The Worthen School of Highland Dance
Scotland Performance Tour
- August 2019 -
- competition, exploration and performance -
Dates: Tues. Aug 20 - Sun. Sept 01, 2019
Destinations: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Strathardle, Pitlochry, Dunoon, Grantown-on-Spey, & Cowal for the Cowal Highland Gathering
Join us, summer 2019 - for competition, performance, and exploration in Scotland - the birthplace of highland dance! We'll be celebrating music in the world's most iconic & historic venues, like Edinburgh Castle, and Stirling. We'll also participate in the Cowal Highland Gathering the largest highland games gathering in the world.
WORTHEN, SCOTLAND '19| YOUR TOUR INFO
CONTACT INFORMATION
Principal Organiser - Jennifer Worthen - The Worthen School of Highland Dance
p: 902-471-7072 - worthendance@hotmail.com
Your Tour Operator - Connection Custom Travel - Samantha Cowan
p: 647-746-9862 e: samantha@connectiontours.ca
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Takes place every August for 2 weeks - at the front door of Edinburgh Castle. Travelers come together from all over the world to celebrate the iconic performance
WORTHEN SCOTLAND TOUR | Map & Outline
Tour Highlights:
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Walking the battlefields of Bannockburn
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A visit to Edinburgh Castle - the great volcanic clifftop castle guards the Stone of Destiny
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A journey through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs - the largest loch in Britain, in Scotland's oldest National Park
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - bringing together people from all over the world in annual celebration of music and performance
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Performing at the Cowal Highland Gathering, the largest highland games in the world
ITINERARY
Day 1 | Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Group flight departure from Halifax to Glasgow [Flight schedule to be determined] [Overnight - flight (D) and (B) served on board]
Day 2 | Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Flight arrival in Glasgow, to be met by our tour manager & motor coach at the airport. After having some time for lunch, we will take an orientation tour of the city. We will then transfer to our hotel in Edinburgh [approx. ~ (51.1 miles)] for check-in. Tonight we enjoy our first lively Welcome Dinner before retiring for some rest after our long day of travels [Overnight – Edinburgh (D)]
Day 3 | Thursday, August 22, 2019
This morning, we will have the chance to explore one of the world’s most famous Scottish icons: Edinburgh Castle. This volcanic castle rock sets the stage for a complex history, complete with buildings that date back to the 12th century. Get the chance to see the Honours Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the famous 15th-century gun the Mons Meg. We will also explore the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, walk via Candlemaker Row to learn the story of Greyfriars Bobby before heading over to the Georgian 'New Town' of Princes Street. Enjoy an option for a ghostly tour of Mary King’s Close deep beneath the buildings of 'Old Town' of Edinburgh.
After a busy day, we head on out for an early dinner together before making our way up to the Royal Mile for this evening’s performance of the unforgettable Edinburgh Military Tattoo - performed by The British Armed Forces, as well as Commonwealth and International military bands - undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary spectacles to witness in the entire world! [Overnight - Edinburgh (B, D)]
Day 4 | Friday, August 23, 2019
Enjoy an early breakfast this morning before we head out to tour the Royal City of Stirling [approx. ~ (43.2 miles)] including the site of the Battle of Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314, as well as a visit to the Wallace Monument and a tour of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in the country's history. The castle sits atop 'Castle Hill', an intrusive crag, which forms part of the geological formation known as Stirling Sill. Surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, gives this castle a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification from the earliest times. Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. { Here we have the OPTION of afternoon performance on the grounds before returning to Edinburgh for our overnight.}
[Overnight – Edinburgh (B, D)]
Day 5 | Saturday, August 24, 2019
Today, we tour across the Forth Road Bridge and through the ancient capital of Perth before arriving in Strathardle for the Highland Gathering and Competition. [approx ~ (71.7 miles) ] [Overnight – Pitlochry (B, D)]
Day 6 | Sunday, August 25, 2019
We will enjoy another traditional breakfast this morning before we tour to Grantown-on-Spey for the Highland Games and Competition. We will be able to tour through Dunkeld and also visit Glamis Castle.
[Overnight – Pitlochry (B, D)
Day 7 | Monday, August 26, 2019
This morning, we will have time to visit the Heather Gems Factory as well as Blair Castle and free time in Pitlochry before attending the Pitlochry Highland Night performance. [Overnight – Pitlochry (B, D)]
Day 8 | Tuesday, August 27, 2019
This morning, we leave from Pitlochry and embark on a beautiful drive through the Highlands. We will view stunning scenery through Tay Forest Park with stops at Crianlarich, Loch Lomond and Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll. We will arrive in the Dunoon area where we will enjoy our dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Dunoon area (B, D)]
Day 9 | Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Today we will head out and explore the region, as Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula are packed with things to do and see. Sailors, walkers, cyclists and artists are all drawn to this area for its natural beauty. You’ll find art galleries, walking and cycle trails, ruined castles, world-famous gardens and plenty of restaurants and pubs serving up locally sourced food, including Loch Fyne’s world-famous seafood - yum! [Overnight – Dunoon area (B, D)]
Day 10 | Thursday, August 29, 2019
First Day of the Cowal Highland Gathering held in Dunoon, Argyll, is the largest, most spectacular Highland games in the world. Nowhere else will you see world-class pipers, dancers, and athletes competing on such a scale. It’s an unbeatable event for all. Just ask the 23,000 visitors who come here every year to soak up the unique, friendly atmosphere and stunning Highland location.
[Overnight – Dunoon area (B, D)]
Day 11 | Friday, August 30, 2019
This morning after a good breakfast, we head back to the Cowal World Championships [Schedule TBD] for our second day of events and performances. At the end of the day today, we will see the trophy & piping presentations [Schedule TBD]. After our day at the Cowal World Championships, we will meet with our tour manager for a visit to the Bishop’s Glen - a favored beauty spot and a delightful walk - this was once the source of Dunoon’s main water supply. After our walk, we travel back to the main town for our dinner and our overnight.
[Overnight – Dunoon (B, D)]
Day 12 | Saturday, August 31, 2019
Today, after breakfast, we will prepare for our final day at the Cowal World Championships [2019 program TBD] watching the finals of the World Highland Dancing Championships on the main platform. [Overnight – Dunoon (B, D)]
Day 13 | Sunday, September 1, 2019
After an early breakfast this morning, we will have some time to pack and check out. Our manager & motor coach will be waiting to take us back to the airport. Upon our arrival at Glasgow’s International Airport, give your tour manager a warm farewell before your departure for your flight home. [(B) Flight Home- (Beverages, Snacks & Meal Service on-board)].
Tour End.
Daily itinerary may still be subject to some changes
This itinerary has been custom created for a specific group in mind. Activities on this itinerary may change due to 2019 schedules which are yet to be finalized.
Flights for this itinerary will be available for scheduling and pricing by September 2018 - 11 months prior to the departure date.
Please indicate on your registration form your flight requirements, travel insurance and/or your request to add any custom travel extensions to your journey.
Our office will contact you directly to arrange and price.
Should you have any questions regarding your flight, insurance, or travel extension options. please e-mail Samantha Cowan,
The City of Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site, and the first to be declared as a UNESCO City for literature!
The 650-acre Royal Park of Holyrood is home to Arthur's Seat (823 ft) an extinct volcano overlooking Edinburgh
Mary King's Close of Edinburgh was walled up after the poor inhabitants caught the plague. It still exists, as it was in the 17th century
The Royal Mile of Edinburgh might ring a bell - English writer of the 17th century, Daniel Defoe, famously described it as the "Finest Street in the World"
The City of Glasgow is a city full of culture and interest, as well as some of the most elaborate advances in architectural history.
Stirling Castle - one of the most formidable and important castles in Scottish history. The oldest sections of the castle date back to the 14th century
Cowal World Championships is the largest Highland games in the world - First held in 1894, the event is steeped in history and tradition.
Dunoon is formed by its history. Though the castle is long gone, the grand villas that were built in the 1820s and following decades continue to occupy the best spots on the shoreline's promenade.
Its dramatic setting makes Princes street one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe - with one of the oldest department stores.
TOUR PRICING
$3,580.00 CAD
Total Per Person based on twin occupancy including our group air travel from Halifax
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TOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Initial Deposit: $300 per person is non-refundable to guarantee your space and is due immediately
Remaining Balance per person: due by Tuesday, June 11, 2019 (70 days prior to departure)
- (1) - Should you have indicated on this form that you require assistance with travel insurance or alternative flight arrangements, our office will contact you directly with more information. (We start this process 11 months prior to departure date)
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- (2) - 10 months prior to departure, we will be sending you your flight details [Saturday, October 20, 2018]
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- (3) - 30 days prior to departure, you will receive a custom info guide e-booklet, which will review everything you should know about our upcoming tour! [Sunday, July 21, 2019]
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- (4) - Your final balance on tour is due no later than 70 days prior to our departure date [Tuesday, June 11, 2019]
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TOUR INCLUSIONS
This tour is fully customisable and comes with the following inclusions & exclusions:
Inclusions
Exclusions
Extra beverages at dinner
Gratuity for guides/ drivers (may we suggest 3Eur per day for your driver and 4Eur per day for your guide)
Any Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel medical insurance & trip cancellation insurance. It is mandatory for all travelers on this program to have a Travel medical insurance policy in place. Proof of policy is required. If you wish to purchase a Manulife insurance policy with us, please indicate as such on your registration form and we will be in contact with assistance.
Student medical and/or trip cancellation insurance. If you wish to purchase trip cancellation insurance with your booking please indicate as such on your registration form and we will be in contact with assistance.
Round Trip Air Transportation from Halifax to Glasgow, Return
Accommodations for 11 nights in Hotels/University/Hostels all ensuite
Breakfast throughout (B) and 11 Dinners (D)
Full Time Experienced Tour Manager
All Entrances as per your Itinerary
Tickets to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Executive Motor Coach with Washroom/AC/Beverages excluding Thursday to Saturday in Cowal
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All surcharges, fees, & taxes, incl. departure taxes
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Early registration is required on the Worthen School of Highland Dance
Scotland Performance Tour - We ask that you register as soon as possible to hold your space
1) Register online and fill out your registration to the best of your ability
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2) Should you indicate on your form that you require any travel insurance, or different flight arrangements, our office will contact you directly.
Program brought to you by:
OUR TOUR OPERATOR
Educational travel specialists with British & European Group Travel - Contact us with questions about your tour, from the moment you touch the ground, to the moment you head home.
Connection Custom Travel Inc.
306-343-6266
Samantha Cowan
samantha@connectiontours.ca
647-746-9862
114 5th Ave NW,
Watson Saskatchewan
S0K 4V0
CANADA
© 2018 by CONNECTION CUSTOM TRAVEL INC.
This is a customized and private program designed for The Worthen School of Highland Dance