A Joyful Noise - Scottish Discovery!

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday June 30: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Thursday July 1: Glasgow

On arrival at either Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports, transfer to Glasgow city center. Your tour manager will facilitate an orientation tour: Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, once an industrial and shipping powerhouse as well as a cultural capital, including the famous Art Gallery and St Mungo's Cathedral. Check in to your hotel and freshen up, before a welcome dinner together in a local restaurant (D)

Day 3, Friday July 2: Glasgow

This morning you'll take a trip north of the city to Balloch, where you exchange wheels for water on a visit to spectacular Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Britain! Take a boat trip on the lake to appreciate the stunning scenery, accompanied by that most traditional of soundtracks, the Scottish bagpiper, and including a delicious lunch! Later perform your first concert of the tour, which could be a collaborative concert in a church in Balloch or Helensburgh. (B,L)

Day 4, Saturday July 3: St. Andrews

Today's journey will take you to first to one of the iconic sights of modern Scotland, the Kelpies sculpture and the Falkirk wheel, where it may be possible to give an impromptu recital. Continue to the city of Stirling, to visit to the famous Castle that is a fundamental landmark in Scottish history. Continue to the tiny university of St Andrews (alma mater of the current Prince and Princess of Wales) for your overnight stay at the University (B)

Day 5, Sunday July 4: Edinburgh

This morning check out and, if service schedule alllows, visit the compact St Andrews Cathedral. Then make the journey south to Edinburgh, taking in the Neuk of Fife coast line en route. You'll pass through Elie and Earlsferry, St Monans, Pittenweem (with a visit to St Fillan's Cave), Anstruther, and enjoy a Fish and Chip lunch en route. Continue to Edinburgh to check into your final hotel for the tour, before an indepdendent dinner tonight (B,L)

Day 6, Monday July 5: Edinburgh

Ttoday after breakfast, spend the morning exploring independently. Suggestions include visiting the Royal Mile and its striking 17th century merchants’ houses, its cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, which houses the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and affords stunning views out over the Firth of Forth. In the afternoon take the public bus to Rosslyn for a visit to Rosslyn Chapel. Return to Edinburgh also by public bus. This evening is at leisure in the city with an independent dinner (B)

Day 7, Tuesday July 6: Edinburgh

This morning take a short trip to the ferry jetty, where you'll board the ferry for a visit to Inshcolm Island. This tiny island in the Firth of Forth has been inhabited for nearly 1000 years, and is still home to the religious community of Inchcolm Abbey- your visit inlcludes an impromptu recital opportunity at the Abbey. Returning to the mainland, continue your exploration of Scottish history at Linlithgow Palace, an imposing ruin which was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries. It may also be possible to give an informal recital at the Palace, or in the neighboring St Michael Parish Church. Return to Edinburgh in time for an independent dinner (B)

Day 8, Wednesday July 7: Edinburgh

After breakfast spend the morning exploring the city on a guided walking tour taking in some of the hidden sights you may have missed earlier in the week! Perform your final formal concert of the tour as part of the lunchtime concert series at St Giles Cathedral in the heart of the city. Dinner tonight is provided in a local restaurant, complete with traditional Scottish entertainment!(B,D)

Day 9, Thursday July 8: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)