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10-22 September, 2013
Presented by:
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Tuesday, Sep 10
th
Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland
(flight on your own contact Adventure Travel)
Wednesday, Sep 11th
Arrival into Edinburgh, Scotlands capital. Meet and greet and transfer to accommodations.
Afternoon at leisure to rest or explore the city on your own. This evening we will meet at our
accommodations and be transferred to The Prestonfield House Stables for a traditional Scottish
welcome evening. An unmissable evening of Scottish music, costume, bagpipes, fiddles and dance in
the magically historic setting of Prestonfield House. Enjoy exceptional entertainment with wine and
a gourmet dinner served by our kilted waiters, just moments from the Royal Mile.
Accommodations: Ibis Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh (B,D) (or similar)
Thursday, Sep12th
This morning after a traditional Scottish breakfast we will enjoy a half day guided city tour. Discover
why Edinburgh was named the Athens of the North, see the monument dedicated to Scotlands
National Bard and explore Calton Hill on the Edinburgh Tour. Listen to facts and stories about
historic Edinburgh and the characters that have helped shape the city as it stands today. Lunch on
your own today with the suggestion of the famous Deacon Brodys on the Royal Mile. This afternoon
is free to enjoy time spent at the K1 Yarns Knitting Boutique or shopping the many souvenir and
Tartan shops along the Royal Mile. K1 Yarns has been supplying beautiful and unusual yarns to
knitters and crocheters in Scotland since 2005. Owner, Katharine Walker, is a passionate knitter and
has an obsession with seeking out the most beautiful and unique yarns for knitters and crocheters
who crave something different.
Accommodations: Ibis Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh (B) (or similar)
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Friday, Sep 13
th
This morning we will board our coach bound for the Scottish Borders. Covering about eighteen
hundred square miles, the Scottish Borders stretches from the rolling hills and moorland in the west,
through gentler valleys to the high agricultural plains of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire
coastline with its secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages. Our first stop will be at Locharron
Woolen Mills in Selkirk for a privately guided tour. Lochcarron of Scotland, manufacturer of
prestigious woven fabrics, contemporary accessories & bespoke highlander wear, designed & made
in the Scottish Border towns of Selkirk, Hawick & Langholm. Established in 1947 by J Morris Buchan,
Lochcarron builds on over 60 years of tradition & craftsmanship and utilizes state of the art
technology to constantly supply high quality innovative textiles. Lunch will follow at the Clovenfords
Hotel (lunch on your own expense). The Clovenfords Hotel has all the character, warmth and friendly
charm you would expect from an 18th century coaching inn. Then on to the Borders Textile
Towerhouse in Hawick. Borders Textile Towerhouse tells the stories behind some of the worlds most
famous fashions. Discover the Scottish Borders proud industrial past in a lively hands-on exhibition
for all ages. Learn about the people, processes, craft and history behind the clothes we take forgranted. Explore tweed and knitwears exciting fashion future, in our ever-changing catwalk display.
Evening arrival will have us in Melrose for the next two nights.
Accommodations: The George and Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose (B)(or similar)Saturday, Sep 14
th
After breakfast at the G & A we will depart for the Twist glass studio located in Selkirk. Michael
James Hunter earned his title of master glass maker from a traditional style apprenticeship served at
Wedgwood glass, working in teams he has ascended from the most basic job in the hot house to a
master chairing his own team over an 11 year period. Michael is proud of his background which
makes him unique in the UK to have successfully made the cross over into contemporary studio glass.
We will have the opportunity to try our own hand at glass blowing. We will then drive the very
scenic and country road between Selkirk and Moffatt stopping by the magnificentGray Mares Tail,
one of the highest waterfalls in Scotland, in an area of geological interest. Our coach will then bring
us to the beautiful banks of Loch Mary for lunch at Tibbie Shiels. Set between two lochs surrounded
by breathtaking scenery Tibbie Shiels has long been a popular destination for all. Tibbie Shiels Inn
offers excellent local food and drink, and a very friendly atmosphere (lunch on your own expense).
The day continues into Moffatt for some free time to wander the many shops and quaint streets.
Meeting at the famous Black Bull in the afternoon our tour will then proceed to Lockerbie, the site of
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the gardens and memorial of the tragic Pan Am flight 103. Finally traveling through Gretna Green
we find our afternoon at Hadrians Wall with free time to explore and reflect the Scottish / English
tumultuous past.
