The Legends of Scotland (Family Tour) - 8 Days
8 Days
Edinburgh
Inverness
*****
Tauck Bridges (family tours)
The Scottish Highlands welcome you and your family on an adventure that's one for the ages. Experience a hands-on look at Scottish life, from bagpiping and tweed workshops, to land yachting, Hairy Coos, highland games and more.
Create cherished family memories on an unforgettable journey through Scotland, filled with timeless adventures and Celtic traditions. Take part in a lively bagpipe workshop to uncover the secrets of Scotland's iconic instrument. Take a "Hairy Coo Safari" to see Scotland's famous Highland cattle up close. On the coast, enjoy a thrilling "Blown Away" land-yachting experience along the beach, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Explore the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk in Fife, then cap off your journey with a farewell dinner – a fitting end to an unforgettable family adventure in Scotland.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Scotland
A transfer is included from Edinburgh airport to your hotel. Your family adventure starts strong with a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle - one of many inspirations for the Harry Potter series. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: A day of Scottish traditions
Get a true taste of Scottish culture this morning during a bagpipe workshop. While the origins of bagpipes stretch across Asia and Europe as far back as 1000 BC, Scotland uniquely embraced and developed them into its national instrument. Your family will learn the instrument's precise finger-work before transferring your new skills to the bag itself. Continue your morning with a visit to Islander, renowned for blending traditional Harris Tweed heritage with modern footwear and accessories. Here, you'll have the delightful opportunity to create your very own Harris Tweed masterpiece to take home! This afternoon, embark on a foodie tour introducing you to Scottish delicacies, including the adventurous opportunity to try haggis. The rest of the day is yours to explore with your family as you wish.
Day 3: Land yachting & a visit to a local alpaca farm
As the name suggests, today's activity will "blow you away." Head to West Sands Beach in St. Andrews, famously featured in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, for a thrilling land yachting experience*. Combining the grace of sailing with the adrenaline of motor racing, land yachting is unlike any other sport. After a brief tutorial, feel the wind in your face as you race along the sands! Satisfy your post-race appetite with a farm-to-table lunch at a local farm, including a guided tour of the property. Later, visit a family-run alpaca farm to interact with these friendly, furry locals. Feed them, learn their training methods, and even lead an alpaca through an obstacle course. Return to Edinburgh, where dinner tonight is yours to enjoy at one of the city's many restaurants.
Day 4: A design museum in Dundee and aboard the RRS Discovery
Today you're off to Dundee, affectionately nicknamed the "City of the Future" for its role as a hub for international research and innovation in medicine, technology, and life sciences. In 2014, Dundee became the UK's first UNESCO City of Design, an honour you'll appreciate on your morning tour of the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first-ever design museum. Explore iconic objects that changed the world, including the museum's showpiece—the beautifully restored Oak Room designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Enjoy lunch at the museum, then visit the RRS Discovery, the historic steamship built for Antarctic research, famous for its groundbreaking three-year Discovery Expedition. Step aboard and relive one of history's most heroic voyages. Return to Edinburgh where the rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish.
Day 5: Rothiemurchus – Coos and Highland Games
Bid Edinburgh farewell as you journey toward Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. En route, enjoy a day in Rothiemurchus, a picturesque Highland estate nestled within the ancient forests of Cairngorms National Park, providing a true glimpse into traditional Scottish countryside life. Here, a Countryside Ranger will hop aboard your coach and guide you directly to meet some friendly locals—the Highland cows. Affectionately called "Heilan Coos," these beautiful creatures with their big horns and flowing coats originated in Western Scotland and thrive in the rugged landscape of the Cairngorms. Watch in delight as the Ranger calls out, and these gentle animals gallop enthusiastically toward the fence, eager for their meal (mind those horns!). Next, continue your adventure by feeding the majestic red deer. Hand-feed these gentle animals as they approach the fence line, providing an up-close and personal wildlife experience. Your visit culminates with lunch served in a traditional Scottish bothy—a remote wilderness shelter once home to families and workers tending the land, now a charming testament to Scotland's rugged history. In the afternoon, let the fun begin with Tauck's own playful twist on the traditional Highland Games! Rather than the typical caber toss, you'll engage in a spirited "Haggis Hurl," compete in a lively Tug of War, and even throw a wellie (rubber boot)! These entertaining activities offer an enjoyable, hands-on introduction to Scotland's beloved traditions. Afterward, arrive in Inverness and settle into your home for the next three nights—the welcoming Kingsmills Hotel. Dinner tonight is at your leisure at the hotel.
Day 6: Uncover the secrets around Loch Ness
The mystery of the Loch Ness Monster comes alive today! Discover 500 million years of myths and legends at the Loch Ness Centre, delving deep into Scotland's most intriguing folklore. Next, hop aboard a high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) for an exhilarating adventure on the loch itself, keeping your eyes peeled at all times for a glimpse of the mythical Nessie herself! Lunch includes a hands-on lesson in making a traditional Scottish treat. Tonight, join us for a special dinner celebrating the day's adventures.
Day 7: Take aim at Bowhunter Archery & slán (goodbye)
All adventures eventually come to an end, but fret not; we're finishing strong! At Bowhunter Archery Woodland Adventures, test your skill (and aim!) along woodland trails featuring targets set amidst graveyards, medieval scenes, and prehistoric settings. Next, channel your inner survivalist with a bushcraft session covering shelter-building, safe fire-lighting, knot work, and plant and animal identification. By day's end, you'll be ready to send your application to Jeff Probst for the next season of Survivor! Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon before gathering with your fellow travellers for a farewell reception and dinner.
Day 8: Journey home
Fly home anytime. A complimentary transfer is included from your hotel to Inverness Airport or train station. Please allow up to three hours for check-in. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 7 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage for driver and tour director plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights.
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.