Scotland ~ with a touch of Outlander

Transcription

1 Scotland ~ with a touch of Outlander Scheduled Departure June 14 th 23 rd, 2018 Anchor Full Service Travel 110 Main Street South, Cambridge, MN (763) tawnya@anchorfullservicetravel.com

2 Follow the trail of Jamie and Claire on this 9day/8night tour of Scotland. Explore places you ve only imagined while reading the books or glimpsed while watching the TV Series. Not only will we take you to sites associated with the Outlander series but you will be learning Scottish history, customs and culture along the way from our professional highland guide. While this is a great tour for the Outlander fan we realize there are some folks who have yet to discover the series. Many of the Outlander sites we visit are also general tourist sites. We also make stops at places connected to Downton Abbey and Harry Potter movies, as well as other popular tourist attractions. It is sure to be an adventure you will never forget. Won t you join us? Highlights: Small group maximum of 20 participants! Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle (Hogwart s in the Harry Potter movies and Brancaster in Downton Abbey), Lindisfarne, St. Andrews, Falkland Palace, Doune Castle, Dalwhinnie Distillery, The Highland Folk Museum, Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Beauly Priory, Tea in a 17 th century home, Eilean Donan Castle, The Isle of Skye and The Museum of the Isles, Glencoe, Stirling Castle, visits to sites used in the filming of the Outlander television series and much more What s included: 8 nights lodging, tour transportation, ferry transport Skye to mainland, departure transfer to airport, breakfast daily (except day of arrival), 3 dinners, 1 lunch, tea in a 17 th century home, service of professional agency guide and local historian and guide while in Scotland, entrances as indicated on itinerary What s NOT included: airfare (we can assist with booking your air or you can book your own), daily lunch, 5 dinners, items of personal nature, and gratuities to local guides/drivers Accommodations: 4 nights Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile, 2 nights Tulloch Castle Hotel, 1 night guesthouse accommodation in Fort William, 1 night MacDonald Houstoun House To reserve your space contact: Anchor Full Service Travel at or info@anchorfullservicetravel.com Price is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room), is subject to change and availability until booked and confirmed. Single supplement $685. Space is limited. Nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due at time of booking with balance due March 30 th. Travel insurance is available at additional cost and is highly recommended. $2497 per person land only based on double occupancy

3 Day-by-day itinerary: June 14 th Depart the US on your overnight flight to Edinburgh (or alternate if pre-tour arrangements made). Dinner and a light breakfast will be served on board. June 15 th Edinburgh Morning arrival in Edinburgh. If your flight arrives by 8:30am take group transfer into Edinburgh to Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile, our home for the next four nights. If flight arrival is after 8:30am instructions for personal transfer will be provided. With most flights arriving quite early in the morning our rooms will not be available. We will be able to secure our luggage at the hotel and then take a walk up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Upon arrival at the Castle you will be free, and on your own, to explore this amazing fortress towering over the city. Be sure to stop at the National War museum at the Castle. See how Jamie and other highlanders would have dressed and weapons they would have used in the 18 th century. The remainder of the day will be free for you to explore the Royal Mile. Maybe an optional Royal Mile walking tour or a visit to the Palace of Holyrood House will fill your afternoon. An optional Scottish Dinner show will be available for those that would like to participate or you are free to turn in early after our long first day in Scotland. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile June 16 th Holy Island & Alnwick Castle Our first stop on this day out of Edinburgh will be at Holy Island which is connected to the mainland by a causeway which leads to the quaint island village of Lindisfarne. Spend time wandering through the ruins of the prior where the Lindisfarne Gospels were produced. Sample some of the world famous Lindisfarne Mead which is brewed by the Monks on the island or enjoy the tranquility for which the island is renowned. We will then continue south to the magnificent Alnwick Castle. Alnwick has been home to the Percy family for over 700 years and is considered one of the finest castles in England. For Downton Abbey fans you might recognize Alnwick as Brancaster from the 2014 & 2015 Christmas specials. The castle has also been used in films such as Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter. In mid-afternoon we will begin our drive back to the north across the River Tweed into the historic border town of Coldstream where you will have the opportunity to walk across the border between England and Scotland. Please note that touring route and availability is subject to tidal timetable for Lindisfarne and may need to be altered or run in reverse. We return to Edinburgh by early evening with plenty of time to find a place for dinner. You might want to head to The World s End for a Bonnie Prince Charlie burger! Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile (B) June 17 th Falkland Palace & St. Andrews Today we will depart Edinburgh and travel north to South Queensferry where we will make a brief stop for photos of the magnificent Forth bridges including one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge. Once over the Firth of Forth we enter the Kingdom of Fife. We travel through the rolling countryside of central Fife, with its small villages and patchwork of farms, to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets. The village was used recently to double as old Inverness during filming of "Outlander". You will have time to visit the palace or enjoy a drink in one of the village s traditional pubs or tearooms. We then continue on to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. The shrine became a place of worship for Christian pilgrims from far and wide and the town developed into the religious capital of Scotland complete with a huge Norman Cathedral, the largest in all of Scotland. Founded in

