Loch Lomond, The Highlands and Stirling Castle with local pick-up - 1 day tour
Loch Lomond, The Highlands and Stirling Castle Tour with local pick-up
One day tour
Start your day with a panoramic tour of Glasgow, then see the stunning natural beauty of Loch Lomond. Visit Aberfoyle, then tour through The Trossachs, known as 'The Highlands in Miniature'. Later, explore medieval Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most impressive strongholds.
Glasgow - see the Victorian, art-nouveau and modern architecture of Scotland's biggest city
Loch Lomond - take a stroll along the 'bonnie, bonnie banks' or enjoy a cruise on the shimmering waters of the loch
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park - see the lochs, mountains and glens that make this landscape an area of outstanding beauty
Aberfoyle - relax in this beautiful Victorian village
Rob Roy - hear the fascinating story of this loveable rogue
Stirling Castle - visit this commanding medieval fortress to see the magnificent Royal Palace and impressive Great Hall.
Movie locations – Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones (TV) and Outlander (TV)
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind we head westwards to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow where we’ll enjoy a short panoramic tour to discover its impressive Victorian architecture. We’ll follow the banks of the River Clyde where once famous ships like the original Queen Mary and Royal Yacht Britannia were built.
We’ll stop at Loch Lomond, the Queen of Scotland’s lakes, where you enjoy a stroll along the “bonnie, bonnie banks” or enjoy a short cruise to see some of the many islands that are scattered across the loch.
Our tour continues through the remarkable scenery of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to reach the picturesque village of Aberfoyle, the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, where we will stop for lunch.
Boasting spectacular scenery of lochs, glens and heather covered mountains, this area is known as “Highlands in Miniature” and was a favoured destination of Sir Walter Scott, who used this region as the setting for his popular books “Rob Roy” and “The Lady of the Lake”.
Our journey continues through the town of Callander and past the splendid Doune Castle. This14th Century stronghold has a commanding position overlooking the River Teith. It has been a filming location in various movies and television series, including Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Our next stop is in the historic city of Stirling, where there is the chance to visit Stirling Castle. This stunning cliff-top fortress is where the Stuart Kings and Queens held court and during your visit, see the Royal Palace, Chapel Royal and the impressive Great Hall. The views from the battlements are simply stunning!
The final part of our journey takes us past the famous Bannockburn battlefield, where the Scottish forces of King Robert the Bruce had a famous victory over the English army in 1314.
Later we will pass Linlithgow Palace, where Mary Queens of Scots was born in 1542. The tour will terminate at a central location in Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the local pick-up service work?
This tour offers 5 convenient pick-up points in Edinburgh. You can select the most convenient departure location from the list during the booking process. Your selected departure point and the pick-up time will appear on the tour voucher.
If you have not booked your accommodation, the main departure point of the tour is at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BG.
Please ensure you are at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before the advertised departure time, as coaches can’t wait for latecomers.
At the end of the tour, there will be several drop-off points. Your driver-guide will advise you on the most convenient, depending on your after-tour plans.
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.
Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.
There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
Admission fees are not included in the tour fare. Here are the attractions that are visited on this tour:
Loch Lomond Cruise
Stirling Castle
The above links will provide you with more details including prices. The tour itinerary has been carefully created to allow sufficient time for an interior visit, should you wish. In some cases discounts are available to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies on this tour. Some attractions don’t accept payment by credit/debit card so it’s recommended that you bring sufficient cash should you wish to make a visit.
If you plan to visit Edinburgh Castle as well as Stirling Castle during your time in Scotland you may wish to consider purchasing a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. This ticket allows visits to up to 77 Historic Scotland attractions during the validity period of your pass.
Tell me about the optional cruise on Loch Lomond?
The cruise will normally last for around one hour and will take you to see some of the 33 islands that are scattered across the loch.
You’ll enjoy wonderful views of magnificent Ben Lomond and of the many stately homes that line the banks of the Queen of Scotland’s lochs.
An engaging commentary will introduce you to the rich history of the area, it’s spectacular natural beauty and of the wildlife that call the loch home.
Most cruise boats have an open deck for enhanced sightseeing as well as a heated indoor saloon with a bar where you can purchase a wide range of drinks and snacks.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English.
You’ll hear tales of the Clans, bloody battles and the famous characters that have shaped the history of Scotland. You will learn too of the landscape that surrounds you and of the nature that makes Scotland so special.
Be ready to have a laugh as well - you’re bound to be told some really corny jokes!
Inclusions
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Live commentary in English
- Six convenient pick-up points in Edinburgh
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Local Edinburgh City Centre drop-off
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Local pick-up: 08:20 - 09:00 hrs
6 convenient locations in Edinburgh
Check-in: from 08:20 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 6 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 6 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Tour Confirmation
A courtesy pick-up serves 6 convenient locations in Edinburgh. Please select your tour pick-up point at the time of booking.
The main departure point is at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BG
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
GLS 02902
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