Accommodations: The George and Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose (B or similar)
Sunday, Sep 15th
We bid farewell to the Borders region and travel north into the Trossachs region of Scotland. Our
first stop today will be in the historic town of Stirling at the Wallace Monument. Meet the real
Braveheart and see his awesome sword that saw action at Stirling Bridge. The true story of local
hero William Wallace is even more gripping than the Hollywood legend. Discover why other Scots
from Robert Bruce to Sir Walter Scott are honoured in The Hall of Heroes. We will then continue
into Stirlings historic path with a visit to the Old Town Jail. Lose your name and become a number
as you experience the chill oflife behind bars in Stirlings 19th century prison. Listen to the story of
the hangman, the reformer and the inmate told by an actor. Compare this experience with a day in
the life of a prisoner today before plotting your escape from the rooftop with views over the Old
Town. Our travels continue deep into the Trossachs to the charming town of Callander. Free time to
explore Callander for lunch before taking in a guided tour of the Rob Roy Visitors Center. Clan
leader, cattle trader, cattle thief, blackmailer - Rob Roy MacGregor has provoked powerful emotions
for more than three centuries. In The Visitor's Centre at the gateway to his beautiful Trossachs
homeland, you'll learn of the daring exploits which made him a hero to his own people - and
Scotland's most notorious outlaw. We will then depart for a country exploration of Balquhidder, the
final resting place of the rebel outlaw Rob Roy. We continue our journey north up the Scotch
Whiskey Heritage to Trail to our overnight accommodations in Ballater.
Accommodations: The Deeside Inn, Ballater (B or similar)
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Monday, Sep 16
th
This morning we will drive to Leault Farms to learn about the highland sheep dogs. During a working
demonstration amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, you will see up to eight dogs
working as a team maneuvering sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Every dog has its own
set of commands enabling visitors to see just how each of them responds to their individual whistles
and each move by the dogs is explained by their handler, Neil Ross. Meet the collie pups, bottle-feed
the orphan lambs and take part in shearing a sheep. We continue this afternoon to the town of
Glenlivet for a traditional pub lunch (lunch on your own expense). Glenlivet is situated in the very
heart of Malt Whisky country. It is the perfect place to discover the secrets and history of one of
Scotland's most famous exports. On this exclusive tour we take you on a journey following in the
footsteps of George Smith, founder of the distillery to find out what makes Glenlivet such an iconic
whisky following is a visit to our traditional dunnage warehouse, where you can sample a dram
straight from one of our selected aged casks. Continue this evening to Aberdeen, home of the
Grampian Guild for dinner and drinks with our Scottish stitchers.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express, Aberdeen (B,D)
Tuesday, Sep 17th
After breakfast your tour of the beautiful Scottish Highlands starts with a visit to Cawdor Castle,
famous for its associations with Shakespeares Macbeth, who was promised the Thanedom of
Cawdor by the witches. Then to the battlefields of Culloden, where in 1746 the Jacobite cause, with
Bonnie Prince Charlies leadership, perished. Since the mid-nineteenth century the battlefield has
been a place of pilgrimage for people from Scotland and throughout the world. We will then
continue our journey to the banks of Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit for lunch (lunch on your own
expense). This afternoon finds us departing the highlands on a flight departure from Inverness at
5:30pm, arriving into Kirkwall, Orkney Islands at 6:15pm and transfer to our hotel.
Accommodations: The Ayre Hotel, Viking Kirkwall (B)
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Wednesday, Sep 18
th
This morning finds us in the company of Ms Elizabeth Lovick, an avid fiber arts historian. She was
taught to knit by her Cornish grandmother when very young. From her home on the shore of Scapa
Flow in Orkney, Scotland, she teaches, designs and knits, specializing in bringing the old gansey, Fair
Isle and Shetland lace patterns to a new audience. After our pub lunch (lunch on your own expense)
we will explore the Churchill Barriers, built as part of naval defense to protect anchorage at Scapa
Flow during World War II. Visit the ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Visit
Skara Brae and walk through the remains of the famous Neolithic village. See the pre-historic Ring
of Brodgar back en route to Viking Kirkwall.
Accommodations: The Ayre Hotel, Viking Kirkwall (B)
Thursday, Sep 19th
Today we will bid farewell to the Orkney Islands and fly to the Shetland Islands, departing from
Kirkwall at 10:55am arriving Sumburgh, Shetland at 11:30am. Our first stop today will be at Jarlshof,
one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Europe with the remains of three extensive village
settlements occupied from the Bronze Age to the Viking times. We continue our drive northward to
Lerwick stopping for lunch along the route (lunch on your own expense). This afternoon we will
travel to Sandness on the western shores of the island to visit Jamiesons Woolen Mill for a behindthe scene tour of the factory. Jamiesons is a family owned business, which has specialized in wool
from the native Shetland sheep for 5 generations.
Accommodations: TBD, Lerwick (B)
Friday, Sep 20th
This morning we will visit the Shetland Textile Museum. The museum is a community museum in
Shetlandthe only one of its kind dedicated to the islands textile heritage. Housed at the Bd of
Gremista on Lerwicks waterfront, the collection comprises over 500 knitted and woven items dating
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from the nineteenth century to the present day. Temporary exhibitions show pieces from new
designers, and regular demonstrations of spinning and knitting make the STM a vibrant centre of
Shetlands textile culture and heritage.After lunch at Frankies Fish and Chips (lunch on your own
expense) we are off to Shetland Arts and Crafts for a Fair Isle Knitting Workshop. Inspired by
Shetland's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture, Shetland Arts and Crafts producers offer a unique
range of woodcraft, knitwear and textiles, fancy goods, fashion and home accessories, gifts, and fine
art.
