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Day 1, June 8, 2008: Departure
Depart your gateway for Glasgow, Scotland, aboard British Airways or similar
carrier. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only.)
Day 2, June 9, 2008: Oban
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to Oban and the Oban Caledonian Hotel. (Transfer
provided for air-inclusive passengers only.)
Afternoon tea is served at the hotel.
In the evening, join fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception with a performance
by a bagpiper and Highland dancers. Dinner follows with a traditional Haggis
Ceremony.
Day 3, June 10, 2008: Oban
Excursion: Isle of Mull. Travel by ferry to the Isle of Mull where your first
glimpse of Duart Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, will be from
the water. Take a tour of the 13th-century fortress.
Continue to Tobermory, a picturesque and lively fishing village.
Educational Focus: History of the Highlands.
After the discussion, spend the afternoon exploring Mull. Admission to the Mull
Museum is included, so you may wander through the exhibits at your leisure.
Tonight try a hearty Highland dinner and watch a folkloric performance in Oban.
Day 4, June 11, 2008: Oban
Excursion: Isle of Skye. Travel along the southwestern shore of Loch Ness and
stop at the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. Cross the Skye Bridge to the island
and visit the award-winning Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to learn about
ancient Gaelic life. Return by ferry to Mallaig and continue your drive through
the scenic highlands.
Educational Focus: Clans and Clearances.
Day 5, June 12, 2008: Oban
Educational Focus: The Art of Being Scottish - Kilts, Tartans and Pipes
Independent Exploration: The rest of the morning is yours to explore Oban.
Excursion: The Slate Islands. Cross the 200-year-old humpback Bridge over the
Atlantic to the Isle of Seil. Then take a short ferry ride to Easdale Island,
a charming island where cars are not allowed. Visit the Folk Museum that replicates
a 19th-century quarrier's cottage.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 6, June 13, 2008: Stirling
Excursion: Loch Lomond and the Pathways of Rob Roy MacGregor. Depart Oban for
Stirling veia The Trossachs National Park where you will see the beautiful Loch
Lomond. The park visitor center has much information about The Trossachs, including
Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
Excurions: Stirling. Discover the highlights of Stirling, including the spectacular
castle and the monument to William Wallace.
Day 7, June 14, 2008: Stirling
Excursion: St. Andrews and Dundee. This full-day excursion takes you to St. Andews,
home of Scotland's oldest university and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St.
Andrews. Though in ruins, the cathedral and castle here are still impressive.
Dundee is an important port city and home to the Antartic research ship Discovery.
Day 8, June 15, 2008: Stirling
Educational Focus: Contemporary Scotland.
Excursion: Edinburgh. Explore on of Europe's most distinguished capitals. Strol
the Royal Mile, Old Town and High Street. Tour the Royal Park of Holyrood, the
Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Castle.
Day 9, June 16, 2008: Stirling
The day is free for your individual interests.
This evening, attend a Graduation Ceremony, Farewell Reception followed by dinner
featuring a Scottish sing-along.
Day 10, June 17, 2008: Departure
Depart for the Glasgow airport for your return flight. (Provided for air-inclusive
participants only.)
Note: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions
in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions
are located in areas not closely accessible by motorcoach.
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