4 1160 the Cathedral was devastated first by fire and later by religious reformers but the ruins provide a fascinating insight into what it once must have been like. Today St Andrews attracts another type of pilgrim, being famous world-wide as the home of golf. The 'Old Course', founded in 1754, is in beautiful condition and its emerald green grass contrasts with the golden sands of the beach nearby. St Andrews is also home to the oldest University in Scotland, at nearly 600 years old, and the third oldest in Britain behind Oxford and Cambridge. Also dating from this period is the towns once mighty castle which, perched on a rocky headland overhanging the sea, is a ruin with a violent and murderous past. Every street, every building is surrounded with history and you will have plenty of time to explore and grab a bite for lunch. From St Andrews we return to Edinburgh via the coastal route. We once again cross the Firth of Forth and return to the city centre. With many wonderful restaurants and pubs along the Royal Mile you will have no trouble finding a spot to grab your evening meal. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile (B) June 18 th Midhope, Blackness Castle, Culross and Linlithgow Palace We will depart our hotel with Blackness Castle being our first stop this morning. Blackness is a 15 th century fortress on the shores of the Firth of Forth. It has a very impressive feeling about it and you will agree it makes a great stand in as Fort William. Midhope Castle will be next on our itinerary today. Midhope is a 16 th century tower house on the Hopetoun estate. While the interior is in ruin the exterior was used as Lallybroch for the Outlander television series. We then continue on to the impressive village of Culross. Culross is one of those unique places that time has passed by. It is here that Outlander fans will find the Mercat Cross of Crainsmuir and the herb garden of Castle Leoch. After time for lunch and exploring Culross we will make our way to Linlithgow Palace which was used for some of the interior filming of Wentworth Prison. The current palace was started in the 1400 s by King James I with additions being made by James III, James IV, and James V. Mary Queen of Scots was born in Linlithgow Palace in Bonnie Prince Charlie stopped at the Palace on his march south in September It was then burned by the Duke of Cumberland in 1746 and now stands as a ruin. We return to Edinburgh for our final night in the city. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Royal Mile (B) June 19 th Dunkeld, Dalwhinnie and The Highland Folk Museum We say goodbye to Edinburgh this morning but hello to our historian and guide who will be with us for the duration of the trip. We will make our way north and into the Scottish highlands. With a brief stop in the charming village of Dunkeld you will have time to visit the Cathedral, grab a cup of coffee or visit some of the shops. Our next stop will be at the Dalwhinnie Distillery and visitor center. What visit to Scotland would be complete without a tour of a whisky distillery! We will continue into the town of Newtonmore and to The Glen Hotel where we will make a stop for lunch. For fans of Monarch of the Glen you will be thrilled to know that you are now in Monarch Country. After an included lunch we will make our way to the Highland Folk Museum. This award winning, living history museum portrays life from the 1700 s through to present day. Many scenes for Outlander were filmed here and you will recognize the location from The Rent episode where Claire spends time with the local women waulking their wool. Once back on the road we continue north around Inverness and to our castle home for the next two nights. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together in the castle restaurant. Tulloch Castle Hotel (B, L, D) Tulloch Castle

