Scottish Clans and Castles - 10 day tour

Day 2 - Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Whisky Distillery Excursion

Drive to Stirling to visit Stirling Castle.

Discover the exquisite Royal Palace and the impressive Great Hall. During your guided tour, learn of the many notable people connected with this mighty fortress, including the actual “Braveheart” Sir William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Later, head to delightful Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery.  Here, join a whisky expert for a tour to discover the traditional method of making whisky, followed by a wee taste of the end product.

Return to Glasgow for free time and the opportunity to dine as you wish.

Day 3 - Glasgow - Glen Coe - Kyle of Lochalsh

Today travel into the spectacular Scottish Highlands.

Travel by the “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, then journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor.

There is a photo-stop in the heart of Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.

Stop at Spean Bridge Woollen Mill and drive alongside some of the long, narrow lochs in the Great Glen.

Continue your drive north to visit romantic Eilean Donan Castle. The first fortified castle was built in the 13th century, rebuilt several times and partially ruined in 1719.

Check in to your charming family-owned hotel near Kyle of Lochalsh.

Overnight: Balmacara Hotel, Kyle of Lochalsh or similar (2 nights)

Day 4 - Isle of Skye & Portree Excursion

Today cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge to explore this lovely island sometimes called the “Misty Isle”. It has many strong associations with Bonnie Prince Charlie as he fled here after his defeat at Culloden Moor.

Visit Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Clan MacLeod for 800 years, to see fine paintings, antiques and Jacobite relics.

Tour through the Trotternish Peninsula to view Kilt Rock, a sea cliff with massive, vertical basalt columns and cascading waterfall.

Stop at Kilmuir to see the grave of Flora MacDonald before enjoying free time in Portree. Why not take a walk to admire brightly-painted houses that cluster around the attractive harbour?

Return to your hotel for free time before dinner.

Day 5 - Kyle of Lochalsh - Strathpeffer – Inverness

The day starts with a scenic drive through Glen Carron, stopping to view the vista over Loch Carron and the Applecross Mountains beyond. There will be time to explore the picturesque lochside village of Lochcarron, with its pretty whitewashed cottages.

Strathpeffer is a leafy Victorian resort that once attracted visitors from all over Europe. They came here to enjoy the waters that were said to cure all forms of ailments. During our free time here, you can visit the Pavillion and Pump Rooms to sample the sulphur waters.

Later, travel across the Black Isle, admiring the views of the Cromarty Firth. Our destination is the wonderfully preserved fishing village of Cromarty, where we visit the birthplace of Hugh Miller. Miller was a geologist, writer, stonemason and newspaper editor. Although he had no formal qualifications, Miller grew to become one of Scotland’s most notable scientists.

From Cromarty, travel over Moray Firth to reach Inverness, where dinner will be served in our hotel located by the banks of the River Ness.

Overnight: Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 6 - Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness Cruise

Start today with a monster-spotting cruise into Loch Ness to see the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle, destroyed during the Jacobite wars.

Return to Inverness to join a local expert for a walking tour of the “Highland Capital”. Discover how the city has developed into today’s thriving community from its humble beginnings as a meeting place for cattle drovers.

Learn the history of Inverness Castle and see the River Ness, the oldest house in the city and many hidden gems.

Tonight, dine with your fellow passengers at your hotel.

Day 7 - Culloden Battlefield and Brodie Castle Excursion

We start the day with a short drive to stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the battle when British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie on 16th April 1746.

The Visitor Centre shows the background to this bloody battle, and you can walk around the moorland to see various monuments commemorating troops.

Later, head to Elgin, an attractive town home to a mighty cathedral that once rivalled St Andrews in importance to the country’s religious life. There will be time to visit family-owned Johnstons, who have been producing cashmere items in their factory here for over 200 years.

Our last visit today is to Brodie Castle, home to the Brodie Clan for over 400 years. The Brodie family were one of Scotland’s most influential families. The original castle dates from the 16^th Century, but it has been extended considerably.

During our tour, you’ll see the extensive art collection boasting works by Dutch Masters and Scottish Artists. A highlight is a remarkable library, which boasts over 6,000 volumes. There are extensive grounds and pleasant woodland walks to explore.

Tonight you are free to dine as you wish in Inverness.

Day 8 - Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Drive south through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm, where there is a demonstration of the teamwork between a shepherd and their dogs as they round up sheep.

Drive south through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains and stop for a look around the town of Pitlochry and enjoy lunch.

The delightful 16th Century town of Culross acts as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in the Outlander TV series. Enjoy free time to explore the cobbled streets, historic palace and gardens of this ancient royal burgh.

Drive south to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and your manor house hotel on the outskirts. Tonight enjoy a free evening to dine locally.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing, Near Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh City Tour & Palace of Holyroodhouse

This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour.

First explore the magnificent Georgian architecture of the 200-year-old “New Town” with its wide streets and elegant squares.

Later cross to the medieval “Old Town” to take a drive along the Royal Mile. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers who lived along this ancient route.

Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of The King, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers.

Next, drive along parts of the historic Royal Mile to reach Edinburgh Castle, for a guided tour to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and admire the views over the city.

The balance of the day is free for you to enjoy Edinburgh on your own. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish Evening with dinner and entertainment. 

Tours departing between 25 July to 15 August will attend a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle esplanade, instead.

Day 10 - Tour Ends

Your tour ends after breakfast.