 |
|
|
| Trip Planning | Travel Agent | History of Scotland | Best Tourist Destinations | Photos of Scotland |
|
Trip Planning |
Virginia told me she had relatives in Glasgow Scotland and we might be able to stay with them if we visited Scotland. I suggested we could rent a car and drive all over the country, staying at inns when possible.
She called me on the last day of April, 2018, and told me we had been invited to visit her relatives in Scotland! We have tentative plans to visit them in May of 2019! We were in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands in November of 2018 and Italy, Algeria and Spain in February of 2018 for my 78th birthday! Her neice lives in Glasgow and we will stay there the second half of the trip before boarding the Queen Mary II for New York from Southhampton. The first seven days will be on a tour of Scotland.
Here we are in Algeria celebrating my 78th birthday on a Mediterranean cruise in February of 2018.
Check out our photos from our trips........
| Bonnie Scotland - 7 Day Tour from Glasgow to Edinburgh |
Stunning scenery awaits you on this tour. You’ll cruise along pretty islands on picturesque Loch Lomond, and follow the “Road to the Isles,” with its breathtaking hills, green woodlands, and spectacular beaches. You’ll visit the Isle of Skye, with some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, be on the lookout for the mysterious Loch Ness monster in the Highlands, and drive through Cairngorms National Park, with its sub-arctic mountains and varied wildlife. Learn about Scotland’s fascinating history and visit one of the most famous battle sites, the Culloden Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about the battle in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charles was defeated. For those wanting to follow in the footsteps of royalty, this Scotland tour offers Edinburgh Castle, dating to the 12th century, once residence of Scottish monarchs, and today home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. You’ll also board and tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, home to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. This is just one of the out-of-the-ordinary, fascinating experiences offered by Globus on this fun-filled, exciting Scotland vacation.
Scotland is one of the "in" destinations right now. Start following some of the low cost airlines to get advance notice of sales. For some of the flash sales you only have 24 hrs to book and pay but the rates are way really good. You may get a lower airfare to London than to Edinburgh. Then take the train, it's a nice ride about 4½ hours.
Please contact Viviane Tondeur for help in setting up trips and getting the best deals possible. Check her out!
.......................Read More........................
History of Scotland
.......................Read More........................
Top Spots to Visit while in Scotland
Famous for its historic castles, fascinating and often bloody history, breathtaking scenery, lively cities, charming villages, and the legendary Loch Ness monster, Scotland fills visitors with a sense of magic and delight. On this Scotland tour you’ll get an introduction to this enchanting country, starting with a guided tour of a whiskey distillery north of Glasgow and ending in fascinating Edinburgh. In between, you’ll experience some of Scotland’s most scenic areas and fascinating sights.
My Personal Travel Agent - Setting up trips to Morocco, Portugal, Sicily and many other destinations. A top Travel Consultant.
My travel agent suggested the following when I told her we might be going to Scotland.
L
ocated in northwest Europe, Scotland is one of the four countries that comprise the United Kingdom. Spanning more than 30,000 square miles, it takes up the northern third of Great Britain, and is bordered on the south by England. Surrounded by water, Scotland is bordered by the North Sea on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west, and the North Channel and the Irish Sea to the southwest. In addition to the mainland, there are 790 islands that make up Scotland. Scotland's waters, which contain some of the largest oil reserves in Europe, are known to be some of the region's richest fishing grounds.
T
his link will detail some of the best and most interesting places one can visit while in Scotland.
.......................Read More........................
|
Road Map of Scotland |
This link will display the major roads in Scotland and in the lower left cornor are some figures as to the miles to various locations.
.......................Read More........................
|
Chance Meeting on Easter Island - 1999 - Patricia from Glasgow |
I first traveled to the tip of Chile, boarded a ship and sailed to Argentina and the Patagonia Park. After that I stopped in Santiago to visit friends for a few daysso I figured as long as I was in Santiago and so close, 2,000 miles, I might as well go to Easter Island!
