BEST OF SCOTLAND & WALES in 11 days 

DAY 1: Welcome to Edinburgh – Let’s plan to meet at 2:00 p.m. in our hotel lobby for introductions and a warm welcome. Then, enjoy an orientation walk around the famous Royal Mile. You will receive a Hop-On-Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus Pass, providing transportation and a comprehensive open-top bus tour of Edinburgh. Later, we will meet for a group dinner to get to know one another.  Walking: moderate. Sleep for 2 nights in Edinburgh. Dinner.

DAY 2: Edinburgh -Today, we will see the best of Edinburgh on foot by strolling the Royal Mile, featuring its historic buildings, narrow alleys, and hidden courtyards.  Then, let's visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, the “birthplace” of the city, which affords spectacular views and vistas. The remainder of the day is totally yours to explore more of Edinburgh on your own.  Perhaps you’ll want to visit the National Museum of Scotland, visit Holyrood Palace, hike up Carlton Hill or Arthur’s Seat, enjoy “high tea” in a cafe or do some shopping on the Royal Mile or in the new town. The possibilities are endless. Walking: moderate.

DAY 3: Culross, St. Andrews, and the Countryside —Today, cross the famous Firth of Forth and visit the tiny burg of Culross.  Enjoy poking around the burg’s gardens, shops, and a small “palace” manor house.  Later, we’ll travel through the Kingdom of Fife to St. Andrews, the home of golf and the famous Old Course.  St. Andrews is equally important for its medieval town and cathedral.  After lunch, enjoy a ride across some of the most scenic mountains in Scotland on our way to the Highlands.  We’ll set up for the evening in a little village where you can enjoy dinner and lots of peace and quiet.  Driving: 4 hours. Walking: moderate. Sleep 1 night in the Scottish Highlands. Dinner.

DAY 4: The Highlands – We will begin with a tour of the haunting Culloden Battlefield, where in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite supporters were wiped out, ending years of rebellion against the British.  Driving: 5 hours. Walking: moderate. Sleep 1 night in or near Inverness.

 DAY 5: The Highlands and Oban -Experience the wild, rugged beauty of Loch Ness on a panoramic boat cruise followed by a visit to Urquhart Castle.  Later, we will head to the western coastal town of Oban. Enjoy a group dinner featuring fresh-caught seafood and a quiet evening in town.  Driving: 5 hours.  Walking: Light. Sleep for 2 nights in Oban.  Dinner.

 DAY 6: The Hebrides Isles —Today, we will board the ferry to the Isle of Mull and eventually Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Here, you will have several hours to experience the 800-year-old abbey where the Book of Kells was written and fabricated by the local monks.  Enjoy some time on your own to experience the island.  Finally, return to Oban for an event-free evening and a chance to kick up your heels at a local pub. Boat: 3 hours. Driving: 2 hours.  Walking: Moderate to Light. 

 DAY 7: Loch Lomond and England —Following breakfast, we will take ta drive down to Lake District National Park in England.  Here, enjoy a short orientation of our peaceful little village and plenty of time to wander, take a walk or relax. Sleep for 1 night in the Lake District. Driving: 5 hours. Walking: Light.

DAY 8:  Northern Wales – After breakfast, we will drive into Northern Wales and set up in our home village.  Enjoy an orientation walking tour and a visit to the local castle.  We will meet later for dinner at a favorite restaurant. Driving: 4 hours. Walking: Light. Sleep for 3 nights in North Wales. Dinner.

DAY 9: Sights and Attractions to the south of Conwy – We will begin by visiting the colorful Bodnant Gardens (weather permitting) where you can spend several hours enjoying flora and fauna, walking the miles of trails, and relaxing. Next, we will visit a working woolen mill in the village of Trefriw, where you’ll learn how raw wool is transformed into fabric.  We will end our day in the delightful village of Betws-y-Coed, a picture-perfect setting with lots of shops, waterfalls, wooded paths, and cafes. Then, it is back to our home base for a free evening.  Driving: 4 hours.  Walking: moderate.

DAY 10: Trains, Slate Mines, and Castles – This morning, we will hop on an old-fashioned train powered by a steam locomotive to explore Snowdonia National Park.  We will finish up our sightseeing with a visit to a slate mine near the village of Blaenau Ffestiniog.  After a busy day, you’ll enjoy our grand farewell dinner to cap off your Celtic tour experience.  Train: 2.5 hours. Driving:2 hours. Walking: Moderate. Dinner.

DAY 11: Heading Home – After breakfast, we will get you to the local train station or Manchester airport.  

 Itinerary specifics are subject to change.

Transportation is provided by minibus or motorcoach from your first hotel in Edinburgh to either the local train station or airport in North Wales.

Hand-picked accommodations in centrally located hotels, guesthouses, and B&B’s. All meeting David’s highest standards of quality.  All rooms have private en-suite bathes.

All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurant, and hotel staff.

Guaranteed Small Group consisting of 6-18 travelers.

All breakfasts and five dinners as noted in the itinerary. 

Traditional dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. Eating well is a priority and you’ll enjoy fine regional fare featuring the best the locale has to offer.

Water is included with all meals. You are responsible for the cost of any additional drinks at all group dinners and while dining on your own.

Tours and admissions to the following attractions, experiences, and sights: Edinburgh walking tour, Edinburgh Castle admission and guided tour, Edinburgh Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour, walking tour of Culross and manor house entrance, orientation walk at St. Andrews, Culloden Battlefield admission, and audio-guided tour, Loch Ness panoramic cruise, Oban orientation stroll, Isle of Mull and Iona cruise and coach/walking tour, orientation and driving tour in the Lake District, North Wales village walking tour, a North Wales castle entrance, Bodnant Gardens (weather permitting), Trefriw Woolen Mills, Blaenau Ffestiniog Slate Mine (weather permitting), scenic steam train ride in Northern Wales, and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change). 

A full-time Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of the tour destinations.

David’s tour handouts are delivered electronically and detail each day’s historical and cultural experiences.

Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.

Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee, once locked in, will never change.

$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.

Anything not listed above in the "inclusions" area is not included in the cost of your tour.

See our complete Terms and Conditions here.

See our complete Terms and Conditions here.