Scottish Clans and Castles - 10 day tour
Scottish Clans and Castles
10 day / 9 night
Discover Scotland’s colourful past on this fascinating tour. Visit no less than six of the country’s greatest castles - Fyvie, Dunvegan, Edinburgh, Eilean Donan, Glamis and mighty Stirling. See the iconic battlefield site at Culloden Moor, explore the stunning beauty of the Isle of Skye and enjoy a scenic cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. All this is just a flavour of what awaits you on this marvellous tour.
Stirling Castle - explore this grand castle dramatically perched atop an extinct volcano
Isle of Skye - enjoy a tour of the Winged Isle, including Dunvegan Castle, Kilt Rock and the scenic Sleat Peninsula
Sheep-dog Demonstration - marvel at the teamwork between shepherd and their dogs at a working sheep farm
Edinburgh - tour the Georgian “New Town” and drive along the famous Royal Mile to visit the stately Palace of Holyroodhouse
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Captain America: The First Avenger and The Angels’ Share
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Glasgow Arrival and City Tour
Your Scottish trip starts at 2:30 pm at your hotel. Meet your tour director and set out on a panoramic tour of central Glasgow.
Discover the main attractions of Glasgow, including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral, and the River Clyde, once famous for its shipbuilding, especially during the 19th century, when the city experienced rapid growth.
During the tour, see several locations used to film the popular TV series Outlander - Glasgow University, Kelvingrove Park and George Square.
Return to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest and relax. Chat with your tour director and fellow travellers about your trip with a welcome drink before dining independently.
Overnight: Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow (or similar) (2 nights)
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 featuring 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 - Loch Ness – Inverness
Set sail on a scenic cruise across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, home to the legendary monster.
Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and capture stunning photos along the way. Continue your journey through the edge of Cairngorms National Park, admiring its natural beauty as you travel to a local farm.
There, watch an impressive demonstration of skilled sheepdogs expertly herding their flock under the farmer’s command.
This evening, savor a delightful dinner at your hotel.
Overnight:Courtyard by Marriott, Inverness (or similar) (1 night)
Day 6 - Culloden Battlefield - Fyvie Castle - Aberdeen
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.
Continue to Aberdeenshire to explore Fyvie Castle, its gardens, and grand estate. Uncover over 800 years of fascinating history and admire an exceptional collection of art, arms, and armor amassed by a local native who found success in the American steel industry.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your elegant manor-house hotel near Aberdeen.
Overnight: Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 7 - Highland Cows & Drum Castle
Visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle to meet a local farmer and get up close to Scotland’s iconic long-haired Highland cows — gentle, photogenic, and full of character.
Continue on to Drum Castle, Garden and Estate, where history comes alive within its striking medieval tower and elegant Victorian library.
Return to your hotel this evening to enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 8 - Glamis Castle - St Andrews - Edinburgh
Travel to Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This magnificent castle is filled with priceless treasures and elegant furnishings that tell centuries of history. Continue with a panoramic drive through Dundee, showcasing the city’s revitalized waterfront, striking modern architecture, and inviting urban beach. Journey onward to St Andrews, famed as the birthplace of golf and steeped in medieval charm. Enjoy a panoramic tour followed by free time to explore at your leisure before heading to your hotel near Edinburgh.
Drive to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and your manor house hotel on the outskirts. Tonight, enjoy a free evening to dine at a local restaurant.
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, where you can take a guided tour to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and admire the views over the city.
The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy Edinburgh at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish Evening with dinner and entertainment.
Tours departing between July 30 – August 20 will attend a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle Esplanade, instead.
Day 10 - Tour Ends
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of travelling in comfort and style then a Premium Escorted Tour is for you.
You’ll travel in a group that is restricted to around 40 fellow travellers.
Travel is aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, on-board WiFi, reclining seats and oversized windows. For your comfort there is an emergency washroom on-board too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver.
In certain cities you’ll be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are fully inclusive of first class/superior class accommodation, transportation, admission fees and most meals.
Savvy travellers appreciate that these tours have no hidden extras – all the ingredients needed for a great tour are included in the tour price. There are no optional extras for you to budget for during your holiday.
What kind of accommodation do you use?
The group will stay together in first class or superior tourist class hotels. Each has been carefully selected for comfort, quality and ambiance located in the best locations close to the shopping areas and the key sights.
You will discover a pleasant balance of familiar brand hotels such as Hilton, Marriott and Accor together with locally owned family-run hotels.
In rural locations your accommodation will be in the best available hotels. A full hotel list will be provided as part of your Tour Documentation.
What is a typical tour schedule?
Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. During the course of the day you’ll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop.
Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day.
In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later – your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
How much travelling time will there be between stops?
On an Escorted/Premium Escorted Tour you’ll not be travelling for much more than two hours without a stop.
There are washrooms/toilets at each stop and most coaches are equipped with on-board toilets, however for safety reasons their use is restricted whilst the coach is in motion.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Glasgow (2); Kyle of Lochalsh (2); Inverness (1); Aberdeen (2) and North Queensferry (Edinburgh) (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (9)
- Welcome drink with your Tour Director
- Table d’hôte dinners (5)
- Scottish Evening in Edinburgh (not Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo departures)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Stirling Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Dunvegan Castle, Hugh, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Brodie Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle
- Tour and tutored tasting at Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery
- Sheepdog trial demonstration on a working Highland farm
- Cruise on Loch Ness
- City tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on July 30 to August 20 2026 departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-legroom, reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- Ferry from the Isle of Skye
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
Please check your tour documentation for the commencement time of the tour
From the Sandman Signature Hotel
27 Washington Street
Glasgow G3 8AZ
The tour will end in Edinburgh after breakfast on day 10
Check-in: 14:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 14:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 09:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 8 to 18 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 8 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Selected departures include a visit to this famous celebration of music, dancing and culture performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
CIE 02098
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (4 /5) 01 Oct 2019
This is a great tour if you want to hit all the highlights that Scotland has to offer. I highly recommend you go in august the weather is good, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the last night is amazing!
Johanna from Edmonton , Canada
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