Itinerary
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Day 1
Edinburgh Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with strayed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city. Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Edinburgh is a wonderful city to explore - from its historical sights to the highstreet shopping possibilites. With your 24 HOUR hop on hop off bus ticket you can enjoy the freedom to HOP ON & HOP OFF until the same time the following day. The route goes by the following places - stop off at the ones that you are interested in and hop on the next bus once you are finished: Waverley Bridge, Princes Street, Lothian Road, Bread Street, West Port, Grassmarket, Victoria Street, George IV Bridge, Chambers Street, South Bridge, High Street, Canongate, Horse Wynd, Queens Drive, Holyrood Gait, Our Dynamic Earth turning circle, Holyrood Gait, Queens Drive, Horse Wynd, Abbeyhill, Abbeymount, Regent Road, Waterloo Place, Princes Street, South St David Street, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street Gardens East, Heriot Row, Queen Street Gardens West, Frederick Street, The Mound, Market Street, and Waverley Bridge. Join the Tour At: Waverley Bridge, Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Royal Mile, Princess Street, or the Princes Mall. This is a fantastically central hotel, located in the heart of Grassmarket, steps away from Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town. The Apex City (4*) is located next door to its sister hotel, the Apex International. One of the best hotels in Edinburgh, the Yu Spa leisure facilities are based at the Apex International Hotel next door, and are available to residents free of charge and open daily. Facilities include ozone pool, tropicarium, plunge shower and gym with state-of-the-art technogym equipment. Overnight at Apex City (4*). |
Edinburgh |
Apex City Hotel |
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Day 2
Edinburgh You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there's always something going on in the festival city, and that's just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling - whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella! The Witchery Restaurant located on the Royal Mile is a great place for dinner. The 16th century building located close to the Castle is lit exclusively by candlelight. The tapestry-draped main dining room is an ode to opulence: the seats are a rich red leather, the ceiling is gilded, and the walls are covered with oak panels salvaged from an old cathedral. The Secret Garden annex, meanwhile, is full of brass candlesticks and stone statues, and displays a series of painted doors that tell the story of Edinburgh's wine trade with France. The menu is equally sumptuous, offering dishes such as melt-in-your-mouth steak tartare, rabbit wrapped in Parma ham with tea-soaked prunes, and loin of roe deer with an earthy black pudding. But be sure to save room for the desserts — from the chocolate torte to the bramble, sherry and mascarpone trifle, they make a wickedly decadent end to the meal. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like to have a reservation made for you. Overnight at Apex City (4*). |
Street Sign in Edinburgh |
The Witchery Restaurant |
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Day 3
Leven Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally. On your first morning you depart Edinburgh and head first for Culross. Set in something of an industrial landscape, you will be amazed at the village and its beautifully-restored Palace - time seems to have stood still since the 16th century. Dunfermline, once the capital of Scotland and the birthplace of many kings, is your next port of call and you’ll see the Abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce. From here you head to Loch Leven, the largest loch in the Scottish Lowlands. Enchanting Loch Leven Castle, where Mary Queens of Scots was at one time imprisoned and from where she dramatically escaped, lies on a peaceful islet. Then, as you make your way to your overnight accommodation and base for the next three nights, you pass through St Andrews, the world-famous home of golf. The Spindrift is an imposing stone-built Victorian home with many original internal features carefully restored, offering eight bedrooms with en-suite / private facilities and an ambience that speaks of a warm welcome, friendly service and value for money.
Set in the picturesque fishing village of Anstruther, in the East Neuk of Fife, the area boasts a wide variety of activities and interests in the village, which are all within easy driving distance from the Spindrift. Overnight at The Spindrift Hotel (B) or similar. |
Loch Leven |
Loch Leven Castle |
The Spindrift Hotel |
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Day 4
Leven Today is devoted to Edinburgh, Scotland’s famous capital. Spend the morning exploring this fascinating city with its medieval and Georgian architecture and its imposing Castle sitting on top of a rugged mound. Edinburgh has much to offer, and you will have the afternoon at leisure to further explore or browse in the shops. You might want to grab an early-evening snack, and then it’s time to meet up for the Edinburgh Tattoo, the highlight of your trip. This spectacular show is a fabulous mix of music, dance and display from all over the world, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Overnight at The Spindrift Hotel (B) or similar. |
Edinburgh Castle |
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Day 5
Leven Today you head for the Highlands to explore the area around Balmoral, the Queen’s summer residence and Braemar, the highest and most mountainous parish in the British Isles, famous for its Highland Games and beautiful location. Then follow the road through Glenshee, surrounded as it is by majestic mountains and offering fabulous views, as you make your way to Pitlochry, a bustling and attractive town, which became well-known after Queen Victoria’s visit to nearby Blair Castle. As you make your way back, Perth is your final stop – an important trading and market town with fine Georgian facades, terraces and crescents. Overnight at The Spindrift Hotel (B) or similar. |
Pitlochry Church |
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Day 6
Edinburgh Your final morning sees you on the road to Stirling, the scene of William Wallace’s great victory of 1296 in his fight against the English. Magnificent Stirling Castle, built high on a volcanic rock, is visible for many miles around, and it is currently being carefully restored to its former glory. It played an important role in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and was the scene of her coronation. Not far away is Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce and his army, though heavily outnumbered, famously defeated Edward II of England. This battle, though not acknowledged by the English for some years, was decisive in establishing the independence of Scotland from England. Then sadly you must make your way back to Edinburgh where your tour ends. Overnight at Apex City (4*). |
Stirling Castle |
Edinburgh |
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Day 7
Edinburgh Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
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Trip Includes
Independent and Private guided days: Guaranteed departure - - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Small Group tour: 3 nights in charming accommodation - Driver/Guide companion - All mini-coach transportation - Full Scottish breakfast daily - Three-course evening meals x 2 - Entrance fees as listed: Edinburgh Tattoo ticket (Section 12-14) - Edinburgh Castle - Bannockburn Battlefield - Stirling Castle.
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Small Group departures have a minimum of 4 participants. Should there be less than this number signed up 6 weeks prior to trip commencement for the particular departure you are scheduled to be on, you will be notified and given alternative options, including the option of a refund for this part of your trip. Minimum age for participation in small group tours is 16yrs. A condition of purchase to participate in the small group tour is to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Your insurance must for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury, death, cover for loss of baggage, money and valuables, personal liability, delay, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses. If you suffer from a disability or medical condition you should disclose this to insurers. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not sufficiently comprehensive to cover these things. Your travel insurance should be taken out at time of payment. There are strict weight limits in Europe and the U.K. for coaches when fully loaded. Therefore you are only entitled to one piece of main luggage of a standard size and not weighing more than 20kg. In addition you may bring a daypack.
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 75% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
