Castles and Lochs of the Western Highlands with local pick-up - 1 day tour
Castles and Lochs of the Western Highlands with local pick-up
One day tour
Explore Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold used in Outlander and Game of Thrones, then tour through beautiful Argyll to savour the spectacular sight of Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe. Enjoy time in picturesque Inveraray, where you can visit the famous castle (Apr-Oct) or the 19th-Century Jail. Gaze in wonder at General Wade’s old military road snaking up through Glen Croe to reach the summit, known as the “Rest and be Thankful”. Wander through the charming streets of Luss to feast your eyes on the delights of Loch Lomond’s bonnie banks before returning to Edinburgh by way of Stirling.
Doune Castle - visit this once Royal residence that stars as Castle Leoch in Outlander
Western Highlands - discover picturesque sea lochs, mountains and glens
Kilchurn Castle - stop for a picture-postcard view of this romantic fortress
Inveraray - relax in this pretty whitewashed town on the banks of Loch Fyne or visit its fairy-tale castle, a star of Downton Abbey
Glen Croe - get a birds-eye view of the dramatic pass rightly known as the “Rest and be Thankful”
Loch Lomond - take the “High Road” for a scenic drive along the “bonnie, bonnie banks”
Movie locations - A Very British Scandal, Downton Abbey & Outlander
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head west towards Stirling, the imposing Linlithgow Palace – an Outlander setting – may be glimpsed before the rolling countryside gives way to magnificent Doune Castle. Once a royal residence, it’s hosted film royalty, including Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Game Of Thrones and Outlander.
After discovering its enthralling history, we head north through the captivating Western Highlands until we reach Loch Awe and the dramatic ruins of Kilchurn Castle, once the stronghold of the Campbell clan and one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks.
Nearby is the beautiful town of Inverary, where you’ll learn about the history of this fascinating corner of Scotland, built more than 200 years ago by the Duke of Argyll.
If you’re visiting between April and October, the fairytale spires of Inveraray Castle are well worth exploring, as are the imposing walls of the harbourside Inveraray Jail.
More history awaits on the last leg of our journey as we descend through the celebrated Rest and be Thankful mountain pass, with General Wade’s original road still visible through the glen.
Our scenic drive continues through the Argyll Forest Park and then along Loch Lomond’s shores until we arrive in the charming village of Luss, where you can wander the quaint streets and admire the views from the famous bonnie banks.
The return journey takes us through the Carse of Forth towards Stirling, where we join the motorway for the short drive to Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
The tour fare includes transportation by luxury mini or midicoach and the services of a professional driver/guide. Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Not all attractions accept payment by credit or debit card so you should carry sufficient cash should you be planning a visit.
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. They are Outlander enthusiasts too so as well as discovering more about the history and nature of the landscape that surrounds you they’ll point out the locations that helped fire Diana Gabaldon’s imagination.
What should I wear?
Wear layers as the temperature on the water can vary. We recommend bringing a rain jacket, just in case!
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seating on this tour is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be pre-booked. If you are travelling as part of a group please make sure that all members of the party arrive at the departure point together. On the train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh (or Glasgow) you will have allocated seats.
Inclusions
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Local pick-up: 08:20 - 09:00 hrs
convenient locations throughout Edinburgh City Centre
Check-in: from 08:20 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies 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 convenient locations throughout Edinburgh City Centre. Please select your tour pick-up point at time of booking.
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 02938
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