per person based on double occupancy
Join us as we explore the inspiring history, exuberant culture and fascinating sites of Scotland. From windswept highlands to serene islands, home to revered castles and iconic towns, Scotland is a vibrant country overflowing with rich traditions, natural beauty and welcoming hospitality.
– Visit a local distillery to learn about whisky making from professionally trained guides followed by a tasting of their creations.
– Explore impressive Stirling Castle, situated on a volcanic outcrop on the River Forth, and hear of the castle's turbulent history.
– Stroll the ruins of Urquhart Castle, an iconic structure rich with over 1,000 years of dramatic history.
– See Culloden Battlefield, which was the site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rising.
– Experience a special welcoming followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at breathtaking Glamis Castle.
– Embrace the charming town of St. Andrews—home to Scotland's oldest and most prestigious university and the birthplace of golf, first played 600 years ago.
– Witness the impressive showcase of military pipes and drums, Highland dancers and marching formations of the celebrated Edinburgh Tattoo.
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Day 2: Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland
Day 3: Glasgow | New Lanark | Glasgow
Day 4: Glasgow | Stirling | Glencoe
Day 5: Glencoe | The Scottish Highlands
Day 6: Loch Ness | Inverness
Day 7: Inverness | Aberdeen
Day 8: Aberdeen | St. Andrews | Edinburgh
Day 9: Edinburgh
Day 10: Edinburgh | Depart for U.S.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Day 2: Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland
Sunday, August 10, 2025 (D)
Upon arrival to Glasgow Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Tonight's highlight includes a proper Scottish welcome dinner and private after-hours tour at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Gather with fellow travel companions for convivial conversation during this delightful dining experience.
Day 3: Glasgow | New Lanark | Glasgow
Monday, August 11, 2025 (B,L)
Following a hearty Scottish breakfast take a guided tour of New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This award-winning attraction, situated in a picturesque village near the Falls of Clyde, brings a socially progressive story to life through an amazing set of beautifully restored buildings. Learn about life in the village throughout the years and the visionary ideals that inspired its Utopian foundation.
Stop by New Lanark Mill Hotel for a traditional afternoon tea featuring a selection of finger sandwiches and scones with homemade preserves.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore Glasgow at leisure.
Day 4: Glasgow | Stirling | Glencoe
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 (B,D)
This morning journey north to Stirling—where the Lowlands meet the Highlands—for a self-guided tour of stately Stirling Castle and its lovely gardens. Known as one of Scotland’s grandest castles, it looms over many of the most important battlefields in Scottish history. View Stirling Bridge—the site of William Wallace's victory over the English in 1297. See Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the same adversary in 1314.
In the village of Killin, stop at family-owned Falls of Dochart Smokehouse. Meet the proprietors and learn about their guiding principles: "to produce and to serve the finest whisky smoked salmon." Hear about the smoking process and the importance of salmon in local traditions followed by a whisky tasting with salmon canapés.
Continue to Glencoe National Nature Reserve for free time to admire the area's striking landscapes. Glencoe is not only a place of natural beauty but also of great historical and cultural importance, the most notable being the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 where members of the MacDonald clan were killed by government forces. This tragic event is a significant part of Scottish history and is remembered and commemorated in the region. Gain insight into Glencoe's dramatic past and connect with nature while exploring the many footpaths.
Arriving to the hotel, take time to refresh and unpack, and perhaps stroll the beautiful hotel grounds before rejoining the group for dinner.
Day 5: Glencoe | The Scottish Highlands
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (B,D)
Today visit Inverarary Castle located on the western edge of Loch Fyne in Argyll. Its gardens include approximately two acres of formal lawns and a stunning collection of flowers. The castle is a magnificent, towered mansion and the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. The structure houses many interesting and lavishly decorated rooms, with collections of tapestries and paintings, and superb displays of weapons. Rob Roy MacGregor’s sporran and dirk handle are on display.
Stop in the charming village of Luss for a brief walk, admiring its quaint slate cottages and panoramic views of Loch Lomond.
Continue to Loch Lomond for a relaxing boat cruise, taking advantage of opportunities to spot for local wildlife and photograph the stunning homes and castles dotting the shoreline.
Conclude the exciting day with a lovely dinner at the hotel followed by a restful evening.
