May 22 - 30, 2011
8 nights

The month of May is the perfect time to visit Scotland's gardens, as the currents of the Gulf Stream are extremely kind to the country's west coast. This eight-night journey to treasured castles and gardens will take you off the beaten path to secret Scotland in spectacular Spring color!

Beginning in Glasgow we make our way to the charming village of Luss, with little cottages nestled among enchanting gardens on beautiful Loch Lomond. Continuing westward we visit Inveraray Castle and Gardens, home of the Dukes of Argyll. The fine collections of French tapestries, art, and fine furniture span many generations of the Clan Campbell chiefs and their families. The castle was begun in 1720 and is a unique combination of Baroque, Palladian, and Gothic style. The day continues with a visit to the four-star Arduaine Gardens and ends in the lovely seaside village of Oban, the Gateway to the Islands.

We wend our way through the majestic mountains of Glencoe, one of the most dramatic mountain passes in Scotland, passing the site of the filming of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. Next, on to Glenfinnan Monument, dedicated to the Highlanders who fought to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne in the 18th Century. Positioned at the head of Loch Shiel, this haunting setting is offset by the Glenfinnan Viaduct -- most recognizable as the track for Hogwarts Express!

On the Isle of Skye, visit Armadale Castle and Gardens and the Museum of the Isles on the traditional lands of Clan Donald. In the gardens, plants from around the world thrive among 200-year-old trees, as they tower above carpets of orchids, bluebells, and wildflowers. In the museum you can learn the history of the Lords of the Isles, the medieval rulers of this Scottish Kingdom. See the magnificence of the Quiraing, a spectacular landslip still in motion on the northernmost summit of the Isle. Tour Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod since the 12th Century. Here the gardens, which were laid out in the 18th Century, follow paths through woodland glades, past shimmering pools fed by a cascading waterfall.

Driving along lovely Loch Carron we visit four-star Attadale Gardens with its waterfalls, Monet bridges, brilliant blue meconopsis, woodland walks, and views of the Isle of Skye. The gardens were started in the late 1800s by Baron Schroder and were totally transformed by owner Mrs Nicky Macpherson, a renowned artist and painter, after the 1980 storms. A giant sundial, 35 feet across and carved by an Edinburgh artist, is supported by the heraldic Macpherson Cat. We have a private tour of the gardens followed by a very special luncheon.

Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, stands alone on an island with commanding presence and fascinating history. Situated at the meeting point of three great sea lochs, the site has been inhabited since the 6th Century. Once the seat of Clan Mackenzie, it was given to the castle's hereditary keepers, Clan Macrae. Fans of the Highlander films will recognize the bridge from the opening scenes, as it leads over the loch to the castle.

Spend two nights in Culloden near Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, with accommodations at Culloden House Hotel -- a lovely Georgian Manor House noted for impeccable Highland hospitality; stroll among the wildflower meadows and the four-acre walled garden onsite.

Visit Dunrobin Castle, the seat of Clan Sutherland and the Dukes and Earls of Sutherland, with its fairytale turrets and acres of formal gardens. The Palace of Versailles in Paris was the inspiration for these gardens, which were laid out by the architect who designed the Houses of Parliament. Time permitting, we'll also attend the Falconry demonstration.

See Cawdor Castle, the 14th-century home of the Cawdors which was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor and is still the home of the Dowager Countess Cawdor. The castle is filled with art and Flemish tapestries, and exhibits three outstanding gardens, the oldest of which was begun over 400 years ago! Cawdor was the setting for the death of Duncan in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' however the truth is that Cawdor Castle was not built until the late 14th Century, so it is impossible for King Duncan to have lost any blood or Lady Macbeth much sleep in this particular house, as Macbeth was born in 1005.

Our special visit to Blair Castle, which dates from 1269, includes a spotlight on Clan Murray. This is the weekend of the Atholl Gathering, and your visit includes a private tour of the castle and admission to the traditional Highland Games. The annual inspection of Europe's last remaining private army takes place as the army parades before His Grace, The Duke of Atholl, in front of Blair Castle, accompanied by their magnificent pipes and drums. The Atholl Highlanders are Europe's only remaining private army, by order of Queen Victoria.

The Victorian town of Pitlochry is home to the Scottish Plant Hunters Garden. This garden shows many plants in a natural setting and tells the stories of Scots who risked their lives traveling the world to collect thousands of amazing specimens. Edradour Distillery, Scotland's smallest, is also an amazing specimen in Pitlochry!

Glamis Castle, childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of HRH The Princess Margaret, the first Royal child to be born in Scotland in 300 years. Glamis is reputed to be the most haunted castle in Britain. This six-story tower built in the 15th Century has a fine collection of tapestries, painting, furniture, and weapons. The Italian Garden to the east of the castle was laid out by Countess Cecilia, the Queen Mother's mother, about 1910. A stone fountain and ornamental gates commemorate the Queen Mother's 80th birthday. The Formal Garden includes a 21-foot high sundial with 84 dials. The castle is the setting for Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

Falkland Palace in the Kingdom of Fife dates to the 15th Century when it was built as a hunting lodge and country residence for the Stuart monarchs of Scotland. Lush green lawns, colorful herbaceous borders and many unusual shrubs and trees complete the setting for this memorable property. A private tour of the Palace itself is only part of what makes a visit such an interesting experience. Extensive gardens run to the south of the Palace, complete with glasshouses. Falkland is also home to the first game of Royal Tennis and Britain's oldest Royal Tennis Court, built in 1539, and still in use today.

HIGHLIGHTS: Isle of Skye: Armadale Castle and Gardens, Museum of the Isles and Clan Donald Centre, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, The Trotternish Peninsula / Argyll: Inveraray Castle and Gardens, Arduaine Gardens / Highlands: Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Cawdor Castle and Gardens, Culloden House Hotel and Gardens, Eilean Donan Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens / Wester Ross: Attadale Gardens, special tour and private luncheon / Perthshire: Blair Castle and the Hercules Garden, Glamis Castle and Gardens, Pitlochry, Plant Hunter's Garden, Edradour Distillery / Kingdom of Fife: Falkland Palace and Gardens.

Includes:

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Ensuite accommodations in 4-star properties
• Full Scottish breakfast daily
• Five three-course meals
• Ferry transportation
• Professional Blue Badge Guide throughout
• Entrance fees into all sites listed
• Tax of 20%

Price:

• $3,595.00 per person, double occupancy (two sharing one room).
• Single supplement is $725.00 - Single travelers have the option of sharing a room with other singles (if available) to offset this supplement, but this is solely at the discretion of the travelers and not the responsibility of Celtic Journeys.

More information:
• Reservations require a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 per person. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, and checks are accepted forms of payment. Balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
• Airfare is not included; Celtic Journeys can make your arrangements for you with no booking fees.

• Tour begins in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh; additional hotel nights in Glasgow or Edinburgh are available at reduced rates; booking service is complimentary.
• To book your space or for additional information, contact Judy Lowstuter at judy@celticjourneys.us or call (703)941-6455. Tour is limited to 14 guests. All tours operate unless there is a natural disaster, airline strike, or travel warning of imminent danger.