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 in Edinburgh, transfer to Glasgow city center. Take an orientation ttour of the country'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

Today's journey will take you to first to one of the iconic sights of modern Scotland, the Kelpies sculpture and the Falkirk wheel. Continue to the city of Stirling, to visit to the famous Castle that is a fundamental landmark in Scottish history. Here you may have the opportunity to give a short informal recital to the local tourists in the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle. Return to Glasgow for an indepdendent dinner tonight. (B)

Day 4, Saturday July 3: 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 next concert of the tour, which could be a collaborative concert in Balloch or Helensburgh. (B,L)

Day 5, Sunday July 4: Edinburgh

This morning check out and make the hour's journey to Edinburgh. Spend the morning exploring the Rosslyn Chapel, 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. Dinner tonight is independent (B)

Day 6, Monday July 5: Edinburgh

Today sees a full day tour to the Neuk of Fife coast line, passing Elie and Earlsferry, St Monans, Pittenweem with a visit to St Fillan's Cave), Anstruther, and the United Kingdom's most northerly University City of St Andrews (alma mater to Prince William and Princess Catherine!), including a visit to the beautiful compact Cathedral. Return to Edinburgh for 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. 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! Later today perform your final concert of the tour in a church such as the Greyfriars Church or 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)