CORNELL UNIVERSITY
SCOTLAND FAMILY PROGRAM
August 5 – 16, 2015
Preliminary itinerary as of May 8, 2014
Wednesday
August 5
NEW YORK
Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Edinburgh.
Thursday
August 6
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
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Arrive in Edinburgh this morning and transfer to the city center. On an
orientation tour of this lively Georgian capital city, follow the famed Royal Mile
from Edinburgh Castle down to the Royal Palace of Holyrood House. After
lunch, check into the Radisson Blu Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.
Gather this evening at the hotel for introductory remarks followed by a casual
dinner.
Friday
August 7
EDINBURGH
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Begin today exploring Edinburgh Castle where you will see, among other
treasures, the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Following lunch continue to the newly
reopened National Museum of Scotland, which recently underwent an extensive
renovation. Discover the legacy of the Scots; explore the Natural World; or learn
about scientific advances and engineering innovation. The museum’s varied
galleries appeal to all ages. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. For those
interested, join a guided walking tour to nearby Charlotte Square to see The
Georgian House. This evening return to Edinburgh Castle for a performance of
the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Saturday
August 8
EDINBURGH / BEAULY for Aigas Field Center
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Depart Edinburgh this morning for the Aigas Field Center, an estate and home
dedicated to the study and conservation of the Highland’s wildlife. Following
lunch, a ranger will help you explore the Center’s grounds and nature trails. In
the evening, visit the badger & pine marten or beaver lodges before dinner in the
Baronial hall.
Sunday
August 9
AIGAS- Glen Strathfarrar
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Spend the morning exploring Aigas. Following an introductory talk on the Field
Center’s beaver project, walk around the loch to see the beaver habitat. Also visit
the Scottish wildcat breeding project and the Bronze Age archaeological
dwellings – all on site. After a buffet lunch in House of Aigas, drive a short
distance to Glen Strathfarrar, often described as one of the most beautiful glens in
Scotland. Enjoy stunning views of ancient woodland and soaring mountains. On
a nature walk, discuss golden eagle ecology and look at a nest site. Return to the
House of Aigas for a hearty Scottish dinner prepared from local fresh ingredients.
Monday
August 10
AIGAS– Dunrobin Castle
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For early risers, begin the day with a dawn run to search for otters. After
breakfast, drive through various coastal nature reserves to look for seals, ospreys
and discuss coastal ecology before arriving at Dunrobin Castle. Seat of the Clan
Sutherland, this spectacular castle was completed in 1850. Enjoy a tour of the
castle, a falconry display and a walk around the gardens before returning to Aigas.
Tuesday
August 11
AIGAS –WEST COAST DAY or Beauly
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Set out on a full day excursion through the spectacular mountain scenery of the
central Highlands to the stunning remote and wild west coast. Look out for
golden and sea eagles, a variety of rare coastal birds, red deer, otters, dolphins and
more. After a picnic lunch, hike a small but spectacular mountain on the coast.
Return in time for a late dinner. Alternatively, you might enjoy a day at leisure in
the small town of Beauly.
Wednesday
August 12
AIGAS - Inverness
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This morning explore nearby Culloden Battlefield, site of the final battle of the
1745 Jacobite Uprising. Continue your travel back in time with a visit to the
mysterious Clava cairns dating from the Bronze Age. Then board an afternoon
cruise on the legendary Loch Ness, on a hunt for the elusive Loch Ness Monster!
The cruise will also include a visit to the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Return
to Aigas for dinner. In the evening, visit the badger & pine marten or beaver
hides with an Aigas ranger.
Thursday
August 13
BEAULY – The Black Isle
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After breakfast, visit The Black Isle. First stop is to the beautiful beach of
Rosemarkie for rock pooling and beach combing. Lunch is at Chanonry Point,
where you can spot the biggest bottlenose dolphins in the world. Continue
dolphin-watching on an Ecoventures boat trip on the Firth. In the afternoon visit
the charming fishing village of Cromarty before returning to Aigas for tea.
Friday
August 14
BEAULY
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This morning discover Glen Affric, A National Nature Reserve famous for its old
growth Caledonian Pine Forest. Return to Aigas for lunch and a relaxing
afternoon. Celebrate a wonderful trip with family and new friends with an
evening of Traditional Scottish celidh with music, poetry and dancing.
Saturday
August 15
BEAULY / EDINBURGH
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Following breakfast, depart Aigas Field Center and transfer to Edinburgh,
stopping for lunch en route. Accommodation is at the Radisson Blu.
Sunday
August 16
EDINBURGH / NEW YORK
Depart on the return flights home.
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