Scotland set for centre stage in 2014

Scotland set for centre stage in 2014

Scotland is famous for its whisky, tartan, haggis, bagpipes and scenery not to mention an elusive loch monster and men who wear kilts. These appeals have helped draw visitors to the Highlands in their droves and several major events are going to put the destination in vogue as a travel destination in 2014.

The Commonwealth Games taking place in Glasgow (July 23 – August 3), Ryder Cup Golf at Gleneagles (23 – 28 September) and Scotland’s year-long Homecoming 2014 programme of festivals and events will see Scots welcome the world celebrating the very best of the country’s food and drink, active and natural resources as well as creativity, culture and ancestral heritage.

An all-star concert to herald the opening of the Ryder Cup, a huge flotilla to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge, Europe’s biggest brass band festival and a thrilling re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn are just some of the headline acts.

Whatever your age, Scotland has something for everyone. Lonely Planet has named Scotland third spot in its renowned list of the top countries to visit in 2014, so there is no better time to beat the rush and lock in your Scottish travel plans now. For a visual teaser, check out VisitScotland’s new 30-second Brilliant Moments ad here.

Book and pay in full for a Contiki, Insight Vacations or Trafalgar 2014 Scotland holiday prior to 15 January, 2014 and save up to 10 per cent.

• Contiki Holidays has a 6-day Scotland tour for 18-35s priced from $1319 per person twin share. With Contiki’s Backstage Pass to Scotland you'll travel from Edinburgh to the Highlands and back to Glasgow, see Britain's highest mountain, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and visit the famed Loch Ness on a Jacobite cruise. Price includes 5 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, sightseeing, transport, 2 dinners plus the services of a tour manager and driver. Departure dates available from March until October, 2014.

Contiki also offers specific festival departures with a 4-day Edinburgh Festival & Military Tattoo trip ex London on 22 August, 2014 priced from $615 per person including 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, sightseeing, transport, a ticket to the Military Tattoo as well as the services of a tour manager and driver. Alternatively, Contiki’s 5-day Hogmanay in Edinburgh is priced from $805 per person starting in Edinburgh on 29 December, 2014. Price includes 4 nights’ multi-share hostel accommodation, 3 breakfasts, sightseeing, a ticket to the Hogmanay street party plus the services of a tour manager.
Visit www.contiki.com, call 0508 Contiki or ask your travel agent.

• Insight Vacations’ 9-day Country Roads of Scotland escorted tour is priced from $3099 per person twin share. Taking in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as scenic highlights of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and the less explored Thurso and Orkney Isles. Visit a working Highland farm in the Spey Valley, for a personal insight into the daily life of shepherd Neil Ross and his highly-trained Scottish Border Collie dogs and after overnighting in the luxury Inverness Kingsmills signature hotel, travel to the Culloden Visitor Centre to hear the history of how Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Price includes central or scenic-located accommodation, sightseeing, many meals, the services of a tour director, local guides, coach transport with business class legroom and airport transfers. Departure dates available from April to September, 2014. It is one of many Insight Vacations tours that include Scotland.
Visit www.insightvacations.com, freephone 0800 656 111 or ask your travel agent.

• Trafalgar has two dedicated guided holidays to Scotland in 2014, the 7-day Best of Scotland priced from $2175 per person twin share and 13-day Scottish Highlands, Islands & Cities priced from $3975 per person twin share. Enjoy an array of insider experiences from Be My Guest dining on a working farm to local specialities like the Glengoyne and Glenlivet Whisky Distilleries and hear from the local experts along the way about the customs and history of this great country. Ledard Farm at Loch Ard is a popular stop on both holidays showcasing Scottish scenery, cuisine and giving guests a friendly welcome and a history lesson all at once. Holidays both include local guides, sightseeing, accommodation, many meals, transport, the services of a travel director and airport transfers. Scotland also features on a number of Trafalgar’s Britain & Ireland holidays.
Visit www.trafalgar.com, freephone 0800 Trafalgar or ask your travel agent.

ENDS

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