I didn't realize that Patricia M. Malcolm, who lives at Jordanhill in Glasgow - G149NL - Scotland - United Kingdom, was on the same trip to the tip of South America and ended up on the same flight from Santiago after the Tierra del Fuego cruise finished.
She over heard I was going to Easter Island and told my new friend from Beverly Hills, we met on the cruise, that she wanted it to be a surprise as we might both end up on Easter Island, She found out I was staying at the Hotel Okai and wanted to surprise me there.
As fate would have it, her Lan Chile airline seat was right behind me, we both were surprised! So we had five days to go around the island and we have kept in touch for 20 years!
|
Globus Bus Tour of Scotland |
We decided it was better to take a tour the first week we were in Scotland. We went on a Globus Tour for a week and then were lucky enough to stay at Virginia's niece's flat in Glasgow for another week!
|
2019.04.31 | First Day to Scotland |
A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Glasgow
With a stop over in Newark.
Early Morning over San Francisco as we leave the City!
We were told by a local that the only good thing about Newark was the fact you could see Manhattan from the airport!
|
Day 1 of the Globus Tour of Scotland | ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND |
Welcome to Glasgow! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax in Scotland’s largest city. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
|
Day 2 | GLASGOW. LOCH LOMOND & STIRLING EXCURSION |
Beautiful Loch Lomond is your first destination today, and a [LF] CRUISE past pretty islands brings you from Luss to the picturesque village of Balmaha. Then, enjoy a guided tour of a WHISKY DISTILLERY, where you hear about the ancient art of converting barley, water, and yeast into a heart-warming liquor. Next, visit STIRLING CASTLE, a great symbol of Scottish independence and favored residence of Scotland’s kings and queens. Back in vibrant Glasgow, an orientation drive takes in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares built by wealthy tobacco barons. (B)
 |
Loch Lomond
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Whisky Distillery
 |
 |
 |
Stirling Castle
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
"Off with their heads!" It is hard being the King! Bring me more wine!
|
Day 3 | GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–GLENFINNAN–ISLE OF SKYE |
A day of striking scenery. Follow dramatic mountain ranges and idyllic lochs as you proceed via the awe-inspiring expanse of Rannoch Moor, scenic Glen Coe, Fort William, and the “Road to the Isles” to Glenfinnan. Take photographs of the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. At Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and famous for its dramatic landscapes. Before dinner tonight, why not join an optional excursion to the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, followed by a drink at a local pub? (B,D) buildings, and elegant Georgian squares built by wealthy tobacco barons. (B)
 |
 |
 |
Drive by the dramatic mountain ranges and idyllic lochs as you proceed via the awe-inspiring expanse of Rannoch Moor and board the ferry for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Eilean Donan Castle, followed by a drink at a local pub!
|
Day 4 | ISLE OF SKYE–CULLODEN MOOR–TOMINTOUL–ABERDEEN |
Return to the mainland this morning and trace the shores of Loch Ness on your way to the CULLODEN VISITOR CENTRE, where you hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Then, enjoy more spectacular Highland scenery as you drive into the Cairngorms National Park to stop at Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, before arriving at your overnight destination—Aberdeen. (B,D)
 |
Loch Ness
 |
 |
 |
Urquhart Castle Ruins
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The site of the Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans.
 |
 |
 |
Cairngorms National Park to stop at Tomintoul, the highest village in the Scottish Highlands
|
Day 5 | ABERDEEN–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH |
In contrast to the valleys and rolling hills of the past days, today you’ll travel along the s hores of the North Sea and through rich, fertile, and wide-open farmland to Perth for a special visit to SCONE PALACE, the stately home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. During your welcome over [LF] COFFEE and SHORTBREAD, hear about the crowning of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, then join your guide on a private tour of the Murray family home. Plenty of time later to explore the palace grounds. On to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. A fun inclusion is the opportunity to hit a few balls at the [LF] ST. ANDREWS GOLF PRACTICE CENTRE. Cross the mighty Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh and tonight, don’t miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Scone Palace - No photos allowed!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing.
