Today I'd Go ... to the Scotland of "Brave"

Amy Bertrand, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 07, 2012

Every Thursday I write about a place that catches my fancy, a place I'd love to go. My kids are excited to see the new Disney Pixar movie, "Brave," about a heroine from Scotland. The movie comes out June 22.

In combination with that movie, Adventures by Disney is offering a nine-day tour called "Scotland: A Brave Adventure," which combines the stories of Scotland with the magic of "Brave."

From the press release on the tour:

This 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness takes families through the rugged Highlands, allowing them to experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida's story of bravery.

Adventures by Disney is a leader in the group guided-tour industry - sharing the stories of the world through 20+ international itineraries. For "Scotland: A Brave Adventure," Adventures by Disney's trip-planning specialists worked directly with the expert storytellers on Pixar's "Brave" production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the lush settings and memorable characters in the film - creating a Scotland experience that could only come from Disney. Guests will discover locations that inspired Pixar's creative spark during visits to 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.

Beyond the drawing board, the culture of the Scottish Highlands will come to life through authentic, hands-on activities - a hallmark of Adventures by Disney itineraries. 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 country's most treasured historical sites -- including 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. Rather than just walking the shores of Loch Ness, guests will go on a canoe expedition where they will search for "Nessie" and discover the picture-perfect Urquhart Castle.

The tour starts at $5,299 for adults. More info: AdventuresbyDisney.com/Brave or contact the reservations center at 1-877-728-7282.