Page 229 - Discoveries Await in 2022 & 2023

EUROPE

to Dunblane and visit with someone whose family divisive Controversial Topic. Then, visit Skara Brae, small tidal island. Then, at the Isle of Skye, visit Clan
was affected by a mass shooting that took place here one of northern Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic Donald Center, a Highland estate which celebrates
in 1996 and discuss this Controversial Topic with villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed the history of Scotland’s largest and clan. Return
them before returning to Edinburgh. by a vist to the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic henge to Inverness for dinner at a traditional Scottish

B,L — Macdonald Holyrood Hotel & Spa or similar and stone circle older than Stonehenge. country house.
B,D — The Albert Hotel or similar B,L,D — Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel Inverness or similar
DAY 10 • Fly to the Orkney Islands •
Overland to Kirkwall DAY 13 • Ferry ride to St. Gills Bay • DAY 16 • Cairngorms National Park •
Fly to the Orkney Islands, an archipelago of 70 Transfer to Inverness Whisky distillery
individual islands, only 20 of which are inhabited. Take a ferry to St. Gills Bay, followed by a drive to Our visit to Cairngorms National Park includes a
Upon arrival in Kirkwall, the largest town of the the village of John o’Groats, located near Dunnet scenic nature hike along one of the park’s lowland
islands, we’ll have free time to begin exploring Head—the northernmost point of mainland Great trails. Then, enjoy a tour and tasting of some of the
Orkney’s colorful capital on our own. Britain. Then, we’ll drive along the scenic North fine aged whiskies produced at the Tomatin Whisky
B,D — The Albert Hotel or similar Coast 500 road to reach our hotel in Inverness. Distillery before returning to to Inverness for some
B,L,D — Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel Inverness or similar free time. During our final dinner together, we can
DAY 11 • Explore the Orkney Islands • Visit raise a glass and toast to our discoveries in Great
Churchill Barriers DAY 14 • Explore Inverness • Visit a local Britian with a hearty Slàinte mhath—”cheers” in
Today’s discoveries include Scapa Flow, a natural kilt maker Scottish Gaelic.
harbor and Royal Navy base during both World Wars. A walking tour of Inverness includes Cavell Gardens, B,D — Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel Inverness or similar
Highlights include the Churchill Barriers, a series of named for a nurse who sacrificed her life to help
causeways built to block approaches to Scapa Flow; POWs. We’ll also ascend to the Inverness Castle DAY 17 • Return to U.S.
a chapel built by Italian POWs; and the site of the Viewpoint to take in sweeping views of the city and Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
wreck of the HMS Royal Oak, a British ship sunk visit a local kilt maker’s shop to learn about the Or, begin your Scotland & the Emerald Isle: Glasgow,
in 1939 by a German U-boat. Then, learn about the history of kilts in Scotland. Belfast & Dublin or Classic English Landscapes: The
region’s ancient forms of life at the Orkney Fossil & B,L — Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel Inverness or similar Cotswolds to London post-trip extension.
Heritage Centre. B
B,L — The Albert Hotel or similar DAY 15 • Visit Loch Ness • Eilean Donan
Castle • Isle of Skye
DAY 12 • Skara Brae and Ring of Today’s discoveries include the village of Fort
Brodgar • Controversial Topic: Scottish Augustus, set on the shores of Loch Ness. After
independence trying to spot the legendary creature thought to
Meet with two locals to discuss the pros and make its home in the deep waters, visit Eilean
cons of the Scottish independence movement—a Donan Castle, a 13th-century fortress perched on a

Unique Accommodations

The Albert Hotel
Kirkwall
Relax and recharge at the historic Albert
Hotel during your Orkney Islands explorations
and enjoy classic Scottish fare at its onsite
restaurant and bar. Each comfortable room
includes wireless Internet access, an iron with
ironing board, coffee- and tea-making facilities,
and a private bathroom with hair dryer.

Witness the scenic splendor of the Isle of Skye on Day 15.

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/ nuk 229

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