Day 1

We travel directly to north to arrive in Scotland's capital by late afternoon.

You may join us for an evening meal (extra cost) and a visit to some of the nearby bars to try some fine malt Scotch whisky.

Day 2

We take a full day guided tour of Edinburgh with a 'Blue Badge Guide', to ensure that you really do get to see the highpoints of Scotland's capital. We firmly believe that our guides are the very best you will find. All of our local guides have been hand picked by International Friends and they take great pride in showing international students the very best of Edinburgh!

Your tour will start at 9.00am and during the morning you will be shown the major sights within Edinburgh. You may also join our guide during the afternoon, to see some of the attractions surrounding the city. Alternatively, you can take the afternoon as free time, the choice is yours – we like to give you the flexibility!

During the Evening, you may also join our optional activities. Today, we will have a traditional Scottish Haggis meal (don't worry if you don't want to try Haggis, as there is a wide choice of other dishes). After the meal, we will go on a pub crawl, giving you the chance to try fine Scotch Whisky and many other imported beverages. We will then visit one of Edinburgh's best nightclubs, where you can find music to every taste! Your guide will be there with you and will return to your accommodation in the early hours of the morning

Day 3

After an early start we travel south to the Scottish Borders region, where we visit romantic Gretna Green. Gretna Green was a famous place for young English couples to get married from the mid 18th Century up until 1857, as Scottish law allowed people from the age of 16 to 'tie the knot', without permission from their parents. However, when the law changed in 1857 following pressure from the Church, it became necessary for couples to be resident in Scotland for 21 days before they could be married! Weddings still take place to this day and you may be lucky enough to see one!

During our homeward journey we visit the Lake District National Park and call in at the pretty Lakeside resort of Bowness on Windermere.