Day 6: Loch Ness | Inverness
Thursday, August 14, 2025 (B,D)
After breakfast head north to the Commando Memorial, which was unveiled in 1952 to honor the British Commandos who trained in the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands during World War II. These soldiers were part of elite units formed in 1940 to conduct highly specialized and often dangerous operations against Axis forces in Europe and beyond. Admire the bronze statues and stroll through the gardens adjacent to the memorial.
Continue farther north to famous Loch Ness for a tour of Urquhart Castle. Once regarded as one of the greatest in all of the Highlands, Urquhart Castle bore witness to some of Scotland’s most dramatic historical moments. Control over the medieval fortress passed back and forth between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Independence. As those forces departed, the last government troops who occupied the castle destroyed it during the Jacobite Risings, leaving behind the ruins that stand today. Peer into medieval life—learning of the area's history from nearly 1,000 years ago—while observing a full-size trebuchet and a prison cell that is thought to have held the Gaelic bard, Dòmhnall Donn.
Next embark upon a narrated cruise along the mysterious waters of Loch Ness—a body of water so deep it holds more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
Later arrive to the idyllic city of Inverness on Scotland’s northeast coast for brief leisure time in town. Many know Inverness as the capital of the Highlands, though it doesn't officially hold this title. Inverness has only been considered a city since 2000.
Day 7: Inverness | Aberdeen
Friday, August 15, 2025 (B,L,D)
This morning see Culloden Battlefield—the site of the final Jacobite Rising. One of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history, the Battle of Culloden only lasted an hour but would change Scotland and Highland culture forever. Inside the Culloden Visitor Centre, learn more about the conflict from both sides through interactive displays and artifacts before walking the actual battlefield. Reflect on this rebellious event while viewing the headstones of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause.
Following lunch stop at Clava Cairns, an exceptionally well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex that offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric burial practices. Excavations and studies have revealed the sophisticated construction methods used to build the cairns, including careful alignment of stones and passages highlighting the advanced skills of the ancient builders.
Next visit a Scottish distillery for an informative tour and tasting. Later retreat to the hotel for dinner.
Day 8: Aberdeen | St. Andrews | Edinburgh
Saturday, August 16, 2025 (B)
Today visit Glamis Castle—a living, breathing monument to Scottish heritage—for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. First enjoy welcome refreshments in the castle's 16th-century kitchen. Your guide will escort you through this stunning architectural treasure highlighting remarkable paintings and unique furniture pieces. This castle was gifted by Robert the Bruce to the Bowes-Lyon family in 1372 and was originally a royal hunting lodge. It's perhaps best known as the childhood home of the Queen Mother, the birthplace of Princess Margaret, and the setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The estate comprises more than 13,500 acres and is accompanied by mysterious and ghostly lore including tales of secret chambers.
Later, at pastoral St. Andrews, drive by the Old Course and explore local cafés and boutique shops during leisure time. Admire the medieval architecture of the university and marvel at the perfectly manicured golf courses here, at what is considered to be the birthplace of golf. Gazing towards the water, notice an iconic piece of Scottish landscape—the West Sands—famous for the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire
This evening prepare for an unforgettable performance of the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo—as the sun sets against the backdrop of Edinburgh's grand castle. This event celebrates the skills of military bands and display teams from the British Armed Forces, the Commonwealth, and military teams throughout the world. Flaming torches, flying flags, an impressive light display, dancing, colorful uniforms and intricate marching formations complete the emotionally stirring pageantry. Be sure to dress in layers for the outdoors as the seating in the esplanade is uncovered.
Day 9: Edinburgh
Sunday, August 17, 2025 (B,D)
After breakfast join a guided panoramic city tour of Edinburgh—Scotland's beloved capital since the 15th century—through its Old and New Towns. This UNESCO World Heritage Site teems with remarkable architecture, medieval fixtures and Georgian-inspired buildings, all converging at Princes Street with a unique view of Edinburgh Castle.
Then visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the previous residence of Mary, Queen of Scots—that was founded as a monastery in 1128. This property once hosted other royalty including the Bonnie Prince Charlie and the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II. Tour the 14 historic state apartments and imagine life of yesteryear while marveling at the intricate drapery, old wood paneling and ornately designed ceilings. The Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Behold the natural beauty of the palace gardens' rolling lush green pastures, vibrant flowers and Wentworth Elm trees, which were previously thought to have been extinct.
