Secrets of Scotland
About the Trip
September 18–29, 2024 | 12 Days
Unlock the magic of Scotland on this lush and enchanting 12-day adventure. You’ll start with a tour of hilly Edinburgh before moving onto Inverness to explore the famed Scottish Highlands. There, stop for a whisky tasting, visit Urquhart Castle – an important site in Scotland’s battle for independence – travel the shores of the iconic Loch Ness and travel aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, an approximately 135-km round trip and the most unforgettable way to experience the region. On your way to Glasgow, stop at Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold that has been used in films and TV shows like Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones. The spellbinding journey continues back again in Edinburgh to visit the world-famous St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral, Medieval Old Town and so much more.
Member-exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- $25 CAD Beverage card†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Experience the iconic Jacobite Steam Train
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this approximately 135-km round trip takes you past a series of impressive landmarks. The trip begins near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, and continues to Arisaig, the most westerly mainland railway station on the route. Along the way, you’ll pass Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in the country, and the River Morar, Britain's shortest river. Your journey ends next to Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Edinburgh
- Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
- Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train
- 1+3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Edinburgh
- 4-night stay in first-class accommodation in Inverness
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Glasgow
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 tasting and 1 afternoon tea
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Hotel porterage of 1 suitcase per person
- Destination transfers
Secrets of Scotland
Activity Level: Moderate. Experience medieval castles, lush landscapes and rich history on this remarkable 12-day adventure through Scotland.
Day 1
Depart Toronto or Winnipeg for your overnight flight to Edinburgh.
Day 2
Edinburgh – Meet your tour director upon arrival. On route to your hotel, experience a half-day city tour with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 3
Inverness – Head north into the Scottish Highlands. Stop by a whisky distillery for a dram and lunch before moving on to Inverness. (B/T/L/D)
Day 4
Inverness – Enjoy a full-day visit to the Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. (B)
Day 5
Inverness – Travel to the Isle of Skye for a full day of touring. (B)
Day 6
Inverness – Experience the Jacobite Steam Train’s approximately 135-km round trip from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll see the Glenfinnan viaduct, Ben Nevis, Loch Morar, River Morar and Loch Nevis. (B)
Day 7
Glasgow – On the way to Glasgow, make a stop at Doune Castle and learn the dark lore of the Highlands. (B/L)
Day 8
Glasgow – Have afternoon tea aboard the Red Bus Bistro in Glasgow. Next, cruise captivating Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park. Return to your Glasgow hotel and enjoy your dinner at leisure. (B/AT)
Day 9
Edinburgh – Visit Stirling, the former capital of Scotland. Explore Stirling Castle, a centuries-old stronghold with a rich history and stunning grounds. Continue on to Edinburgh with the rest of your day at leisure. (B)
Day 10
Edinburgh – Tour St. Andrews and visit the famous St. Andrews Castle. Explore the remains of St. Andrews Cathedral and view its outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics. (B)
Day 11
Edinburgh – Explore the best of Edinburgh, from the Medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy traditional Scottish song, dance and food. (B/D)
Day 12
Edinburgh – Transfer to the Edinburgh airport for your return flight. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting | AT - Afternoon Tea
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Beverage card is one per person, in Canadian funds and has no cash value.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2024. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking. Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Toronto or Winnipeg for your overnight flight to Edinburgh.
