Scottish Clans and Castles

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience
Reviews

4.6

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 Edinburgh

Tour end Edinburgh

Days

Nights

Meals

Available Promotions for this tour

Highlights

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Explore the Palace's past with some of Scotland’s well-known historic figures, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.

Culloden Battlefield

Explore the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.

Dunvegan Castle

The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it has been the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles, with its imposing position and impressive architecture, and the scenery will take your breath away.

Isle of Skye

Explore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of the Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle sits majestically on a small island at the point where three great sea lochs meet in the Highlands.

Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration

Watch highly experienced sheepdogs mind their flocks at a charming Scottish farm.

Fyvie Castle

Experience the allure of Fyvie Castle, a captivating Scottish treasure steeped in history, architectural beauty, and idyllic surroundings.

Edinburgh Castle

Uncover centuries of history and marvel at breathtaking views from Edinburgh Castle, a majestic fortress that stands as a symbol of Scotland's heritage and offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Highland Cows

Get captivated by Scotland's adorable Highland cows, as they roam amidst stunning landscapes, offering an unforgettable and charming glimpse into the country's natural wonders.

Itinerary

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Day 1Glasgow Panoramic Tour | Welcome Drink

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:30 PM. Take 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 dining at your hotel. (D)

Day 2Stirling Castle | Whisky Distillery

Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent stronghold 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, where you will be free to explore and dine as you wish.

Day 3Glencoe | Eilean Donan Castle

Head into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Stop for photo opportunities along the route as you continue your journey to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before arriving at your hotel on the shore of Loch Alsh. (B, D)

Day 4Isle of Skye | Dunvegan Castle | Portree, Kilt Rock | Kilmuir Graveyard

Explore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of 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. (B, D)

Day 5Loch Ness Cruise | Sheepdog Demonstration

Photo opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Next, see the spectacular mountainous scenery as you drive along the edge of the Cairngorms National Park to your next destination: a farm where you’ll watch a demonstration of talented sheepdogs displaying their skills as they work with the farmer to herd their flock. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Day 6Culloden Battlefield | Fyvie Castle

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 luxurious manor-house hotel in Aberdeen this evening. (B, D)

Day 7Highland Cows | Drum Castle

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)

Day 8Dundee | St Andrews

Visit Dundee, once known as the city of “jute, jam, and journalism” for its local industries, and now a cultural hub and the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design. Take some free time to explore the transformed waterfront, with its impressive architecture, museums, and an urban beach. Travel 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)

Day 9Panoramic Tour | Holyroodhouse | Edinburgh Castle | Scottish Evening*

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 25 – August 15departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B, D*)

Day 10Tour ends in Edinburgh

Your tour ends after breakfast (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.>

Where you’ll stay

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow...

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

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
Documents wallet

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

We take care of everything: authentic experiences, expert local tour directors, and more. Check out the CIE Tours difference!

See what people are saying about this trip

Mr. William Biggers

1 month ago

Amazing, Fantastic, Wonderful,FunFun, Fun

We saw castles, beautiful castles and some in ruins. They were all different and fascinating.
We learned more about clans and what it means to be in clans

Vicki Deroche Moss

1 month ago

All the castles and not having to plan anything

Beatrice Kingston

3 months ago

Beautiful, historical, unforgettable tour!

Bus was very comfortable. Great for viewing the sites. Meals were excellent with a nice variety.

CIE Tours Customer

3 months 2 weeks ago

Great Time in Scotland!

We loved exploring each city, each village. The mountains in the Highlands are breathtaking. The sheepdog demonstration was fascinating and the Royal Military Tattoo was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Plus, we saw plenty of Highland Coos. :)

Ian Foster, our Guide/Director was so knowledgeable and warm and funny. We love him!

Michael Wayne Thomas

4 months ago

Fantastic sights and wonderful trip.

As a history lover this trip was very special. The beauty of the Scottish highlands was not an exaggeration.

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Scottish Clans & Castles