Departing Edinburgh, you travel north-west for your first stop of the day at magnificent Stirling Castle*, one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles, sitting high on volcanic rock and offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. You will have time to visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historic figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. With lots of interesting things to see and do here, the Stirling Castle experience is a must for any visitor to Scotland.
You then continue on, past medieval Doune Castle, to the pretty town of Callander, situated on the banks of the River Teith in Stirlingshire, where you will have a chance to stop to enjoy some lunch. From here we enter The Trossachs National Park, also known as “The Highlands in miniature” for its abundance of lochs, mountains and forests, and famous as the homeland of legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor.
You will then reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Here you can enjoy an hour long cruise* taking in spectacular views of the loch’s many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses, cafes and stunning views across the loch’s western shoreline. You will then travel back to Edinburgh.
*OPTIONAL EXTRA.
Daily | ALL YEAR
Departs: 09:15 Returns: 18:30
7/8 / 9ft Table de billard housse de protection meubles housse étanche anti-poussière étanche protecteur de Table avec cordon de serrage en tissu Oxford housse de poussière
Sites Visited:
Death Casts
Porta Marina
The Basilica
The Temple of Apollo
The Roman Forum
Pompeii’s Main Street
The Macellum – ancient supermarket
The ‘Cave Canem’ home of the Tragic Poet
Roman Bakery
The Cemetary
A Pompeii brothel (if appropriate for the group)
Panoramc walk on the city walls, with views of Naples and Capri
Start your day trip to the East Algarve with a hotel pickup, and then travel by air-conditioned coach to the pretty town of Almancil, roughly 8 miles (13km) northwest of Faro. Head inside the town’s crowning glory, the beautiful Church of St Lourenço (Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos), and marvel at its stunning blue-and-white wall tiles while exploring. The tiles depict the story of St Lourenço who used money from the Catholic Church to pay for the poor until he was caught by the Romans.
Continue to Faro, the Algarve’s capital, for a walking tour of its elegant Old Town. Amble around the charming cobblestone streets and see the Arc da Vila, a monument that was commissioned to mark the entrance to the Old Town after a devastating earthquake in 1755. After exploring the streets, enjoy some free time to sightsee independently or shop for souvenirs to take home.
Meet back up with your guide and travel to the nearby town of Olhão with its bustling fishing port and Moorish-esque neighborhoods and cube-shaped houses. Stretch your legs on a walk around with your guide, and then take a break for lunch at your own expense; your guide will have plenty of restaurant recommendations if you need them.
Your last stop of the day is the beautiful city of Tavira, a town often called the 'Venice of the Algarve' after its location that straddles the River Gilão. Steeped in history, Tavira is home to Roman bridges, Renaissance churches and historical monuments aplenty, but it’s Tavira Castle — a structure thought to date to Neolithic days — that is the town’s most intriguing sight. Pay your entrance fee and then head inside the site to explore the castle's ramparts and ruins.
Leave Tavira in the late afternoon and travel back to your Algarve hotel where your day trip finishes.
