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1 day tour
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies
From
£65.00
Tour Summary
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies
One day tour
Soak up the history and beauty of Scotland on this fascinating day out. Start the day with a drive to the historic city of Stirling, where we can visit the castle or explore the old town. Next, travel to Loch Lomond to enjoy the views of Britain's largest lake. There’s time to relax by the “bonnie banks”, enjoy an optional cruise or visit Luss Distillery. On the return journey to Edinburgh, stop to visit the impressive Kelpies, two 30-metre-high horse-head statues.
Stirling - stroll the ancient streets of the Old Town
Stirling Castle - learn the history of this impressive fortress and Royal residence
Loch Lomond - admire the views as you explore the picturesque village of Luss
Loch Cruise - take to the water on a 90-minute scenic cruise
Luss Distillery - tour a working distillery and savour gin and whisky tastings
The Kelpies - see the towering horse-head statues
Movie locations - The Eagle, Braveheart & Rob Roy
Full Tour Itinerary
This Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh starts with a drive to the medieval city of Stirling.
On the outskirts of the city, we'll pass Bannockburn, the location of the famous battle in 1314, where the Scots, under the command of King Robert the Bruce, won a famous victory over the army of King Edward II of England.
Stirling Castle dominates the city and surrounding countryside and is one of the historic buildings that have come to symbolise Scotland's spirit.
On your visit to Stirling Castle, see the magnificent Great Hall, kitchens and the Renaissance splendour of the Royal Palace. It was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Our extended stop in Stirling will allow a leisurely visit to the Castle or the chance to explore the neighbouring old town.
Next, we travel into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a beautiful area of lochs and wild mountain vistas.
Loch Lomond is the largest stretch of inland water in Britain. Sir Walter Scott called it "The Queen of all Scottish lakes" - Loch Lomond is sure to put a song in your heart!
We'll make a stop in the pretty village of Luss. Here you can simply relax and take in the wonderful loch-side views.
Alternatively, you can join an optional 90-minute cruise to get up-close views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks".
A third choice is to visit Luss Distillery, the home of Ben Lomond Gin. You can spend time in the visitor centre, or upgrade your experience with whisky and gin tastings.
On our return to Edinburgh, we will see The Kelpies, two 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures that have become an instant hit with both visitors and Scots alike. The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses that used to pull the barges on this and other canals in Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With a maximum of just 16 passengers, a Small Group Tour provides a more personal and flexible travelling experience. You’ll enjoy more time off the bus, with freedom to explore free from the crowds.
While you will see all the highlights, these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways, so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours cannot reach.
Small group tours are operated by purpose-built mini-coaches with air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating.
Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore.
Many travellers prefer small group touring as it’s considered more authentic and there is a better chance to connect with locals as well as their fellow explorers.
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:
Stirling Castle
Loch Lomond Cruise
Luss Distillery
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 what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
I am travelling on a budget. Can I do the same trip by public transport?
Almost certainly not!
Our tours are designed to maximise your sightseeing opportunities so we frequently head off the main road and take routes where there is little or no public transport available.
Please also bear in mind that the tour commentary that you will enjoy is designed to bring Scotland’s history, nature and scenic beauty to life as you travel around.
Reading about your surroundings from a guide book will just not be the same!
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.
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