While everyone else walked the greens, Virginia and I had a pleasant lunch at the famous SCORES Hotel dining room on the second floor over looking the greens and the ocean!
|
Day 6 | EDINBURGH |
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique experience: board the former [LF] ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA, once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this exceptional evening.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the “Old Town,” visit EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
|
Day 7 - End of Globus Tour | EDINBURGH - Train to Glasgow |
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Met Virginia's niece, Sarah, who had a business meeting in Edinburgh, met us to take us back to her home.
|
Day 8 | Beginning of Stay at Virginia's Niece's Guest House |
 |
 |
 |
Our hosts, Lindsay and Sarah. Their two boys, Thomas and Lucas. Our first cocktail!
 |
 |
 |
Their home flat is in a historic building next to the river. A great location for shopping and dining!
|
Day 9 | Local Stores and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum |
 |
 |
 |
Checking out the local bakeries. I needed a haircut so went to the next block and the barber and I started to talk. He said he was from Morocco and asked if I had been there? I said yes, throught the Atlas Mountains where the snow monkeys live. He was astonished, he said his family was from that area. The haircut only cost me about 8 pounds!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
|
Day 10 | Botanical Gardens of Glasgow |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The plants and flowers were unbelievable. We and many others were very surprised to see many types of canivorous plants blooming! Who would have thought? Because Scotland has so much rain, everything is green and beautiful.
 |
 |
 |
We had a wonderful outdoor lunch at the Botanical Gardens. We didn't realize when we ordered we were getting the full high tea service. Clotted cream and fresh preserves and scones! Finger sandwiches of course and tea. Plus the weather was perfect!
|
Day 11 | Meeting my friend Patricia after 20 years! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
I met Patricia 20 years ago to almost the exact day at the tip of South America. We ended up going for a week to Easter Island and have stayed in touch for the last 20 years. We went to her house and she also had a friend, Herbert, who is a physicist, who came over to visit with us. We ended up going to a popular pub, the Three Craws, (Crows), and had a wonderful time! Seemed like yesterday when we met again after 20 years.
|
Day 12 | Hop on and Off Bus Tour of Glasgow |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hop on and Off Bus Tour
|
Day 13 | Self Guided Walking Tour of the Local Gardens and Apartments |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Day 14 | Found a New Coffee Shop One Block Away from our Flat |
 |
 |
 |
Coffee Shop
 |
 |
 |
Shops around Sarah and Lindsay's flat!
|
Day 15 | Trip to Hadrian's Wall for a Day |
 |
 |
 |
Lindsay heard I had Hadrian's Wall on my bucket list and he suggested that he would take the day off and drive us to the wall! It is about a three hour drive due to the curved roads, many one lane. I forgot the wall is in northern England so we visited two countries, Scotland and England! Check out a full review of our trip to Hadrian's Wall by using the following link!
...................Go to Hadrian's Wall Web Pages
Day 16
Day 17
The beginning of another leg of our fabulous trip! Southhampton to New York City on the Queen Mary II!
A Play, a Pie and a Pint Theatre
Sarah and Lindsay told us they had gotten us tickets to a local theatrical venue for noon time entertainment! As with many churches now, attendance has dropped and many are sold and converted to various uses. We had a wonderful time with a glass of wine instead of a beer and a meat pie! The story line was about a woman taking a plastic chickent through TSA and the hassel she encounters. The chicken could move and walked and cackled and sometimes, a door opened on the back side and an egg rolled out. The TSA employees were not amuse! We were!
Early Morning flight on Flybe,,,, to Southampton - Board the Queen Mary ll
Created on: 2017.08.11
Updated on: 2019.06.01