SCOTLAND
“My heart’s in the Highlands,” echoed Robert Burns– a sentiment you too will undoubtedly share as we embark on a delightful voyage from urban to rural, mainland to island. Join climate scientist and UVA journey mirrors the poetic rhythm of lochs and glens, revealing breathtaking natural wonders and the warmth of embracing clans. Amidst the cityscape, where the vibrant history interlaces with the contemporary, you'll find a tapestry woven with hues of the past and the cosmopolitan present.
Rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, beautiful lochs, historic castles, amazing night skies, ancient woodlands and heather moorland. A place you can reset the clock, drinking in the scenery whilst sipping a locally distilled single malt.
Program Highlights:
- Glasgow’s unique architecture
- Guided tour of the Burrell Collection – Glasgow’s world-class collection of art
- Beautiful Scottish Highlands scenery, including Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Loch Ness
- Evocative ruins of Urquhart Castle
- Isle of Skye
- Historic Culloden Moor and medieval St. Andrews
- Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood
- Pleasing mix of guided touring and time for independent exploration
Price: $5,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
Other gateway cities are available.
Deborah is Chief Scientist at Calyx Global, a carbon credit ratings platform. Her research focuses on the links between deforestation and climate change. She has spent the past twenty-five years doing field-based research. Most recently, she has been using global climate models to explore the cumulative effect of tropical land use decisions, exploring the climate impact of land allocation among food crops, biofuels and forests across the globe. Professor Lawrence and her students conduct interdisciplinary research with partners in hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, anthropology, ethics, engineering, and law to understand the drivers and consequences of land use change. This work has gained her a Sustainability Science Award from the Ecological Society of America, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Jefferson Science Fellowship from the National Academy of Sciences, and a Fulbright Scholarship. She was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University, earned her Ph.D. (Botany) at Duke University, and received a B.A. (Biological Anthropology) from Harvard University. Current research addresses the challenge of understanding and minimizing climate impacts from forest use in the tropics and around the globe.
In 2009-2010, Professor Lawrence served as Science Advisor in the Office of Environment and Global Change and the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change at the US Department of State.
DAY 2 - Sunday, September 15, 2024
Arrive Edinburgh/Glasgow
We arrive today in Edinburgh and transfer by coach to Glasgow, where we check in at our hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities planned during the day. Late this afternoon we gather with our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director for a briefing on the journey ahead. Then we enjoy a welcome dinner at either the acclaimed National Piping Centre or the well-appointed Corinthian Club.
Grand Central Hotel
Dinner (D)
DAY 3 - Monday, September 16, 2024
Glasgow
This morning’s tour highlights “Glasgow Style,” the city’s distinct architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though Glasgow has a rich medieval history, very few structures from that time survive; it is the Victorian-era buildings of red or blond sandstone with long lines that define the city’s historic built environment. Among the standout buildings we see: Glasgow Central Station, the Royal Exchange, and Glasgow City Chambers. We also visit Sir John W. Simpson’s immensely popular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing an excellent collection of arms and armaments, and European artwork including Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John on the Cross. Following our city tour, we visit The Burrell Collection, Glasgow’s world-class collection of art featuring medieval artifacts, Chinese art, priceless tapestries, and paintings by Manet, Cezanne, and Degas. After lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Grand Central Hotel (B,L)
DAY 4 - Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Glasgow/Loch Lomond/Glencoe/Fort Williams
We leave Glasgow this morning by motorcoach, bound for the scenic Highlands, Scotland’s sparsely populated historic northern region. We stop by the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, Great Britain’s largest lake and part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We tour the island-dotted loch by coach before continuing to Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful spots with deep valleys flanked by steep-sided mountains, rushing rivers, and dramatic waterfalls. Then we travel on to Fort William, the Highlands’ second largest settlement, arriving late afternoon.
Nevis Bank Hotel (B,D)
DAY 5 - Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Fort William/Isle of Skye
We embark on a full-day excursion to the Isle of Skye, the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, known for its vivid history, strong Gaelic influence, and stunning scenery. En route, we make a photo stop at Glenfinnan Monument honoring “Bonnie Prince Charlie” for his leadership in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Then we board a ferry for Armadale on the southern tip of Isle of Skye, where our touring begins with a visit to Armadale Castle and Gardens, where we have lunch. Next we set out on a scenic drive through the imposing Cuillin Hills (or “Black Cuillin”). Returning to the mainland via the Skye Bridge, we stop to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle then dine tonight at our hotel.
Nevis Bank Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - Thursday, September 19, 2024
Fort Williams/Loch Ness/Aviemore
We depart today for the Northern Highlands, stopping en route at fabled Loch Ness. We enjoy a boat ride on the 23- mile-long lake best known for the unearthly creature alleged to live in its deep waters. We also visit the ruins of lakeside Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Dating to at least the 13th century, the castle sits surrounded by water on three sides, giving it a once-formidable advantage in battle. Then we travel on to the historic Culloden Moor battle site. After time on our own to tour the museum here, we tour the hallowed grounds, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. Early this evening we arrive in Inverness on Scotland’s northeast coast and cultural capital of the Highlands. We dine tonight at our hotel.
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel Inverness
(B,D)
DAY 7 - Friday, September 20, 2024
Highlands
Our exploration of the Highlands continues on today’s excursion along the Pictish Trail, sites connected with the late Iron Age/early Medieval Celtic people who once lived here. We visit striking Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, where we see a falconry demonstration then embark on a tour and tasting at a small local distillery that has been producing hand-crafted single malt whisky for generations. We continue our drive along the scenic coastal road flanked by small farms with sheep, cows, and Shetland ponies before returning to our hotel, where we enjoy dinner together tonight.
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel Inverness (B,D)
DAY 8 - Saturday, September 21, 2024
Inverness/Kincraig/Pitlochry/St. Andrews
Today’s first stop is Kincraig, where we watch a sheepdog demonstration with working border collies, known for their herding abilities. We travel on to the holiday town of Pitlochry in the heart of Scotland, where we enjoy some free time before continuing to legendary St. Andrews late this afternoon; dinner tonight is on our own in this charming town.
Old Course Hotel (B)
DAY 9 - Sunday, September 22, 2024
St. Andrews/Edinburgh
Home of Scotland’s oldest university (St. Andrews) and renowned as the home of golf, where the game has been played for some 600 years, delightful – and compact – St. Andrews measures just one mile across. This morning we embark on a walking tour of the medieval seaside town, followed by lunch together then free time to explore on our own. Later this afternoon we continue our way to Edinburgh. Dinner tonight is on our own in the Scottish capital, which boasts a robust culinary scene.
Tigerlily (B,L)
DAY 10 - Monday, September 23, 2024
Edinburgh
Our morning tour of this stately city built on seven hills features both the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old Town” – together, the districts form a UNESCO site. In the Old Town, we pay an inside visit to Edinburgh Castle, symbolic heart of the country. We also travel the Royal Mile, the warren of medieval streets that form the thoroughfare stretching from the castle to Holyrood Palace, official residence of the Queen when in Scotland. This afternoon is at leisure to discover Edinburgh as we wish; museums, galleries, and shops abound.
Tigerlily (B)
DAY 11 - Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Edinburgh
This morning we again encounter the Royal Mile, with its mix of attractions, shops, and restaurants. We tour Holyrood, as it is called, and see where British royalty schemed and slept as we tour the State Apartments. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Tonight we celebrate our Scotland sojourn over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Tigerlily (B,D)
DAY 12 - Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Depart for U.S.
We transfer this morning to the Edinburgh airport for our return flights to the U.S.
Breakfast (B)
Please note: This trip involves a significant amount of walking on uneven terrain and at sites of ancient ruins. You must be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
- Grand Central Hotel – 2 nights
- Nevis Bank Hotel – 2 nights
- Macdonald Drumossie Hotel Inverness – 2 nights
- Old Course Hotel – 1 night
- Tigerlily – 3 nights
Meals
- 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
$5,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
$6,295 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $701 airline taxes and fees
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,295 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Business Class upgrade (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: $3,995 per person.
Price includes: Round-trip air transportation from specific cities; 10 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels; extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; services of an experienced Tour Director; private motorcoach transportation throughout, including shore excursions; luggage handling for one bag per person; gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
Does not include: Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; immunizations and inoculations; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communication charges; optional sightseeing; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10–$15 per traveler, per day); and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (June 11, 2024).
Your reservation is not confirmed until your deposit is paid and processed. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA, or by personal check. If paying by check, please make check payable to our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc.
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a refundable $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Payment Schedule: A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (June 11, 2024) before departure.
Cancellation, Refunds, and Changes: If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon the University of Virginia’s receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge; cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price; cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; cancel 29-0 days before departure: no refund. If you make any changes to your reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, or of their employees, agents, servants, or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise lines, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in good health to participate in this University of Virginia tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or e-mail us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information: Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities, and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignment on your international flight is usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.