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Eilean Donan
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4.7
Read 112 reviews

Find your castle in the sky 

Revisit the past on this leisurely Scottish tour filled with castle ruins, ancient battlefields, and colorful stories from the country's rich history.

Trip details

Tour start Glasgow

trip-destination

Tour end Edinburgh

11 icon

Days

10 icon

Nights

16 icon

Meals

Available Promotions for this Tour

Group Discount

Solo Traveler

Solo Travel

Tour Highlights

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's grandest and most important historic fortresses. Discover royal history, Renaissance architecture, and sweeping views across the Scottish countryside.

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for centuries. Explore its historic rooms and beautiful gardens.

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

Culloden Battlefield marks the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746. Visit the battlefield and visitor centre to learn about one of the most significant events in Scottish history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official royal residence in Scotland. Explore magnificent State Apartments and discover the stories of monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Discover one of Scotland's most iconic and beautiful islands.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks, set on a small island where three sea lochs meet. Discover its rich history and spectacular Highland setting.

Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration

Watch skilled sheepdogs in action at Leault Farm in the Scottish Highlands, showcasing traditional sheep herding techniques, working farm life, and Scotland's rural heritage.

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle is one of Scotland's finest heritage properties, renowned for its grand architecture, valuable art collections, and centuries of fascinating history.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital and has played a central role in Scottish history for centuries. Explore royal chambers, military treasures, and spectacular views over Edinburgh.

Highland Cows

Meet Scotland's iconic Highland cows, famous for their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats. These gentle animals have become enduring symbols of the Scottish Highlands.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Experience one of Scotland's most iconic cultural events on departures from July 29 to August 19. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this world-famous spectacle showcases military bands, Scottish bagpipes, Highland dancers, and international performers - and you'll see it all from reserved seats on the Castle Esplanade.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is famed as the setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth and as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Discover its rich history, impressive architecture, and elegant interiors.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Glasgow Panoramic Tour & Welcome Drink

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a panoramic tour of Glasgow, seeing sights like George Square, Kelvingrove Park, the cathedral and the university, all featured in the popular TV series Outlander. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before a free evening to explore and dine as you wish.
Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent strong-hold that was the childhood home of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Next, sample a dram at Glengoyne Distillery and learn about its two centuries of whisky making. Return to Glasgow for a free evening. (B)
Journey into the majestic Highlands, along Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular places. Stop for photos along the way, then continue on to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle before arriving at your hotel on the shore of Loch Alsh for dinner. (B, D)
Spend a full day exploring the Isle of Skye, a scenic island that was once a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. The home of the legendary monster boasts splendid mountain scenery and lovely photo opportunities. Next, take in the beauty of your route as you drive along the edge of the Cairngorms National Park on your way to a farm for a demonstration by skilled sheepdogs working with the farmer to herd their flock. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)
Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, to end the Jacobite Rising. Proceed to Aberdeenshire to visit Fyvie Castle, Garden and Estate. Discover 800 years of the castle’s history and see the extraordinary collection of art, arms, and armor gathered by a local man who made his fortune in the American steel industry. Dine at your manor-house hotel near Aberdeen this evening. (B, D)
Visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle to meet a farmer raising Highland cows. See and photograph these famously gentle, long-haired creatures up close. Next, tour Drum Castle, Garden and Estate and see its imposing medieval tower and impressive Victorian library. Return to your hotel to dine with your group. (B, D)
Travel to Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Take a panoramic drive through the city of Dundee to see its transformed waterfront, with its impressive architecture and urban beach. Continue on to St Andrews, known as the home of golf and rich in medieval heritage. Take a panoramic drive and explore the city independently before departing for your hotel near Edinburgh. Your evening is free to dine independently. (B)
In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town stand in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. Next, visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and great views of the city. Enjoy a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment. July 29 – August 19 departures will instead dine independently and then attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B, D*)
Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. You will receive a taxi voucher to travel from your hotel to the city center. Explore and dine as you wish in this fascinating city. (B)
Your 11-day tour ends after breakfast. (B)   B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>

Where you’ll stay

Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

Discover the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel, ideally located in the vibrant West End of Glasgow. Just a...
Balmacara Hotel Exterior

Balmacara Hotel Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This traditional Highland hotel is beautifully located on scenic Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle...

Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport Inverness, Scotland

At the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport, comfort and convenience blend seamlessly to create...

Ardoe House Hotel and Spa Aberdeen, Scotland

This gracious 19th century manor house hotel is set in landscaped grounds and features period...
Doubletree by Hilton Queensferry Crossing restaurant

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing Edinburgh, Scotland

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Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

  • Full daily breakfast and many meals*
  • An evening of Scottish entertainment
  • Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary

 

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

  • A travel backpack
  • Travel adapter
  • Rain poncho
  • Luggage strap and tags
  • Water flask

From our travelers

I had a magnificent journey through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. Everything about this tour was top notch.

Robin Zonghi, Massachusetts
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See what people are saying about this trip

4
James M Hudgins
6 years 10 months ago
The trip itself was great. Some of the hotels were just OK.

The destinations were great. Could have had better hotels.

5
CIE Tours Customer
6 years 10 months ago

Great trip

4
CIE Tours Customer
6 years 10 months ago

We had a very nice time overall. It was well managed and we saw a lot more than if on our own.

5
CIE Tours Customer
6 years 11 months ago

Good organization, excellent tour director.

5
CIE Tours Customer
6 years 11 months ago
Ian made it easy!

First off-Anita and Des are the cream of the crop! Absolutely fun, knowledgeable, and full of surprises! I loved the tour and the itinerary. The ONLY reason I’m not giving 5 stars is due to accommodations. I paid an extra premium since I was traveling solo, but the room at the Balmacara was closet sized and had no heat and the walls were paper thin. The food was wonderful, but the room was unacceptable. The Winnock in Drymen was a fun place, and a lovely village, but I had to drag my suitcase up 3 flights of stairs. At 64, that wasn’t easy. The room was nicely updated. I loved it there. The Glen Mohr in Inverness had a nice room-another twin bed, but a comfortable room that I was pleased with(especially after the experience at the Balmacara), but I wasn’t impressed with the food. With all that said, my room at Norton House was 5 star! I had a HUGE room with a large bed, huge bathroom, and a balcony with a wonderful view. I’ve stayed there before and I do love the Norton House. It was a wonderful way to end the trip, which I didn’t want to end, but my family expected me to come home eventually. So, even though the Norton House room made up for the Balmacara experience, I feel that a solo traveler paying extra $$ shouldn’t have to suffer with tiny rooms just because they’re alone. We’re paying extra. We should get decent sized rooms like couples do. At any rate, I truly had a wonderful time, through the rain, wind, and cold-I loved it. And I will travel with you again!

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