Adventures by Disney Ties Disney/Pixar's “Brave” to New Scotland Tour

Adventures by Disney is collaborating with Disney/Pixar to develop the first Pixar-inspired tour itinerary, called “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” as a tie-in with Disney/Pixar’s new animated film “Brave.” The eight-night/nine-day itinerary is set to launch in 2013 and is designed to immerse clients in the Scottish Highlands, the actual place that was used as the setting for the tale at the heart of the film.

The Adventures by Disney itinerary will take clients through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness with a series of experiences designed to enable clients to experience the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland, which inspired the story of Merida, the film’s teenage heroine, who defies ancient tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

The new tour program will join more than 20 others in the Adventures By Disney catalog. To create “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” the tour operator’s trip-planning specialists worked with the storytellers on Pixar’s “Brave” production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the settings and characters in the film, creating a Disney-style Scotland experience. Clients will experience for themselves places that the film’s creators used 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.

In keeping with the trends in the tour market, the package will include authentic experiences and hands-on activities. On the Isle of Skye, clients will take part in traditional Highland games, make Scottish pastries, as did 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.

Adventures by Disney clients also will visit historic sites such as the Eilean Donan and Edinburgh castles, as well as the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis. The visits will be Disney style, with a canoe expedition on Loch Ness, a search for “Nessie” and a visit to Urquhart Castle.

In Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, 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 about the ancient period in which “Brave” is set. Each departure features two Adventure Guides who will serve as tour leaders, storytellers, companions and personal concierges.

The family adventure to Scotland is one of two new itineraries being launched for 2013. Adventures by Disney also will offer a 12-day, 11-night Southeast Asia itinerary that features Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, including an opportunity to experience Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com.