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The historic Edinburgh Castle towers over the golden Ross Fountain and lush gardens in Scotland under a blue sky.
Scotland

The Best of Scotland

Program No. 20881RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Glasgow
Program Concludes
Edinburgh.
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
34 ( 13B, 10L, 11D )
Activity Level
From
6,899
South to the cultural riches of Edinburgh and Glasgow. West to the sacred and misty island of Iona in the Hebrides. Inland to the breathtaking highlands, where clans and kings fought to defend their hearths and heritage. Discover rugged landscapes, turbulent history, romance and legend on a remarkable, sweeping journey through Scotland. From peaks to glens we’ll go, with a wee dram to fortify us along the way.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Explore the beautiful islands of Mull, Skye and Iona.
  • Journey on one of the world's most scenic railways, the West Highland Line.
  • Experience iconic Edinburgh Castle, dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital city, on a fascinating field trip to the top of the volcanic Castle Rock.
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All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
David Praill was CEO of a UK-based NGO supporting hospice care in the UK and internationally. Before this, he ran education programs in Jerusalem, and he founded a company specializing in travel to the Sinai Desert in Egypt. He runs a news website, ehospice.com; is a trustee of a small charity; and is attempting to write a novel. He has worked as a group leader with Road Scholar since 2022, focusing on their programs in Scotland where, apart from London, he feels most at home.
David Spooner is an experienced study leader with a passion for history, a B.A. in geology and geography, and over 20 years experience of inviting people to travel in time and space throughout the country he loves. He is enriched by sharing what he continues to learn about Scotland; the grandeur of nature, the glories of cities, culture and sport, and stories of people’s striving and strife from the first settlers to today.
Charles Davidson has been a tour guide for 20 years and an instructor with Road Scholar since 2015, specializing in the Best of Scotland program. He is a graduate of the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen and had a previous career as a chartered accountant. Charles has won some awards and delights in sharing the landscape, history, and culture of his native land and city with visitors. He includes witchcraft in Scotland, the Scottish diaspora, Scotch whisky, and Robert Louis Stevenson among his interests.
Dorothy Rodger grew up, was educated, and has worked in Scotland for most of her life. She lives in Highland Perthshire right in the heart of Scotland. She is a geographer and is fascinated by people and place. The theme of opening people’s eyes to the world around them, and enabling them to make the most of those opportunities, runs throughout her career.
Paula Benassi is a recognized Blue Badge Guide of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. In addition to having CPD Qualification, Paula is a polyglot and speaks English, French, and Italian. She is passionate about her country and enjoys traveling with guests all over Scotland. Guiding has dovetailed very well with her long experience in teaching and her love of geography, history, and spending time with visitors from different cultures.
Ann Carr, after careers first as an officer in the Royal Air Force then an air stewardess, joined a major UK tour operator in an operational role, handling incoming American groups and later a cruise line as head of enrichment. Experienced in all aspects of tour planning, she trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and has over 30 years of practical experience as a guide and tour leader. She is a food and wine expert and has a passion for sports and theatre.
Andrew Milligan, born and raised in Aberdeen on Scotland's wild north east coastline, is a qualified Green Badge tour guide recognized by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. Andrew is passionate about the North and East Coast of Scotland, and besides Aberdeen is particularly knowledgeable about St. Andrew, Dundee, and Royal Deeside. Besides his love of history and geography, he is also very knowledge about whisky and the various distilleries of Scotland such as Glenfiddich.
Morten Ronne, although born in Denmark, has lived more than 15 years in Scotland working almost exclusively as a tour guide/group leader showing people around all corners of the country. His background is as an interpreter/translator but for the past two decades has worked mostly in the travel industry in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Learn About Activity Levels
Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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