue on to Bettyhill to visit the Strathnaver Museum which inc. a Clan McKay room. Continue on to Scrabster, just outside of Thurso where we catch the 7pm ferry to the Orkney Isles. Time allowing we will go into the town of Thurso for some free time or Dinner.*** Dinner on own. Overnight Orkney.

Friday August 1st, today we explore the northern island chain of the Orkney islands including a visit to the Italian Chapel, Skara Brae archaeological site, the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, the mystical Mae's Howe, and a drive by the famous Churchill barriers, with a visit to the Highland Park distillery if time allows, lots of great historical sites on Orkney, not to mention the best ice cream in the world!!! Overnight Orkney. Dinner Inc.

Saturday August 2nd, we take a mid morning ferry back to the mainland and head south down towards Inverness, Our first stop is the small Clan Gunn Museum, which has interesting artifacts belonging to the history of the Clan in this area, with stories of the Highland Clearances, before we continue south to visit Dunrobin Castle at Golspie, home of the Duke of Sutherland. We continue south to Inverness where we check into Culloden House Hotel, for the next two nights. Dinner Inc. We have a visit from the Culloden Ghost tonight.

Sunday August 3rd, after breakfast we have a short drive to Johnstones Woollen Mill at Elgin for a tour of this real working Woollen mill, a visit to Clava Cairns, the standing stones and burial cairns made famous in the Outlander Series of books by Diana Gabaldon, a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the last land battle on British soil & was defeated in 1746. Overnight Culloden House. Dinner on own.

Monday August 4th, after our good Scottish Breakfast, we drive down south to St Andrews, where we have some free time to explore this historical Home of Golf, inc. a visit to the Historical ruined St Andrews castle and the St Andrews cathedral, before we head to the Old Course Practice range (subject to availability) and have fun hitting balls at the range, with the views of the Old Course 18th Hole in the distance. Then we continue south to Edinburgh, and check into our hotel for the next two nights. Dinner on your own before we meet at 8.30. Tonight we have tickets to the World Famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo @ 9pm.

Tuesday August 5th, After breakfast you have a free day to explore the city, visit Edinburgh castle, (inc.) Holyrood Palace or the new Parliament buildings, take an underground haunted tour of Mary Kings Close, or do some shopping on Princes Street or George Street, or take advantage of all the free museums in this exciting capital city. (No coach available today). Dinner on own. Overnight Edinburgh. (Holyrood Palace, Parliament & Mary King's Close not inc - optional) Overnight Edinburgh.

Wednesday August 6th, morning drive south to visit the Scottish Mining Museum, and learn the history of this heavily mined area, then we continue on south to Rosslyn Chapel were we tour this beautiful historical chapel made even more famous by the book The Da Vinci Code, we have lunch in a quaint pub in the village of Roslin (not inc) before we continue over The Pentland hills and head over towards Glasgow to our Country House Hotel for our final night. Final Night Dinner inc.

Thursday August 7th, after breakfast, Morning transfer back to Glasgow airport for flights home.

Tour Includes Full Scottish Breakfast Daily, 7 gourmet 3 or 4 course Scottish Dinners, Entry into all sites visited (unless noted) services of a Tour Director throughout the tour, Experienced Coach Driver, 14 nights accommodation, all hotels and guest houses are Historical properties, minimum 3 or 4 star. Please call or email us for a list of the properties we use. We do not use big modern hotels, we use historical properties to enhance your experience of your holiday. All hotels do have suite bathrooms, most have TV’s, telephones and tea makers in each room.

This is a relatively Luxury Tour. You are not required to Dress up, however the Properties we use are very nice, historical properties. It is also a Small Group Tour. This is reflected in the price. 14 people Max. The only thing you will see in herds is sheep!

Cost is 2495 UK pounds per person based on double occupancy. Air from USA/Canada to UK is NOT included. Single supplement of 400UK pounds. Everything IS included that is mentioned. All sites we visit, we do not drive by, or see, we actually stop and visit them. We cannot accommodate special requests while in route, however if you make any requests in advance we will endeavor to accommodate them.

Notes: Coaches are non-smoking. Scotland is a non-smoking country also. Please advise us if you are a smoker and we will make arrangements. Also please advise if you have any disabilities however mild so we can accommodate this also. Not all hotels, however luxury has elevators.