5 June 20 th Clava Cairns, Culloden, Loch Ness & Ord House afternoon tea This morning we depart our hotel for a day trip loaded with Outlander connections. Our first stop of the day will be at the Clava Cairns. Clava Cairns is one of the best preserved Bronze Age burial sites in Scotland. The cemetery complex consists of passage graves, ring cairns and standing stones. Including one stone that is a split stone (sound familiar Outlander fans?). A short drive from Clava and we will arrive at Culloden Battlefield. Hugh will take us through the visitor center pointing out bits that should not be missed to truly understand the importance of this battle. He will then bring us out onto the battlefield for an overview of the battle itself before setting us lose to explore on our own. You will have time for lunch and shopping as well and find your visit to be a moving and total immersion experience. It is then on toward Loch Ness with a photo stop at Urquhart Castle and a wee bit of shopping time in Drumnadrochit Village. From there we travel to the Muir of Glen and The Ord House Hotel. Ord House was finished in 1637 and was originally the Lairds House of the Clan MacKenzie. The building was converted into a hotel about 40 years ago but still retains many of its original features and charms. It is here that we will enjoy afternoon tea and Hugh will give us a weapons demonstration. It is then on to Beauly, seat of Clan Fraser. There will be plenty of free time to explore this quaint village or walk about the ruins of Beauly Priory which is where Claire met the Fraser s seer. We then venture back to our hotel for the evening where you will have a bit of free time before dinner together in the restaurant. Tulloch Castle Hotel (B, D) June 21 st - Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Museum of the Isles and Fort William Departing Tulloch this morning we make our way through the majestic northwest Highlands, sometimes via single track narrow roads, toward Eilean Donan Castle. It is one of the most recognizable images of Scotland. You will have time for a visit and to take photos as well as grab a cup of coffee. From there it is over the bridge to Skye. We make a quick stop in Broadford at a unique shop filled with hand knit garments, handspun and hand dyed yarns and other woolen goods then continue to the Museum of the Isles and the Clan Donald Centre. Learn about history of the highlands and islands in the museum, explore the beautiful gardens and grounds around Armadale Castle and have time for shopping and lunch. We will then ferry back to the mainland. On our drive to Fort William we will make a photo stop at the Glenfinnan Monument. It is here that in 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard along the shores of Loch Shiel. From the car park you can also see the Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Arrival at our guesthouse accommodation for the evening will allow you time to venture into Fort William for dinner on your own. Myrtle Bank Guest House (B) Myrtle Bank Guest House June 22 nd Glencoe Visitor Center, Falls of Dochart, Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) & Stirling Castle We head south from Fort William this morning making our first stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre. You will have time to visit the interactive displays about this breathtaking place of natural beauty as well as learn the history of the Glencoe Massacre in We then make our way to Killin to admire the beautiful Falls of Dochart and break for an early lunch before we continue to Doune Castle. Enroute to Doune we will make a brief stop at Kilmahog and the Trossachs Wollen Mill. This is a world famous stop to feed and photograph the two resident highland cattle and is a great place for any souvenir shopping you have left to do. It is then on to Doune. Doune is a late 14 th century castle. It has an amazing, cathedral like great hall and