Day 2
Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh and meet your local tour guide. Transfer from the airport to your hotel with a half-day tour of the city and visit to Edinburgh Castle. Remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 3
Inverness
After breakfast, check out of your hotel to begin your tour north into the Scottish Highlands. The dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, deep blue lochs and vast glens are often portrayed as a romantic part of Scotland. Keep an eye out for red deer and eagles. On the way to Inverness, tour a whisky distillery for a dram of Scotch and have lunch. Arrive in Inverness, your home base for the next four days as you explore the Highlands. (B/T/L/D)
Day 4
Inverness
Enjoy a full-day visit to the Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle. Culloden Battlefield, embedded in Scotland’s epic past, marks the site of the historic 1746 battle between the Duke of Cumberland and Prince Charles. Next, venture to the shores of Loch Ness, one of the most renowned and mystical locations in Scotland. Loch Ness is the UK's largest lake, surpassing the combined water volume of all lakes in England and Wales. Discover its diverse fish species, including arctic char, Atlantic salmon and trout. On the western bank of Loch Ness, the enchanting ruins of Urquhart Castle await. Visit the exhibition before you wander the castle grounds and take in the commanding views over Loch Ness. (B)
Day 5
Inverness
Today, travel to the Isle of Skye. As the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, Skye boasts miles of dramatic coastlines, iconic landscape and a rich Celtic heritage. Visit the ruins of Armadale Castle, where you’ll discover the epic story of Clan Donald, Scotland’s most powerful clan. After a visit to the museum and a full day of touring, return to Inverness. (B)
Day 6
Inverness
Experience the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, described as “the greatest railway journey in the world”. This approximately 135-km round trip from Fort William to Mallaig takes you over the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. Departing near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, the train takes you past Arisaig, Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, as well as Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in the country, and River Morar, the shortest river in Britain. Arrive at Loch Nevis, Europe's deepest seawater loch. (B)
Day 7
Glasgow
Make your way to Glasgow to delve into the rich history of the "Highlands of the clans." Learn about the chieftains, battles and massacres that have been documented in history books and portrayed in popular films like William Wallace and Rob Roy McGregor. Along the way, stop at Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold near the village of Doune in central Scotland's Stirling district. The castle has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. It has a striking 100 foot-high gatehouse and features one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland. Arrive at your hotel in Glasgow, where you will spend the next few days. (B/L)
Day 8
Glasgow
Experience an afternoon tea like no other aboard the Red Bus Bistro (a shared experience). Afterwards, continue on to the shores of Loch Lomond, located within the Trossachs National Park, which has some of the world’s most stunning scenery. From picturesque mountains and glens to tranquil lochs, the dramatic splendour of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has inspired a wealth of cultural heritage, myth, folklore and larger-than-life characters. Take a cruise on Loch Lomond and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and numerous islands. End your day with a leisurely dinner at the hotel. (B/AT)
Day 9
Edinburgh
Begin your journey to Edinburgh with a stop in Stirling, a city steeped in history. Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling held great significance as the "Gateway to the Highlands" due to its strategic location between the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands. Stirling Castle, the city's most iconic attraction, dominates the skyline from its position atop Castle Hill. With its turbulent past, this impressive fortification has witnessed the reigns of numerous kings and queens throughout the centuries. Explore the grounds and gardens, as well as attractions including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, castle exhibition, Regimental Museum, Tapestry Studio and more. The final destination of the day is Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where you’ll stay for the remainder of your trip. (B)
Day 10
Edinburgh
Embark on a full tour of St. Andrews, where you’ll visit the St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Known as Scotland's world-famous home of golf, St. Andrews features a historic university, medieval streets and charming traditional buildings. Located on the east coast and easily accessible from Edinburgh and Glasgow, this historic gem in the Kingdom of Fife offers plenty of exciting things to see and do. Explore the remains of St. Andrews Cathedral, once the largest church in Scotland, and visit its museum which showcases an exceptional collection of medieval sculptures and other relics discovered on-site. Be sure to take in the spectacular views from the cathedral's highest point. (B)
Day 11
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city full of heritage, top-quality attractions and unforgettable architecture. There's plenty to do, from exploring historic sites and world-class festivals to fantastic shopping and dining experiences. Take a walk through the Medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town, which sit side by side, and visit unique landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle. This grand fortification has a history as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. Climb Castle Hill and trace the footsteps of soldiers, monarchs, and even a few pirates. On the lower end of the Royal Mile, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore the Palace's close connections with some of Scotland’s most notable figures, including as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn about its present-day role as The King's official residence for engagements in Scotland. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, and later, enjoy an evening of traditional song and dance accompanied by a selection of delicious Scottish food. (B/D)
Day 12
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting | AT - Afternoon Tea