Enjoy free time to shop and sightsee before this grand adventure concludes with a special farewell dinner to reminisce over the past week's adventures and bid soraidh ("farewell" in Gaelic) to Scotland.
Day 10: Edinburgh | Depart for U.S.
Monday, August 18, 2025 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Edinburgh Airport for flights home.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Double: | $6,495 |
| Single: | $8,995 |
Special group rates; limited offer. Rates are per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.
Join this enchanting escape to the heart of England—a journey that weaves together colorful culture, timeless elegance and idyllic charm. From Bristol’s eclectic street art scene and Bath's ancient Roman relics to the Cotswolds' picturesque villages, discover a captivating blend of urban excitement, historic grandeur and bucolic tranquility.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Day +2: Arrive in London, England | Bristol
Thursday, August 7, 2025 (D)
Upon arrival to Heathrow Airport transfer to Paddington Station for the train ride to Bristol.
Nestled beside the River Avon, this vibrant city in the southwest of England offers a compelling blend of rich history and cutting-edge culture. Its historic harborside, once a bustling port, now buzzes with life featuring a variety of museums, galleries and waterside eateries. The M Shed museum vividly recounts the city’s storied past while the Arnolfini Gallery showcases contemporary art in a stunning harborside setting.
Enjoy time to explore the city at leisure.
Later experience an unforgettable three-course dinner at The Ivy Clifton situated within a beautifully restored Georgian building. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu that blends classic British dishes with international influences. Seasonal ingredients and local produce are frequently highlighted, ensuring freshness and quality.
Day +3: Bristol | Bath
Friday, August 8, 2025 (B,L)
After breakfast set out for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge for photography opportunities. This 19th-century marvel arches gracefully over the Avon Gorge. Stroll across the pedestrian walkway to admire the stunning panoramic views from both sides.
Continue to the town of Cheddar for a tasty treat—a visit and self-guided tour at Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, the makers of authentic cheddar cheese since 2003. Browse through the shop's shelves of delicious cheese varieties plus locally made preserves, pickles and chutneys. Stop by the counter to sample a few flavors before finding the perfect treat for yourself.
Enjoy the scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage city Bath for an evening visit to the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Dating back to around 70 AD, the Romans constructed this complex around natural hot springs that bubble up from the earth at around 115°F. This site became a sophisticated bathing and socializing complex known as Aquae Sulis, named after the Celtic goddess Sulis, whom the Romans identified with their own goddess Minerva. Exploring the grounds by flashlight adds a magical ambiance to the experience.
Day +4: The Cotswolds
Saturday, August 9, 2025 (B)
Following breakfast head north to explore the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in south-central England renowned for its quintessential English charm, honey-colored limestone cottages and undulating terrain. Spanning six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset), the Cotswolds covers nearly 800 square miles.
Visit The Cotswolds Baking Workshop for a private, hands-on baking class with its founder, Susie Whitfield, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Culinary Genius USA in 2017. Using local ingredients, learn traditional techniques and advanced tips for baking delicious English sweets.
Next enjoy a tour and tasting at Cotswolds Distillery—the first ever full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds. Begin with a brief video to hear of the distillery's inception and traditional production methods before touring the rehabilitated barn where the award-winning spirits are crafted. Pass through the cask warehouse before gathering in the cozy tasting room to sample a range of gin, whiskies and liqueurs each highlighting Cotswolds-grown ingredients including barley and lavender.
Day +5: Bristol | Train to Glasgow | Main Program Begins
Sunday, August 10, 2025 (B)
After breakfast take the complimentary group transfer to Bristol Temple Meads for the train journey to Glasgow, Scotland, to join guests for the main program.
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Double: | $2,195 |
| Single: | $2,995 |
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Rail transportation from London to Bristol and from Bristol to Glasgow for the main program is included. Airfare not included.
Nestled on Scotland's dramatic eastern coast, St. Andrews is a captivating blend of medieval history, stunning coastal scenery and world-famous golf heritage. Known as the birthplace of golf, this charming university town invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of champions at the iconic Old Course and explore its cobbled streets lined with colorful shops and restaurants. Golf enthusiasts may choose to play a round on St. Andrews’ Duke’s course (additional fee), highly regarded as one of the finest championship courses in the British Isles.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 10: Edinburgh | St. Andrews
Monday, August 18, 2025 (L)
En route to St. Andrews visit the Falkirk Wheel—an exceptional feat of modern engineering and an inspirational work of art. Designed to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, this elegant mechanical marvel is the only rotating boat lift in the world. Boats entering the Wheel's upper gondola are lowered, along with the water in which they float, to the basin below. At the same time, an equal weight rises up, lifted in the other gondola. Enjoy "The Falkirk Wheel Experience" aboard special "trip" boats at the site. The distinctive new visitor center gives an absolutely sensational viewpoint from which to see things in action.
Continue to St. Andrews—the Home of Golf—and enjoy lunch at a local pub/restaurant. Afterward walk the legendary Old Course. A bucket list pilgrimage site for golf lovers, follow in the footsteps of legends and experience why pro golfer Jack Nicklaus said, "I fell in love with it the first day I played it. There's just no other golf course that is even remotely close."
The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.
Day 11: St. Andrews
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (B,D)
After breakfast enjoy St. Andrews independently or join the optional Golf Tee Time excursion available for purchase.
Golf Tee Time ($365 per person):
Play a round on St. Andrews' The Duke's course, highly regarded as one of the finest championship courses in the British Isles and a must-play course for any golfer. With five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke's course appeals to golfers of any skill level. Package includes greens fee, golf cart, rental clubs, and roundtrip transfers between the hotel and course. Tee times and the course are subject to availability at time of booking.
This afternoon experience an award-winning traditional tea with desserts at the Old Course Hotel featuring a delicious selection of delicate pastries and cakes, including homemade scones as well as strawberry and pink champagne preserves.
Day 12: St. Andrews | Edinburgh | Depart for U.S.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Edinburgh Airport for flights home.
Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Double: | $1,695 |
| Single: | $2,195 |
The VCU Alumni Adventures strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect against last-minute trip cancellation and other travel-related risks. While travel insurance may be purchased from any vendor, we have partnered with USI to offer travel insurance at a discount for VCU alumni. For additional information, call 866-679-7836 or visit: https://select.travelinsure.com/?pcode=32977
Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.
Every departure is accompanied by one of our premier Travel Directors, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience as guides.
Enriched by their accompaniment and enthusiasm, enjoy the cultures and locations you explore with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation.
Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.
NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.
If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.
Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to follow a guide through paved and unpaved streets of even and uneven terrain at an average pace for two hours. Guests should have the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Due to the nature of some structures, handrails may not be present, and facilities for people with disabilities may be limited. Participation in itinerary activities is up to the individual.
Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.
A visa is not required.
A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.
Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.
Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.
Should you need the assistance of a visa specialist, we recommend using G3 Global Services. Along with the cost of the visa, a fee is charged for their service. Learn more here.
The pound sterling (GBP) is the United Kingdom's legal currency. The pound coin series is comprised of eight different denominations: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and £2. The pound banknote series is comprised of five different denominations: £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100.
We recommend securing GBP currency in the U.S. prior to departure. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.
ATMs are available at the destination airport but otherwise may not be readily accessible during the program. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country. Carry some local currency to cover purchases with merchants who may not accept credit cards.
Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency. Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate, and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.
Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.
For the optional pre-tour, the euro (EUR) is Ireland's legal currency. The euro coin series is comprised of eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. The euro banknote series is comprised of seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. We recommend securing euros in the U.S. prior to departure. Also, major credit cards are widely accepted.
Summer temperatures in Scotland range from lows between 47-52 °F to highs between 54-70 °F. The average humidity ranges between 75-90%. The days tend to be mostly cloudy with some sunbursts.
Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.
Scotland uses Type G electrical outlets—three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern—on a 230V system.
North American 110V or 120V appliances require a converter to operate on a 230V system. Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage.
While cellular service is available throughout the United Kingdom (though unreliable in more remote areas) your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at various properties throughout the tour.
Porterage for one piece of luggage is included in the program price. We recommend limiting luggage to one medium-sized piece and one small carry-on per person.
Warm, casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for this program. It's recommended to dress according to the day's activities. Weather will vary based on location; prepare for a range of temperatures.
We recommend you dress in layers to help transition between the chilly outdoors and warmer, heated spaces.
Also consider packing:
A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.
The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.
To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.
Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.
Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.
To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:
Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370
To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.
To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.
Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.
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