Adventures by Disney Scotland

Adventures by Disney® is taking their adventurers out of the theater and immersing them in the world of Brave with their first-ever Pixar-inspired itinerary, “Scotland: A Brave Adventure.”

This new adventure is a 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness. Families will experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida’s story of bravery. In creating “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” Adventures by Disney’s® trip-planning specialists worked directly with the expert storytellers on Disney•Pixar’s Brave production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the settings and characters in the film – creating a Scotland experience that could only come from Disney. Guests will find some of that inspiration in the historic Black House of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, both of which served as reference for the Witch’s cottage, and Dunnottar Castle, one of the inspirations for the DunBroch family’s home.

“‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’ combines the creative genius of Pixar Animation Studios with Disney’s ability to bring iconic stories to life in a whole new way,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney®. “For the first time ever, our guests will be fully immersed in the legends and locations that inspired the film. Brave is the perfect tale for Adventures by Disney® to share; Merida’s experience speaks to the importance of the family bond – a cornerstone of any Disney vacation.”

As with any Adventures by Disney® itinerary, guests will participate in authentic, hands-on activities. On the Isle of Skye, adventurers will partake in traditional highland games, make Scottish pastries – a favorite treat of Merida’s triplet brothers – and take lessons in Celtic music and dance. While traveling through Inverness, guests will participate in two of Merida’s favorite activities – horseback riding through the Caledonian Forest and archery at Glamis Castle. In Edinburgh, families will learn the art of tapestry-making at Dovecot Studios.

Another signature of an Adventures by Disney® vacation, families will visit the Scotland’s most treasured historical sites – Eilean Donan and Edinburgh Castles, the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis – but in unique ways that only Disney could dream up. Why just walk the shores of Loch Ness when you can go on a canoe expedition searching for “Nessie” and discovering the picture-perfect Urquhart Castle?

In the capital city, travelers will tour the Royal Mile, including privately-guided visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Scottish home of the Royal Family – and the National Museum of Scotland, where they will learn fascinating details of the ancient period in which Brave is set.

This new adventure to Scotland is only one of two new itineraries for 2013. Adventures by Disney® previously announced a Southeast Asia itinerary. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give adventurers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally-rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

All of Adventures by Disney’s® itineraries feature two knowledgeable Adventure Guides who serve as leaders, storytellers, companions and personal concierge – taking care of all the details for a truly hassle-free travel experience. Since its launch seven years ago, Adventures by Disney® has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism and was ranked #1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best awards 2011 readers’ survey!

All 2013 itineraries will be available to book starting today, May 23, 2012.