June 22
Welcome to Scotland

After landing at Glasgow Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Our private driver will welcome us to Scotland and escort us and our luggage to our private coach.  Our first stop will be to visit the Auchentoshan Distillery for a tour followed by a tasting of four triple distilled single malt whiskeys. Then, set off on a panoramic tour to see the highlights of Glasgow. Drive around George Square, filled with statues of Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria and other influential people. See the Victorian City Chambers, opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria. Pass Glasgow Cathedral, a splendid 12th century Gothic building dedicated to St. Mungo, the patron saint of the city. Check-in and enjoy the balance of the day free.
 

Once everyone has arrived, we'll meet briefly for a welcome cocktail and to go through the itinerary. Afterwards, you'll have the evening at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.  

June 23
Glasgow

After breakfast, we'll  travel to view the Kelpies, the world's largest equine statues standing 30 meters high. The statues were named after the shape-shifting water spirits from Scottish lore and are situated near the Forth and Clyde Canal. Next, we'll visit Kelvingrove Gallery, which was built to house the 1901 International Exhibition. The collection within ranges from local historical art to even a Storm Trooper costume from the original Star Wars films. Then, we'll journey to Pollok Country Park, home of the Highland cattle. The cattle were first brought to Pollok Country Park over 180 years ago by the Maxwell family, who owned Pollok Estate and lived in Pollok House. Pollok Country Park also doubled as one of many filming locations, where Claire searched for herbs, in the hit show, Outlander. Afterwards, we'll continue on to visit the Tennent Caledonian Brewery to see brewing operations and to sample age-old brewing recipes that have been perfected with time. We'll head back to our hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure to sightsee, shop, and dine on your own.

June 24
Glencoe & Loch Ness Cruise

Leaving Glasgow, we'll take in beautiful scenic views as we travel along Loch Lomond, renowned for the unsurpassed beauty of its natural surroundings. Continue through Trossachs National Park, which was designated by Scottish Parliament in 2002 as one of two national parks. We'll drive into Glencoe and stop to visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to explore the landscape, wildlife and history of this special place. Also, learn about the conservation issues that faces the region both past and present. Then, set off on a one-hour circular cruise from Clansman Harbour across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Savor the loch’s facts and legends with the on- board audio. Don’t forget to look out for Nessie with help from the on-board sonar!

We'll transfer to our hotel in Nairn to check-in and settle in. Evening at leisure.

June 25
Culloden & Inverness

After breakfast, we'll do something "udderly" enjoyable -- we'll ask the staff for a carrot to feed the Wooly Coos that roam the front of the property. Next, we'll travel into Culloden Moor and stop to tour their Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where, on April 16, 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. The brutal measures imposed after the battle signaled the end of the distinctive Highland way of life and culture. Next, we'll visit a local farm, where we'll see a sheepdog demonstration and learn about farming life in Scotland. We'll continue to Inverness and stop to enjoy some free time to explore around the city at leisure. Then we'll return to our hotel in Nairn for an evening at leisure.

June 26
Nairn to Aberdeen via Glenlivet

Today,we'll drive into Inverness to visit the Uilebheist Distillery for a guided tour to learn the secrets behind creating their fine whisky and beer. While here, enjoy a tasting of the finished product. Next, journey into Ballindalloch to visit Glenlivet Distillery for a tour and tasting. After our tour, stroll along the great trails where we may see local wildlife. Transfer to our hotel in Aberdeen, check-in and spend the balance of the day free for independent activities and dining.

June 27
Dunnottar Castle

This morning, journey south of Stonehaven to visit Dunnottar Castle, a once proud Medieval fortress that is located on rocky headland, which overlooked the ocean and is now ruined. After, head back into Aberdeen and stop to visit the Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School to experience the Gin Tasting Masterclass, where you will explore a range of Aberdeen gins. Return to the hotel for a free evening.

June 28
Edinburgh

After departing Aberdeen, we'll drive into St. Andrews, where golf originated, and stop to visit a local family farm to learn about daily farm life in Scotland. We'll continue through the Scottish countryside into Edinburgh and stop tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock and dominates the skyline. The castle has been involved in many historical conflicts from the War of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite Rising in 1745 and even acted as a military prison during both World Wars.