Accommodations: TBD, Lerwick (B)
Saturday, Sep 21st
This morning we bid goodbye to the Fair Isle. Our flight will depart from Sumburgh at 11:50 am
arriving into Edinburgh at 1:15pm. Our destination this afternoon will on the outskirts of Edinburgh
at Dalhousie Castle, a magnificent 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the
picturesque banks of the River Esk. From the moment you arrive at Dalhousie Castle, one of the
finest luxury hotels in Scotland, a warm Scottish welcome awaits. This afternoon we will enjoy a 2
hour ultimate Falconry experience on the grounds of Dalhousie. Enjoy one of the gentle owls gliding
into your gloved hand before delicately alighting. Although the owls are amongst our most friendly
and tactile birds, they are incredible hunters and will amaze you with their senses and silent flight. Awalk around the grounds with one of our Harris Hawks will allow it to demonstrate its speed, agility
and intelligence, as well as a very personable, mischievous streak! Observe the confidence and skill
of one of the Buzzards as they use their broad wings to glide effortlessly to your glove. You will also
have the opportunity to meet and handle one of our eagles in an encounter thats sure to be
memorable. Our farewell dinner tonight will be in The Dungeon Restaurant. The ancient barrel-
vaulted dungeons provide an unusual setting to enjoy the fine, traditional Scottish cuisine.
Accommodations: Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg (B,D)
Sunday, Sep 22nd
Early morning transfer to the Edinburgh airport for your flight back to the US.
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Total tour cost is $4,585.00
Prices per person based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement of $1200 per person, only one allotment for every 5 twins
These prices include:
Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis in standard rooms in the following hotels or similar: Ibis Edinburgh Centre. 3* -http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtml
The George and Abbotsford hotel, Melrose. 3* -http://www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk/
The Deeside Inn Hotel, Ballater. 3* -http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/deeside_inn/
Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen. 3* -http://www.hieaberdeen.co.uk/
The Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall. 3* -http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/
Hotel TBA in Lerwick. 3*
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh. 3* (superior rooms). -http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/
25 seat executivecoach covering the following services:
Transfer In from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh Hotel
Evening Transfer for Scottish evening
Half Day Edinburgh City Tour (max. 4 hours)
5 days touring (max. 8 hours)
Transfer from Kirkwall airport to Kirkwall hotel
Full Day touring in Kirkwall (max. 8 hours)
Transfer from Kirkwall Hotel to Kirkwall Airport
Transfer In and Full Day touring in Shetland
Full Day Touring in Shetland
Transfer Out from Lerwick hotel to Sumburgh Airport
Transfer In from Edinburgh Airport to Dalhousie Castle
Transfer Out from Dalhousie Castle to Edinburgh Airport
All Internal Airfare
English Speaking assistance to meet and greet the group upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport. Entrance fee to: Locharron Woolen Mills, Wallace Monument, Old Town Jail, Rob Roy Visitor Centre,
Glenlivet Distillery, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Skara Brae, Jarlshof, Shetland Textile Museumand Falconry display in Dalhousie Castle.
*Remark - The rest of the visits that are not mentioned above have been taken into account forthe itinerary but they are free of charge. That is why they are not mentioned in the entrance feesection.
Dinners: Prestonfield House Stables (Scottish Evening) and Dalhousie Castle (Dungeon Restaurant). *Remark - The Scottish Evening includes show, 3 course dinner and bottle of wine per person.The Dinner at the Dungeon Restaurant includes 3 course dinner only. Drinks are not included.
Porterage in the hotels based on 1 bag per person.
http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtmlhttp://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtmlhttp://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtmlhttp://www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk/http://www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk/http://www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk/http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/deeside_inn/http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/deeside_inn/http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/deeside_inn/http://www.hieaberdeen.co.uk/http://www.hieaberdeen.co.uk/http://www.hieaberdeen.co.uk/http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk/http://www.hieaberdeen.co.uk/http://www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/deeside_inn/http://www.georgeandabbotsford.co.uk/http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-2039-ibis-edinburgh-centre/index.shtml7/29/2019 Weaving through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland
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Prices do not include:
Lunches. Dinners in hotels (apart from the Dungeon Restaurant in Dalhousie Castle) Gratuities. Any other services not previously mentioned.
As a fiber artist, seasoned world traveler, and professional tour guide, Eleanor
Morgan is uniquely qualified to guide you on this fiber arts tour of the Scottish
Highlands and Islands.