Scotland @ Leisure:
Edinburgh & Glasgow
Lunch @ Loch Lomand, too: 21-28 March 2009
We'll take the high road ... New Departures knows that our clients and fellow travellers consider travel to be very personal - very important. Every detail must be looked at; every nuance fully realized. Exclusive Excursions were designed to that end: part of a group, but not the herd. Heavens, we don't want to be part of the herd and neither should you. The groups are small, there is ample time to explore on your own and there is always a New Departures' staff member to gently assist. The @Leisure city-stay series offers 'cheap and cheerful' visits to places that are easily explored solo - or with friends and family. Now with a new 'thrifty' price.
We provide the method. You provide the madness.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital captivates many people at first sight, with Edinburgh Castle looming from the crags of an ancient volcano, and Georgian and Victorian architecture forming a skyline that looks locked in the past. But this is a modern, cosmopolitan city, and the new Scottish Parliament Building says so loud and clear. Edinburgh has everything you'd expect from a capital city: Numerous iconic sights, lovely cobbled streets, and plenty of first-class restaurants. All of Scottish history is here on display, in the juxtaposition of Old Town intricacy and New Town rationalism. No other city tells you its story in a more up-front fashion, but few other cities have as many secrets waiting, hidden, for those willing to take the time and turn from the high road, through a dark archway or down a hidden wynd.
Glasgow
Glasgow sizzles; Scotland's largest and friendliest city has undergone a major revitalization, going from depressed urban center to thriving metropolis almost overnight. With more parks per square mile than any other city in Europe, a shopping scene that beats Edinburgh's hands down, and the legacy of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow is the place to be. Frommer's voted Glasgow one of the top ten, "must-see" up and coming destinations. Glasgow has been voted the UK's number one destination by Condé Nast Traveller magazine readers. Glasgow is a shoppers paradise and was voted Britain's top retail destination in 2007. The main shopping thoroughfare, Buchanan Street, has been voted one of the world's top retail destinations.
Itinerary
Saturday: Edinburgh
Arrive in the Scot's capital and transfer to the hotel. Jerry and Brian lead you on a short walking tour of the neighborhood to help you get your bearings. Evening at leisure.
Sunday: Edinburgh
With a local guide, your city walking tour features the Old Town center.
Monday: Edinburgh
After breakfast perhaps a dash to the Castle. Allow plenty of time for Old Town exploration, including the important museums of Edinburgh and the People's Story (in the Canongate Tolbooth). Then a walk around the New Town, including a visit to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Tuesday: Edinburgh
After breakfast, today is yours to explore. You'll have time for shopping, not only in areas close to the city center, such as Rose Street and Victoria Street, but also in some of the less touristy areas, such as Bruntsfield.
Wednesday: Edinburgh/Loch Lomond/Glasgow
After breakfast, we travel the highland to Loch Lomond, where we ll enjoy a lake-side lunch. After arrival at our Glasgow hotel, Brian and Jerry again venture out with you to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Thursday: Glasgow
After breakfast, a full day to explore the city. Begin with the core of historic Glasgow - the medieval area, dominated by Glasgow's cathedral, and Merchant City. Shoppers should head for Buchanan Street, including the Princes Square development and the Buchanan Galleries. Art lovers should make a bee-line to the Burrell Collection in Pollock Country Park on the South Side.
Friday: Glasgow
After breakfast, we suggest you visit the West End, including the Hunterian Art Gallery with Charles Rennie Mackintosh s renowned furniture. If you haven't yet seen the city-center parks, venture to Glasgow Green, the art collections at Pollok Country Park, or the House for an Art Lover, at Bellahouston Park. Remember the shopping is the best in the UK outside of London.
Saturday: Return home
After breakfast it's off to the airport and your flight home.
Scotland @ Leisure includes:
- » 4 nights at the 4-star MacDonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh, conveniently located in the heart of the city
- » 3 nights at the comfortable Thistle Hotel Glasgow
- » Full day excursion to Loch Lomond with a three course lunch
- » Daily breakfast
- » All hotel taxes and fees
- » Escorted by New Departures' Jerry Kelley and Brian Nystedt
- » Personalized baggage tags
- » Pre-trip social gathering
Sign me up for Scocland @ Leisure!
- » Double Occupancy
$1895.00... reduced to $1595.00 per person
- » Single Supplement
$965.00... now $765.00- » $350.00 deposit per person due at sign-up;
- » space can not be held without a deposit.
- » Final payment due 7 January 2009
- » Single Supplement
Cost includes only listed features; gratuities and items of a personal nature are additional.
Minimum number of group participants is required to operate this tour. If number is not met we reserve the right to increase the cost or cancel the tour, in which case all money will be refunded.
Cancellation fees:
Due to the special nature of this tour all payments are non-refundable.
Trip insurance is highly recommended
(A brochure will be sent at deposit).
**Rates are based on current monetary exchange rates as of March 31, 2008. Should the rate fluctuate more than 4% we reserve the right to adjust accordingly.**
