Overview
Itinerary
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 dining at your hotel. (D)
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, where you will be free to explore and dine as you wish. (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. (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. (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 luxurious manor-house hotel in 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)
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 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)
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. Select departures dine independently and 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)
11-day tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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.
- Dunvegan Castle: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, it has been the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
- Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre: Explore the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.
- 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.
- Isle of Skye: Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.
- 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.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Travelers on select departures can watch kilt-clad corps perform with drums and pipes in military precision.
- 10 hot breakfasts (B) and 7 Dinners (D)
- Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel (4 Stars)
- Balmacara Hotel (3 Stars)
- Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport (4 Stars)
- Ardoe House Hotel and Spa (4 Stars)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Scottish Clans & Castles' Reviews
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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