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.nordicvisitor.com & THE ITINERARY

DAY 1 DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN Welcome to Edinburgh. For an easy and comfortable way to get from Edinburgh Airport to your hotel in the city centre, we are happy to arrange a private transfer for you (at additional cost). After settling in, go out and explore. Edinburgh has a long and storied history, so there’s no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums and landmarks to visit, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. You can easily travel around the city centre on foot, and we recommend strolling along the Royal Mile or walking to Castle Hill for a spectacular view of the city. For a good introduction to the city, why not join the Edinburgh Tour, a 1-hour guided tour on a double-decker bus covering the top attractions, or a guided walking tour of the Old Town. And of course there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy some warm Scottish hospitality—not to mention a taste of the local whisky. Spend the night in Edinburgh. Attractions: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh New Town

DAY 2 DAY 2: FISHING VILLAGES OF & ST. ANDREWS Start your drive today across the remarkable Forth Road Bridge to Fife and follow the scenic coastal route around the East Neuk. Take your time to visit the enchanting fishing villages of Anstruther, Elie and Pittenween before you reach St Andrews, regarded as the “home of golf”. You can also choose to take an alternative route to visit the delightful village of Falkland and its palace before arriving at St. Andrews. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the beautiful, historical city of St. Andrews, famous for its old ruins, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club that was founded in 1754 and the University of St Andrews, the oldest in Scotland dating to 1410. Spend the night in St. Andrews. Driving distance: 65 miles / 105 km Attractions: Forth Railway Bridge, St Andrews

1/4 DAY 3 DAY 3: INTO THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Head towards the majestic Highlands today. There are many notable highlights on your way, including the lovely village of , perched on the banks of the , and the 13th century Blair Castle in . Travelling through the National Park, another ideal stop is the Folk Museum in Newtonmore, where actors and restored buildings help bring highland history to life. If time allows, head to the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746— an event considered “the beginning of the end for the highlands.” There you can also visit Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones which pre-date Stonehenge by some 1,000 years. Spend the night in the Inverness area. Driving distance: 145 miles / 233 km Attractions: Blair Castle, Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre, Dunkeld, Highland Folk Museum, Inverness

DAY 4 DAY 4: INVERNESS, NESS & CASTLES Spend some time exploring Inverness, the “capital of the highlands” and its surroundings such as the Black Peninsula and , where dolphins can sometimes be spotted. Then get back on the road and head for , where you can visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to learn about the story of the lake and, of course, its notorious and elusive monster. If you want to go out searching for Nessie yourself, you can take an optional boat tour and visit the Urquhart Castle ruins on the shore. You can also opt to take a detour to view the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Spend the night in the Fort William / Loch Ness area. Driving distance: 65 miles / 104 km Attractions: Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle

2/4 DAY 5 DAY 5: THROUGH FAMOUS GLENS TO Head to “Rob Roy Country” today, which includes the and Loch Lomond area. This journey takes you past Scotland’s most famous , the magical , combining world-famous scenery and history. Other worthwhile sights include the grave of Rob Roy, the notorious outlaw and folk hero, at Balquidder and the beautiful Falls of Dochart in the village of . Alternately, you can choose to travel a longer scenic route with views of to the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen. It is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, with many cairns, standing stones, rock carvings, stone circles, forts and castles. You can also stop at the charming village of Inveraray on the shores of , where you have the opportunity to visit Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyl. Spend the night in the Loch Lomond / Trossachs National Park area. Driving distance via Glen Coe: 80 miles / 129 km Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen/Inveraray: 285 km / 177 miles Attractions: Glen Coe, Inveraray & Inveraray Castle, Kilmartin Glen, Loch Lomond

DAY 6 DAY 6: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO EDINBURGH It’s time to head back towards Edinburgh today. But first you can take some time to enjoy the beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area. Take a walk in to spot wildlife, enjoy an optional steam-ship tour on the tranquil lake , follow in the footsteps of Rob Roy or visit a local whisky distillery. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss the Doune Castle, featured in the classic film Monty Python & the Holy Grail and the Outlander TV series as “Castle Leoch.” Other great places to visit are Castle and the monument of William Wallace. Back in Edinburgh, return your rental car and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps with a fine dinner to top off your amazing journey. Spend the night in Edinburgh. Driving distance: 82 miles / 132 km Attractions: Doune Castle, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Stirling Castle, Trossachs National Park

3/4 DAY 7 DAY 7: DEPARTURE To get to Edinburgh Airport, you can take the Airport Express bus from Waverley Bridge or a taxi directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s museums or simply relax and take in the old world atmosphere of the city. If you wish to spend more time in Edinburgh or before or after the tour, ask your travel consultant about adding extra nights or services, such as private airport transfers. We can also extend your trip with other destinations in the Nordic region such as Iceland or Norway. Contact us for details about customizing your itinerary.

Whatever your needs, we are here to help. If you have any questions about our packages or services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nordic Visitor Tel: +354 578 20 80 [email protected] nordicvisitor.com

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