Scottish Clans and Castles - 10 day tour

Day 2 - Stirling Castle & Doune Castle 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 real “Braveheart” Sir William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Enjoy free time for lunch before travelling to visit Doune Castle which dates from the 14th Century. Once the home of the Regent Albany and a Royal residence Doune has played a starring role in a number of movies and TV series most famously, perhaps, as Castle Leoch in Outlander.

End the day at delightful Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery where, after a tour to discover the traditional method of making whisky, there is a wee taste of the end product. Tonight dinner is served at your hotel.

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 the long, narrow lakes 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 huge, 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 - Scenic Train Ride - Inverness

Visit Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum to discover the history of the MacDonalds, known as the Lords of the Isles and the most powerful clan of the Isle of Skye. Take a ferry to Mallaig on the mainland and transfer to a train for a fun ride through some of Scotland’s loveliest scenery. The West Highland Line is considered to be one of the finest in Europe and along the way you may view Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument, another reminder of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The train crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, which was featured in some of the Harry Potter movies. Reboard your coach at Fort William and drive to Inverness.

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

Day 6 - Urquhart Castle & Culloden Battlefield Excursion

Cruise into Loch Ness to visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle which was destroyed in Jacobite wars. 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. Return to Inverness in time to relax and, after dinner, take a gentle walking tour with a local guide.

Day 7 - Whisky Tasting & Brodie Castle Excursion

Travel to Elgin to discover how cashmere items have been handcrafted at the specialist family-owned Johnstons factory for over 200 years. Enjoy time for lunch then visit Brodie Castle, a 16th century tower house that was the family home of the Bodies for over 700 years. Boasting fairytale towers and turrets the house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings and a library with over 6,000 volumes. There are extensive grounds and pleasant woodland walks to explore. Later tour back to Inverness and enjoy some free time for a stroll along the River Ness in front of your hotel.

Day 8 - Inverness - St Andrews - Edinburgh

Drive south through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm where dogs obey commands of the shepherd to 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. Enjoy a Scottish Evening with dinner, lively singing and story-telling.

Overnight: Norton House Hotel, Ingliston, 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 Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The balance of the day is free.

On 30 July to 20 August departures attend a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle esplanade.

Day 10 - Tour Ends

Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers to Edinburgh International Airport are available - terms and conditions apply.