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DATES
June 15-24, 2008
COSTS
$1995 + RT International Air
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Light to Medium
TRIP SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATIONS
& TRANSPORTATION
RECOMMENDED READING
TRAVEL INSURANCE
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
GAUCHO GETAWAYS
PH: 805.893.4775
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Itinerary

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.

Exclusive Highlights

* Participate in a comprehensive exploration of Scotland, including the historic Lowlands, the scenic Highlands and the spectacular Isle of Skye.
* Enjoy fine accommodations in Oban and Stirling.
* Admire two of Scotland's most famous Highland lakes: tranquil Loch Lomond and mysterious Loch Ness.
* See four of Scotland's most fabled castles: Stirling Castle, Donan Castle, Duart Castle and Edinburgh Castle.
* Visit St. Andrews, internationally renowned as the Home of Golf.
* See four of the most charming Scottish isles: Skye, Mull, Seil and Easdale.

Included Features

* Round-trip schedules jet service to and from Glasgow, Scotland.*
* Motorcoach transfers, round-trip, between the Glasgow airport and the hotels, including baggage handling.*
* Four nights in Oban, Scotland at the First-Class Oban Caledonian Hotel.
* Four nights in Stirling, Scotland at the First-Class Stirling Highland Hotel.
* An extensive meal plan, including a breakfast buffet daily, four two-course lunches and seven three-course dinners. Enjoy tea or coffee with all meals. Take advantage of opportunities to sample the local cuisine at your leisure.
* Some meals are served at local restaurants and feature a culinary experience of authentic regional specialties.
* A Welcome Tea and Reception at the hotel.
* A Graduation Ceremony, Farewell Reception and Dinner.
* Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.
* All excursions included.
* Consultation services of Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
* Services of a professional Campus Director and Expert English-speaking Local Guides throughout your stay.
* Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.
* Deluxe travel wallet.
* All domestic and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees.*
* Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI International, subject to policy terms.*

*Provided for air-inclusive participants only.

Accommodations


Oban Caledonian Hotel

The four-star Oban Caledonian Hotel is in the center of Oban. Built about 1880, it is situated on the waterfront and boasts views of the harbor and the islands off Scotland's West Coast. The Caledonian is centrally located, the perfect place to launch your Scottish adventure. Enjoy the famous Highland hospitality in this family-owned hotel. The 59 recently refurbished rooms are well-appointed, decorated in either a rich colonial or crisp, nautical theme.

Stirling Highland Hotel

The Stirling Highland Hotel is in the heart of Stirling, only 500 yards from the famous castle, the Old Town Jain and the city's other highlights. This former high school has been meticulously refurbished to create a superb hotel which retains many of the original features of the property while offering all the modern comforts. The hotel has a leisure and wellness center where you can swim, take in a workout or even schedule a massage or other beauty treatment. Best of all, enjoy excellent service and friendly Highland hospitality during your stay.