Tour Overview
Like single malt, Scotland is a connoisseur’s delight- a land of salt-tangled sea air, peaty waters and a rich, multi-layered history that reveals its true depth and complex flavors to those who savor it slowly. Come and explore Scotland on this 8-day golf holiday. Begin in Edinburgh with a privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. Continue on to St. Andrews, known throughout the world as the home of golf. Here you can play golf on one or more of the five courses, including the Old Course on which many major championships are held. Then, test your skills on one of the four courses at Gleneagles, an exhilarating test for any golfer. Finally, try one- or both- of the unique courses with the most spectacular views at Loch Lomond. This is indeed the golfers holiday of a lifetime!Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh, ScotlandArrive Edinburgh International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you will be met by an iExplore Representative, welcomed to Scotland and shown to your waiting car. You will then be privately transferred to your hotel. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Balmoral in a Classic Room, including Scottish breakfast. Please note that check in time is 2:00pm. If your arrival is before this time we will request early check in on your behalf however this cannot be guaranteed. While many hotels claim to have Edinburgh’s landmarks right on their doorstep, only a few can say their doorstep is a landmark. For one hundred years this hotel has dominated the city’s skyline with its stunning 195-foot clock tower, affectionately named “the grand old lady” of Princes Street. Located in the very heart of the city in Edinburgh’s main shopping area and next to Waverley Station, this five star hotel is close to leading luxury department stores and within walking distance of many of Edinburgh’s attractions. The Classic Room has been designed combining elegant, contemporary features and characteristics borrowed from the Scottish heritage and features individually controlled air-conditioning, king size bed and spacious working desks with broadband Internet. Benefit from facilities such as a private dining menu, a well stocked in room bar and snack basket, satellite TV, walk in dressing rooms, safe and hairdryer. The spacious bathroom is finished in marble and ceramic and offers luxurious Italian toiletries and fluffy bathrobes.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Scotland's capital, Edinburgh likes to draw on its history – with good reason. It's launched more than its fair share of notable figures onto the world stage: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alexander Graham Bell, to name just a few. Old Town reverberates with the history of Scottish royalty and romantic literary figures, while crossing Princes Street into New Town is like passing through a time warp to the 1700s. This afternoon, your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel for a half-day (4 hours) tour of Edinburgh. You will head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the “Honours of Scotland”, or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and enjoy stunning views of the city. At the end of the tour you will be privately transferred back to the hotel.
The Balmoral- Classic Room Day 2: Edinburgh- St. Andrews
This morning, your driver-guide will be waiting to take you in your private vehicle on a journey to St. Andrews on the North Sea Coast. Known throughout the world as the home of golf, St. Andrews was originally the ecclesiastical and educational capital of Scotland. You will see the ruins of the cathedral, destroyed during the reformation, and St. Andrews Castle. You may also wish to visit the British Golf Museum, located next to the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Fairmont St. Andrews in a Fairmont Room, inclusive of Scottish breakfast.
Breakfast
Fairmont St. Andrews Hotel – Fairmont Room Day 3: St. Andrews
Today is your day at leisure at the hotel. You may wish to golf on one or more of the St. Andrews golf courses (not included in your tour price). There are five courses on the links, including the Old Course on which many major championships are played. Please note that it is not possible to book a guaranteed tee time on the Old Course in advance.
Breakfast
Fairmont St. Andrews Hotel – Fairmont Room Day 4: St. Andrews-Auchterarder
Spend the day with your driver-guide traveling towards your next hotel in Auchterarder. Visit the turreted medieval Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, and still home to the Boews-Lyon family. You will also stop in Perth, where you will be able to visit the Caithness Glass Factory, one of the top names in Scottish glassware that specializes in the production of vases and paperweights. Transfer to your hotel. The Gleneagles Hotel is a world-class resort hotel set in 830 acres of Perthshire countryside, famous for its three 18-hole golf courses, and venue for the Ryder Cup in 2014, the estate also boasts many other outdoor leisure activities including a popular spa. Much of the hotel has been recently refurbished in a contemporary interpretation of its original 1920s style, and the number of accommodations has been increased with the construction of Braid House. There is a choice of restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie, and the grand Strathearn. More informal dining options are available in the clubhouse and the spa. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Gleneagles Hotel in classic room accommodations, inclusive of Scottish breakfast.
Breakfast
Gleneagles Hotel- Classic Room Day 5: Auchterarder
Today will be at your leisure to play golf or enjoy the many facilities and activities available at your hotel. Whether you are a leading pro or an enthusiastic beginner, the four Gleneagles golf courses offer an exhilarating test for any golfer, making your Scottish golfing vacation the holiday of a lifetime. Note: golf is not included in the tour cost.
Breakfast
The Gleneagles Hotel- Classic Room Day 6: Auchterarder- Loch Lomond
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide today for a private transfer to your next golf hotel. You will visit Stirling Castle en-route, which sits atop a hill surveying the countryside and was the venue for many medieval battles between England and Scotland. It was here that the infant Mary was crowned Queen of Scots. Proceed into the Trossachs, a scenic area of mountains and lakes often known as Rob Roy Country after the infamous outlaw. Tour the Glenturret Distillery of Scotch Whiskey before continuing to your hotel at Loch Lomond. You will be confirmed for two nights at the Cameron House Hotel in Standard Room accommodations, inclusive of Scottish breakfast. The Cameron House Hotel is located in the area of Loch Lomond, the largest fresh water loch in the UK. It has 96 rooms and suites and all are elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a steam room as well as Jacuzzi and for golfers it offers one 9-hole course and one 18- hole course. For dining, choose between four restaurants, one of which is credited with three AA Rosettes.
Breakfast
Cameron House- Standard Room Day 7: Loch Lomond
Today is at your leisure to play golf (not included). Your hotel boasts of two unique courses with spectacular layouts. While playing the game, the views over the Loch are incredible and unforgettable.
Breakfast
Cameron House- Standard Room Day 8: Depart Glasgow
You will be privately transferred to Glasgow Airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast
