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10
Connections by Kathy: 9 Days in Splendid Scotland
Jul 4 - 13, 2025
If you’re an aspiring traveler who finds joy in discovering places rich with history and charm with new travel friends, then join us in enchanting Scotland and come back with stories to tell, renewed sense of adventure, and a deeper connection to the past.
Imagine standing on the deck of a ferry, leaving the mainland behind. The cool breeze hits your face, and there’s this quiet excitement—like you’re stepping into something new.
As you glide through the water watching the waves ripple and break, you start to feel a sense of quiet freedom away from the rush of everyday life as the majestic peaks of the Isle of Skye come into view.
There’s a sense of wonder and a feeling that you’re on your way to somewhere mystical, where the scenery is more dramatic, and life moves at a different pace.
Once you set foot on Skye, it’s like stepping into another world. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with misty hills, jagged cliffs, and endless stretches of wild coast. It’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring, making you feel small in the best possible way.
As you leave, you feel like you’re carrying a piece of the Isle of Skye with you. The sense of calm and connection you found there doesn’t just fade away; it lingers. The usual rush of everyday life feels less urgent, replaced by a quiet appreciation for slowing down and just being in the moment, like you’ve brought a piece of Skye’s quiet magic with you.
Itinerary
Trip Details: 9 days / 8 nights
No activities planned.
Fri, Jul 4: Depart the US
Sat, Jul 5: Arrive in Scotland
Sun, Jul 6: Glasgow, UK
Mon, Jul 7: Alexandria, UK
Tue, Jul 8: Armadale, Isle of Skye, UK
Wed, Jul 9: Culloden, Inverness, UK
Thu, Jul 10: Pitlochry, UK
Fri, Jul 11: St Andrews, UK
Sat, Jul 12: Edinburgh, Scotland
Sun, Jul 13: Edinburgh, Scotland
Full Itinerary
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Meet Kathy
Hi! I'm Kathy! I'm the owner of Infinity Travel LLC, the "Kathy" in Connections by Kathy, as well as a longtime travel agent & experienced tour conductor.
I'll be your main point of contact for this trip. I've been in the travel industry for over 20 years and am so excited to experience this adventure with you!
My awesome husband Dane will be joining us as well. He's super laid back and an all-around good guy to talk to. You might find him holding my signs for me. As you might imagine, we LOVE to travel and genuinely enjoy each other's company.
We're really looking forward to bringing you along for the ride! Come to Scotland with us!
About Connections by Kathy
My vision for Connections by Kathy is to create a community of kindred spirits who love to explore the world together. Being a witness to each others lives through shared experiences on the road.
We enjoy each others company, but also enjoy going off and doing our own independent exploring. Then coming back together at the end of the day to swap stories.
We're mostly Gen-X & Baby Boomers who are active, but not necessarily obsessively so. 😉
In between trips, I host CBK Socials here in Lincoln, Nebraska just to hang out and catch up and keep our connection going.
Connections by Kathy Exclusives
🔹 An extra night in Glasgow
🔹 Exclusive welcome dinner with our group
🔹 Kathy as your Professional Tour Host! I'm especially great at making introductions, helping break the ice, and making connections.
🔹 Personal support and guidance before, during, and after the trip!
How Your Benefit from my Partnership with CIE Tours on this Trip
All-Inclusive Pricing: No hidden costs; everything on the CIE portion of our itinerary is included in one upfront price, covering sightseeing, many meals, and entrance fees to all listed attractions.
Carefree Touring: Enjoy a seamless and enjoyable travel experience and leave the details to us! Logistics are handled for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the details. You can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Luxury Coaches: Touring Scotland with CIE Tours offers a luxurious and comfortable experience aboard their state-of-the-art coaches. These modern vehicles are equipped with reclining seats with ample leg room, free Wi-Fi, and charging ports, allowing you to stay connected and share your journey in real-time. The spacious interiors and panoramic windows provide a relaxing environment to enjoy Scotland's breathtaking landscapes.
4⭐ Hotels, Castles, & Manors: Expect premium hotels, manors, and castles throughout Scotland that blend modern comforts with historic charm. These accommodations are chosen to enhance the travel experience, providing authentic Scottish hospitality in settings that reflect the country's rich heritage. Many include facilities like on-site dining rooms, lounges, and bars and maybe a spa.
Experienced Local Tour Guides: CIE Tours' guides are born and bred in the country they cover, so they know everything! They exude authenticity and warmth and are highly praised for their expertise and engaging storytelling, enhancing travelers' experiences by providing in-depth knowledge of Scottish history and culture.
Knowledgeable Drivers: CIE Tours' professional drivers ensure a smooth and safe journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland without any travel hassles.
Exceptional Experiences: 90+ Years of travel experience & a 95% guest satisfaction rating
What's Included?
🔹 9 incredible days with likeminded travelers with plenty of "together" and "alone" time built in
🔹 Exclusive Adults Only Departure with only Connections by Kathy travelers!*
🔹 Pre-trip Preparation Class, so you're travel ready when the time comes!
🔹 "Getting to know you" zoom calls, and in-person gatherings here in Lincoln, Nebraska so you can get to know your fellow travelers!
🔹 Four-star accommodations in a variety of hotels, castles, and estates.
🔹 Full daily breakfast and most dinners.
🔹 Lunch is on your own every day, so you have the freedom to explore your surroundings.
🔹 A lively evening of traditional Scottish entertainment
🔹 Transportation on group arrival & departure days & throughout the tour (buses, shuttles, & ferries) so you're able to just sit back and enjoy the ride without worrying about driving in a foreign country, fueling up, and navigation.
🔹 Welcome dinner with our group the first evening
🔹 Welcome drinks with our Guide the following evening
🔹 Entrance fees to any sites that we visit together around Scotland with our guide.
🔹 Kathy Bjorklund as your Professional Travel Host, Travel Advisor, and Coach. You've got this!
🔹 Experienced Local Guide & Driver
🔹 No hidden extras, no upselling once you get there, as much as possible is included so there are no surprise costs.
* A minimum of 10 PASSENGERS is required to keep this trip privatized for Connections by Kathy travelers. This trip is priced based on 10 and will cost LESS as more people join the group.
^ Single rates are available for a slight upcharge to account for a single room. There is a maximum of THREE (3) single rooms on this trip that will be assigned upon deposit.
What's Not Included?
🔹 Your round-trip airfare from home
🔹 Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance
🔹 Taxi in & around towns
🔹 Airport transfers for trip extensions
🔹 Other non-included items would include passport fees, airline luggage and/or seat fees, personal items, souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, spa services, laundry, optional activities, gratuities (unless already listed above), spa treatments, and anything else not listed above.
FLIGHTS:
You will need to depart the US on July 4th & take an overnight flight.
Arrive into the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on July 5th around 8am if possible so we can pick you up and get you settled in before dinner.
We recommend you depart July 13th at around Noon.
If you want to come earlier or stay later for some exploring – call Kathy Bjorklund, your travel planner extraordinaire. I can help you design something fabulous as well as make sure that you actually end up in Glasgow at the right time and in the right place! Feel free to ring me at 402-417-0155 or by email at kathy@infinitytravelco.com
Is this Group Trip for Me?
This trip would be great for you if you...
🔹 are over 21, ideally in the Gen-X to Baby Boomer range.
🔹 are sociable, enjoy meeting new people, and can get along with about anyone.
🔹 like to just show up and go along for the ride.
🔹 can be on time for departures and follow directions.
This would NOT be a good fit if you...
🔹 have mobility issues and need assistance walking on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, getting on and off motorized coaches and other vehicles, entering/exiting attractions, or are wheelchair bound.
🔹 are traveling with people under the age of 21. Email me if you'd like to discuss other options.
🔹 are an a$$hole. I have a "no a$$holes" rule. 😂
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