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Highlands, Lochs & Castles

10
 days from $
6536
 per person
Operated by: 
Kensington Tours
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Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Inverness, Glasgow

  • See ancient castle ruins on the stunning Isle of Skye.
  • Search for Nessie as you sail across Loch Ness on a cruise.
  • Visit a traditional whisky distillery for tastings with expert guide.
  • Led by private guide, embark on a city tour of Edinburgh and its hilltop castle.
  • Featuring expertly selected premium hotels.
Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1

  • EDINBURGH The Adventure Begins
  • Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
  • Scotland Welcome Package

DAY 2

  • EDINBURGH Along Cobblestone Streets
  • Edinburgh Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 3

  • EDINBURGH Quintessential Castles
  • Stirling (9 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 4

  • EDINBURGH TO PITLOCHRY A Change of Scenery
  • Train Station
  • Train - Edinburgh - Pitlochry [1.5 hrs] - Standard Class
  • Train Station Transfer - Private

DAY 5

  • PITLOCHRY A Sight To Behold
  • Blair Castle, Hermitage Walk & Blair Atholl Distillery (8 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 6

  • PITLOCHRY TO INVERNESS Onward and Upward
  • Train Station Transfer - Private
  • Train - Pitlochry - Inverness [2 hrs] - Standard Class
  • Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Cruise on the Loch Ness (1 hr) - Shared Tour

DAY 7

  • INVERNESS From Sea to Sky
  • Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye (12 hrs) - