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Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Belmond Royal Scotsman
With an add-on trip to London, including an excursion to Stonehenge and the actual home of TV's Downton Abbey
Castles, kilts, and clans are just some of the things that come to mind when one hears the word, "Scotland." And if you are gay, conjugality may come to mind. Well, maybe not that word, but certainly what it means, since Scotland recently legalized gay marriage!
Scotland is unique for many reasons, but mainly because of its rugged beauty. This is evidenced on the terrain, in its architecture, cuisine and just about any place else.
Few places in the world have such a rich and well-preserved visual history. Its beautiful cities like Edinburgh and its small villages and castles make Scotland an architecture-buff's dream. Plus the landscape is stunningly beautiful, the people are exceptionally friendly, and its history is incredibly fascinating.
In other words, Scotland has something for everyone, and Zoom Vacations tour is giving you a taste of all of it, including several things most tourists simply don't think to do.
Limited to a small group of guests, Zoom Scotland takes you on a fairytale tour of one of the world's most breathtaking countries. Plus, your dedicated Zoom Concierge is there to make sure your trip is nothing short of spectacular. You will enjoy the best hotels and custom activities you have come to expect from a , Zoom Vacations® trip. Learn for yourself why Zoom Vacations® was voted favorite small tour operator by the readers of Out Traveler Magazine and voted Best Small Tour Operator by PlanetOut.
• Services of a Zoom Vacations® Concierge throughout the trip*
• Two nights accommodations at Edinburgh's finest hotels.
• Two nights accommodations at one of Scotland's most important private castles.
• Two nights on Belmond Royal Scotsman
• All gourmet meals and open bar while on Belmond Royal Scotsman train.
• Try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting or fishing at a historic Scottish estate.
• Tour Culloden Battlefield, the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
• Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies.
• Enjoy spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus.
• Journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
• Local Scottish entertainment in the Observation Car of Belmond
• Tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Tour of Edinburgh Castle - arguably the world's most famous castle, and see the crown jewels
• Visit to Scottish Parliament building, which came in at over ten times its budget.
• Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, still regularly used by the Royals.
• Enjoy a ghost tour of old Edinburgh's underground alleys, some of which have been buried away for hundreds of years
• Welcome Dinner at one of Edinburgh's best and most unique restaurants
• Edinburgh Pub Crawl and gay Nightlife Outing
• Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, a former floating palace
• Soak up the sun at Yellowcraigs Beach, one of the nicest beaches in Scotland
• Explore the coastal town of North Berwick, rich with galleries, cafes and quaint shops.
• Visit the mighty ruin of Tantallon Castle perched on the cliff just outside of North Berwick, or the romantic ruin of Dirleton Castle
• Try your hand at playing the bagpipe
• Optional: Zoom Vacations can arrange rental of an authentic kilt for you for our final night on the train
• Dinner at our private castle
• Floors Castle, one of the largest and most impressive in the Scottish Borders and home to the Duke Of Roxburghshire and his family
• See the ruins of Melrose Abbey, where national hero, King Robert the Bruce's embalmed heart was buried following his death in 1329.
• Lunch in a local pub
• Visit Abbotsford House, built by Sir Walter Scott, the renowned Scottish novelist and poet who wrote classics like Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and Lady of the Lake.
• Visit to Athelstaneford, where the Scottish national flag (the St Andrew's Cross) was adopted after a battle in 832.
Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Belmond Royal Scotsman
Note: If possible, Zoom Vacations recommends arriving one day early. Edinburgh is a vibrant, beautiful city, and you will be glad to have extra time here.
Day 1 - August, 2015
Edinburgh, Scotland.
Late morning:
Tour of Edinburgh Castle. Arguably the world's most famous castle, this iconic fortress sits atop an ancient volcano right in the city center! Simply unmissable! See Mons Meg, one of the oldest canons in Europe, the Stone of Destiny and Scottish Crown Jewels, as well as St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, almost 900 years old
Early Afternoon:
Traditional Afternoon tea
Visit to Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Tour around the Scottish Parliament from where a devolved Scotland is run, and possibly an independent Scotland will be run after 18 September 2014! See around this controversial building, which came in at over ten times its budget. Directly opposite the Parliament is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, still regularly used by the Royals. This splendid palace has had a long and sometimes gruesome past!
Late afternoon:
Ghost Tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fun tour will allow us to see some of old Edinburgh's underground alleys, some of which have been buried away for hundreds of years in what is reported to be Britain's most haunted city!
Welcome Dinner in one of Edinburgh's most unique venues.
Night:
Gay nightlife tour of Edinburgh.
Accommodations: The George Hotel, Edinburgh, Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Welcome cocktail reception and dinner
Day 2 - August, 2015
Edinburgh and our Castle
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:
After check-out, we stop for a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia. This former floating palace was built in Scotland and sailed over one million nautical miles between its launch in 1953 and retirement in 1997, on service to HM Queen Elizabeth II and her family- almost every Head of State and countless dignitaries during those years would have dined onboard. Now permanently moored in Edinburgh.
Afternoon:
Yellowcraigs Beach - on a nice sunny day, this beautiful beach is a great place to stroll and take in the spectacular views over the Frith of Forth (A 'Firth' is an 'estuary' in old Scots). One of the nicest beaches in southern Scotland.
Late Afternoon:
We wander around the smart coastal town of North Berwick, one of the most affluent around Edinburgh. There are lots of galleries, cafes and quaint shops to explore, as well as a pretty beach and harbor. Also, visit the mighty ruin of Tantallon Castle perched on the cliff just outside of North Berwick, or the romantic ruin of Dirleton Castle, time permitting.
Arrival at Fenton Tower, check-in to your fabulous 5 star Castle
Dinner:
Welcome dinner in an authentic surprise setting
Accommodations: Fenton Tower Hotel , 5 Stars
Meals Included: Buffet breakfast and dinner
Day 3 - August, 2015
The Castles (Scottish Borders day)
Buffet Breakfast at the Castle
Morning:
Visit Floors Castle, one of the largest and most impressive in the Scottish Borders and home to the Duke Of Roxburghshire and his family. Time permitting, visit the impressive Mellerstain House.
Late Morning:
See the ruins of Melrose Abbey, where national hero, King Robert the Bruce's embalmed heart was buried following his death in 1329.
Lunch:
Lunch in a fine local pub.
Afternoon:
Visit Abbotsford House, built by Sir Walter Scott, the renowned Scottish novelist and poet who wrote classics like Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and Lady of the Lake.
Late Afternoon:
Short visit to Athelstaneford, where the Scottish national flag (the St Andrew's Cross) was adopted after a battle in 832.
Accommodations: Fenton Tower Hotel, 5 Stars
Meals Included: Buffet breakfast and lunch
Day 4 - August, 2015
The Castle and Back to Edinburgh
Buffet Breakfast at the Castle.
Morning:
In the morning, we take a short drive back to Edinburgh, where now that you have the lay of the land, you can explore as you wish, this amazing city will special attention to your own unique interests. Your Zoom Concierge will be onhand to help you make the most of your day.
Some suggestions are:
Walk up Arthur's Seat, explore Holyrood Park or enjoy a more leisurely walk up Calton Hill where you get sensational views of the city of Edinburgh. Calton Hill is a very easy walk and in the city center, with several interesting monuments at the top.
Explore Leith or Dean Village, take a Botanic Gardens walk- or walk around a part of Edinburgh not so widely discovered by tourists. Dean Village is an area of the city which used to house most of Edinburgh's grain mills for several centuries. Walk through the village and down to Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the world's best gardens, with over 270,000 individual plants and a great place to explore.
Explore the New Town. Visit the portrait Gallery and Harvey Nichols for lunch. Or, enjoy junch in a local pub/ restaurant. Discover Edinburgh's 18th century New Town. This planned town, now registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the best Georgian buildings in the city and its elegant houses are now a mix of residential and commercial uses. Recently refurbished, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of the many outstanding museums in Edinburgh with hundreds of portraits of influential Scots over the centuries, including Kings and Queens, Robert Burns, and more modern figures like Billy Connolly.
Optional: Those interested may attend a fitting to rent an authentic kilt to wear to the formal dinner on the train. Highly recommended!
Accommodations: The Balmoral Hotel, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast
Day 5 - August, 2015
Edinburgh and Belmond Royal Scotsman
Lavish Buffet Breakfast is served at the Balmoral Hotel
Morning:
Enjoy morning at leisure for some last minute shopping before the train.
Afternoon:
Board the magnificent Belmond Royal Scotsman train and step back into yesteryear. Once onboard, all meals, libations, etc. are included, while be pampered and royally cared for by an impecable staff.
Early afternoon:
Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
Evening:
A sumptuous dinner is served.
Night:
Entertainment in the Observation Car, overnight in Boat of Garten.
Accommodations: Belmond Royal Scotsman Train
Meals Included: Buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner
Day 6 - August, 2015
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Breakfast on the train.
Morning:
After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate.
Afternoon:
Rejoin the train for lunch.
Late Afternoon:
Travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies. Back on board enjoy some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus.
A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee. Those who rented kilts will wear them tonight. Bring your cameras!
Accommodations: Belmond Royal Scotsman Train
Meals Included: Buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner
Day 7 - August, 2015
Belmond Royal Scotsman and back to Edinburgh
Breakfast on the Train
Morning:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave Dundee behind and return to Edinburgh.
Late Morning:
Departures for home or to London for our add-on trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast
• London Gay Tour - August, 2015
The George Hotel, Boutique, Edinburgh
1 night
 The George Hotel is the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Edinburgh and proud winner of the Best Hotel in Edinburgh award at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2012.
10 minutes from everywhere, The George Hotel is perfectly placed close to the wide range of Edinburgh's wonderful attractions including Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, National Museum of Scotland, and Royal Botanic Gardens. It is just minutes from the Georgian New Town with all its bars and restaurants.
Located on George Street, one of the finest streets in Edinburgh and taking prime position in the heart of the city, The George Hotel boasts one of the most prestigious locations in Scotland's capital.
 Constructed in 1775 as part of Edinburgh's new town boom, the hotel was originally built as five separate town houses inspired by the world-renowned architect Robert Adam.
Taking residence in one of the town houses (said to have no rival in the world for location) were the distinguished Ferrier family, who moved into 25 George Street (now Tempus) in 1784.
Highly connected in society, the family had close friendships with Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Susan Ferrier (daughter of Mr James Ferrier) became a renowned Scottish author and went on to write many of her best loved novels while living at the property, including her first novel, Marriage and later The Inheritance and Destiny.
Fenton Tower Castle Hotel *****
2 nights
Fenton Tower is a magnificent, fortified 16th Century tower located between Gullane and North Berwick, which has been meticulously restored. Fenton Tower is an exclusive castle that combines state-of-the-art facilities with the informality of a private home. With its dedicated staff it offers outstanding service and cuisine in a private environment.
Set amongst rolling countryside, surrounded by many famous golf courses, including Muirfield, it is the perfect base for your Scottish golf trip. If you prefer shooting or fishing we can arrange grouse, partridge and pheasant shoots for up to eight guns, and fly fishing on the near by rivers. Its location makes it a perfect base for all kinds of country and sporting activities.
Zoom Vacations is giving you the chance to be "King of your own Castle?".
 Fenton Tower's location was originally chosen because it afforded views in every direction, so that you would have early warning of an attack, while also being sheltered from the elements on the side of Kingston Hill.
There has been a fortified tower on this site since the 11th century. To the north of Fenton Tower there is a medieval burial site and the remains of the foundations of one of the earliest Christian chapels in Scotland.
One of Fenton Tower's most famous residents was James VI, who later became James I of England and Scotland.
In 1591, King James VI of Scotland, son of Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Henry Darnley, was surrounded by a rebel army in Fife, north of Edinburgh. Fortunately the local townspeople rallied to his support and helped him to escape. James took the ferry across the Firth of Forth to North Berwick and took refuge at Fenton Tower.
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh *****
1 night
Rocco Forte Hotels' award winning Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, with its majestic clock tower, is a stylish five-star property in the very heart of the Scottish Capital.
Opened on October 15th 1902, the hotel was originally known as the North British. Acclaimed as one of the great railway hotels, it originally boasted 300 bedrooms and 52 bathrooms. It was later renamed The Balmoral — which means "majestic dwelling" in Gaelic.
The Balmoral Hotel features a restaurant and a brasserie; each afternoon, the Palm Court hosts afternoon tea. Three bars offer whiskey, cocktails, and champagne. The full-service health spa includes an indoor pool and fitness center. The business center is open 24 hours. This landmark hotel includes a clock tower that has run three minutes fast since the hotel's opening in 1902.
 The perfect combination of tradition and modernity, each of the hotels 168 rooms has been individually designed by Olga Polizzi. Rich and romantic colors reflect Scotland's heather, mists and moors.
Guestrooms at The Balmoral Hotel feature marble and ceramic bathrooms, which provide bathrobes and luxury bath amenities. Guestrooms provide minibars, snack baskets, and safes and are individually decorated in a contemporary style with touches of Scottish heritage.
Belmond Royal Scotsman Train
2 nights
The Belmond Royal Scotsman Train takes you to the heart of the Highlands, where you travel through landscapes of pine-clad mountains, reflected in mirror-still lochs.
With your own private cabin and an open-deck observation carriage from which to marvel at Scotland's finest countryside, life on board is relaxed yet indulgent.
With just 36 guests, this is railway travel at its most personal.
There are 14 twin, two double and four single State Cabins, each lined with rich marquetry. All have a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet, constant hot water, high-quality toiletries and fresh towels every day.
Rooms have been designed to offer the ultimate in luxury travel. Facilities include lower beds, a dressing table, a full-length wardrobe, individually controlled heating, ceiling fans, opening windows and a cabin service call button.
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