6 the property has been used in many productions. It is Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones, and was used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at Stirling Castle. Stirling is one of the largest and most historic castles in Scotland. There will be plenty of time to explore. If time permits don t miss the nearby Church of the Holy Rude which has been the Parish Church of Stirling for over 900 years. It is also where King James VI of Scotland was crowned in July of Argyll s Lodging that is worth a visit too. It is Scotland s most complete example of a 17 th century townhouse. before we end our day at our home for the next two nights, MacDonald Houstoun House hotel which incorporates a 16 th century tower house and was once a stop for Mary Queen of Scots. We will our final dinner together this evening in the hotel restaurant. MacDonald Houstoun House Hotel (B, D) MacDonald Houstoun House June 23 rd Departing flights home Sadly we bid goodbye to Scotland today. A group transfer will be provided from the hotel to the airport. For flights departing outside of the transfer window private transfers will be available. (B) Meal Key: (B) = included breakfast (D) = included dinner (L) = included lunch This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, site availability, traffic or other unexpected delays. Adjustments, if necessary, will be made accordingly by your group leader with the best interest of entire group in mind. Streets and alleyways (wynds/closes) are uneven and made of cobblestone and there are stairs at most visitor sites. The lodging properties used during this tour often incorporate old, historic buildings and do not offer elevators (lifts). Luggage must be hand carried up to your room so please pack accordingly. If you have mobility difficulty, please advise agent at time of booking for further discussion. Price is land only, per person and based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room). Limited single rooms are available at additional cost of $685. If you are traveling solo and would like to be paired with a same gender roommate let us know and we will try to match you. Air from your home departure airport is available. Please ask for a quotation. $500 tour deposit is due at the time of booking. Balance is due March 30 th, Once confirmed cancellation/change penalties will apply. Land cancellation penalties: nonrefundable deposit. March 30 th April 30th = 50% cancellation penalty. May 1 st - May 20 th = 75% cancellation penalty. May 21 st departure = nonrefundable. Travel insurance is optional and additional but highly recommended. Ask your agent for details. Organizers reserve the right to modify itinerary if necessary. To help you budget for during trip expenses NOT included in the tour rate: lunch daily (except on June 19 th ), items of personal nature (shopping, snacks, drinks during meals) any additional tours or evening activities you choose to partake in (Edinburgh ghost tours, Scottish dinner shows etc), gratuities to driver and guides. Tipping is at your discretion and is not mandatory.

7 Scotland with a Touch of Outlander Passenger Information (1 st Traveler) Please record information exactly as it appears on your passport. Passport information may be sent later if you have yet to obtain a passport. Legal name: Name for name badge: Passport #: Passport expiration date: Passport Authority: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Dietary Needs: Please register me for: Double occupancy $2,497per person Single $ single supplement Passenger Information (2 nd Traveler) Please record information exactly as it appears on your passport. Passport information may be sent later if you have yet to obtain a passport. Legal name: Name for name badge: Passport #: Passport expiration date: Passport Authority: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Dietary Needs: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Work phone/cell: Emergency Contact: (Name) (Phone) Sleeping Preference (circle one): Double Bed OR Twin Beds Roommate Name: OR Single Supplement: Yes No Travel Insurance (please check one) I have been advised of the cost of travel insurance and would like a purchase a policy. Premium will be included with my deposit. I wish to decline the travel insurance offered. Deposit Payment Information (please check one) Enclosed is my $ deposit and insurance premium (if applicable). Please charge $ deposit and insurance premium (if applicable) to my Discover/MasterCard/Visa/American Express Credit Card Number: Expiration Date: Card ID Code (last three digits in signature box on the back of the card): Initial to acknowledge you understand that Federal law prohibits the carriage of certain hazardous materials in your luggage or on your person aboard aircraft and could result in a fine or imprisonment. Visit for more information. Prices in this brochure were effective on By signing below, I understand that price changes are possible until the time of final invoicing, due to exchange rates, an increase in carrier charges, fuel costs, taxes and tariffs, and the number of passengers travelling in the group. I agree to the terms and conditions of this tour. Signature of 1 st traveler: Date: Signature of 2 nd traveler: Date: