Scottish Kennel Club All Breed Show
Plus Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh Festival
August 23 – 31, 2009
A night in Glasgow, followed by four amazing days in the Scottish Highland, then off to Edinburgh, home of the world’s largest entertainment festival. With two wonderful days at the friendly Scottish Kennel Club Show where over 7,000 of Britain's finest dogs compete for challenge certificates, and you've got one of the most memorable trips of your life.
Here's what we've included :
Sunday, 23th August – Depart USA
Monday, 24th August - Arrival Glasgow
Arrive in
Glasgow Airport for transfer to your hotel, centrally located near
Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow's main pedestrian shopping thoroughfare. At 3:00
pm take a coach tour to see the main attractions of Glasgow including red
sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the
River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit extensive collections in
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901 and recently
refurbished. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a
welcome drink before dinner. (D)
Tuesday, 25th August - Loch Lomond Cruise & Glen Coe
Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views
of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. Pause at the quaint village of Luss
with charming cottages, which stretch to the lochside. At Tarbet embark on a
short cruise to appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of this famous loch
and admire panoramic views. Cross the mountain pass of "Rest and Be
Thankful" to the Georgian town of Inveraray, built between 1753 and 1776 by
the 3rd Duke of Argyll who decided to move the existing town to landscape
his splendid new castle properly. Then journey across mysterious Rannoch
Moor and through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells'
massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Arrive at Loch Linnhe, an inlet of
the sea, and check into your hotel in Ballachulish. (B, D)
Wednesday, 26th August - The Great Glen & Culloden
Battlefield
Drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern end of the famous
Loch Ness. Travel beside Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous
monster and enjoying the scenic views of Scotland's largest inland body of
water. Drive through Inverness, capital city of the Highlands, and on to
Culloden Moor to tour the Visitor Centre. Walk around the battlefield where,
on 16th April 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Prince
Charles Edward Stuart in just one hour and ended hopes of restoring the
Jacobite Stuarts to the British throne. The brutal measures imposed after
the battle signaled the end of the distinctive Highland way of life and
culture. Drive to Blairs on the outskirts of Aberdeen to your elegant 19th
century mansion in time for dinner. (B, D)
Thursday, 27th August - Crathes Castle & Afternoon Tea
Depart your hotel mid-morning to visit Crathes Castle, a
fairytale Renaissance castle completed in 1594 with a wealth of fine
furnishings. See the wonderful gardens before driving along the River Dee
Valley, favored by Queen Victoria and most of the Royal Family since her
era. Stop in the attractive town of Ballater where many shops show a royal
warrant, indicating patronage by the Royal Family. Near the village of
Banchory stop at the Falls of Feugh, a charming tea shop, which is popular
with people in the area. Sample afternoon tea with delicious freshly-baked
scones. Return to Blairs in time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B,
D)
Friday, 28th August – Glamis Castle and St. Andrews
Travel south through the lush countryside of Aberdeenshire to
visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of
"Macbeth" and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the
modern Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, the "Home of Golf." See the
famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free
time to visit the British Golf Museum or browse
through the medieval town with its cathedral and
castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. At this evening's
Scottish cabaret sample local specialties,
including haggis, and enjoy bagpipes, traditional
music, singing and dancing. (B, D)
Saturday 29th August - Working, Pastoral, Utility, Toy & Agility
Scottish Kennel Club
Dog Show.
Morning transfer
to Royal Highlands Show grounds with return after group judging.
Or, this morning discover Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. This evening,
Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Sunday
30th August - Gundog, Hound & Terrier
Scottish Kennel Club Dog Show.
Morning transfer to Royal Highlands Show grounds with return after group
judging. Or you are free to enjoy Festival activities or use your
independent Edinburgh open-top bus tour pass (valid for 24 hours) to travel
around Edinburgh's attractions. (B)
Monday, 31st August Transfer
from your hotel to Edinburgh Airport. A transfer to Glasgow Airport will be
provided on request at a cost of $75 per person. (B)
Total price: $1,999 per person, based on double occupancy. Transfer to Glasgow Airport from Edinburgh is available for $75 per person.
Discount airfares available.
Fresh Pond Travel Agency
365 Boston Post Road #241
Sudbury, MA 01776
Phone: 800/225-4897, or 508/624-0400
info@FreshPondTravel.com