We'll check-in to our hotel and be able to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, you might like to dine in one of the city’s lively dinner venues!

June 29
Edinburgh Highlights + Scottish Cooking Class

This morning, we'll embark on a guided walking tour of Edinburgh's New Town, an elegant area of Georgian townhouses and open squares. Along the way, we'll see George Street and Prince Street, the city's main shopping areas which run through the heart of New Town. We'll visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, an art museum which holds the national collection of portraits includes those of historical figures: pioneers in science, art, sports. Next, we'll go a local Cooking School where we'll take part in an interactive Scottish Themed Cooking Class. We'll enjoy the meal we've prepared along with a 1/2 bottle of wine per person. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel. Evening at leisure.

June 30
Edinburgh 

Spend the morning at leisure to explore Edinburgh, where you will have a wide variety of activities to choose from. You may wish to visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which is a vibrant arts venue with live Scottish storytelling. You also might like to visit the John Knox House established in 1470, making it the oldest medieval building in Edinburgh. Or perhaps, you might like to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. While here, you can learn about the history of Royal Yachts and see exhibits and photographs of Britannia's
intriguing history.

This afternoon, we will enter the world of Johnnie Walker for Johnnie & The Chocolatier: Luxury Whisky and Chocolate Pairing. We'll taste four iconic drams (Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare Port Dundas and Johnnie Walker Legendary Eight, and the highly sought-after John Walker & Sons King George V), accompanied by a luxury chocolate truffle created by The Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett.

This evening, we'll dine at a local restaurant or pub for our farewell dinner!

July 1 
Farewell 

All too soon, our vacation has come to its final day. We'll transfer to Edinburgh Airport in good time to check in for everyone's flights. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.

Safe travels! Thanks for selecting Pineapple7!

Encountering Scotland  
June 22 - July 1, 2024

Pineapple7 Small Group Escape (10-16 adults)*
 

Includes:

• 3-Nights, Leonardo Royal Hotel, Edinburgh

• 2-Nights, Sandman Signature Hotel, Aberdeen

• 2-Nights, Newton Hotel, Nairn

• 2-Nights, Maldron Hotel, Glasgow

• Shared Transfer from Glasgow Airport 

• Tour Edinburgh Castle

• Tour Edinburgh's New Town

• Scottish Themed Cooking Class,3-course meal

• Visit Dunnottar Castle

• Auchentoshan Distillery tour and tasting

• Visit Kelvingrove Gallery

• Glenlivet Distillery tour and tasting

• Uilebheist Distillery tour and tasting

• Culloden Visitor Centre

• Loch Ness Cruise

• Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School, gin tasting masterclass

• Trossachs National Park

• Sheepdog Demonstration at a local farm

• Johnnie Walker Luxury Whisky & Chocolate Pairing experience

• Tour Scottish National Portrait Gallery

• Visit Inveraray Castle

• Glasgow Sightseeing

• Tour Tennent Caledonian Brewery and tasting

• Farewell dinner

• Private Driver and Guide for 8 hours each day

• Transport by luxury motorcoach 

• Transfer from Glasgow Hotel to Edinburgh Airport

• Daily Breakfast

• Hotel porterage of one bag per person

• On-site Host for duration of tour

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​Investment:

$7,622 shared room (2 adults per room)

$8,450 for Single Occupancy
*If group has less than 10 passengers, rate per person will increase. Guaranteed departure. Gratuities for driver and guides and hotel are not included

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Travel Insurance Add-On:

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for this international trip. The price quote is $750 per person for this specific itinerary. Travel Policy through Trip Mate

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10% deposit required to reserve space + $750 per person for insurance (if you opt for insurance.)  

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Reserve your space today by filling out the secure credit card authorization form or contact Grace for more details.

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Cancellation Policy per person:
No refunds will be made for unused services or pre purchased events. Prepaid theater/event tickets are forfeit and non-refundable.
99 – 66 days Forfeiture of deposit
65 - 16 days 30% per person
15 - 8 days 50% per person
7 - 1 days 90% per person
On day of departure 100% per person

Additional Options available:

• International Airfare

• Pre- and Post- tour Accommodations or Land Extensions in Scotland and UK! 

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See you in Scotland!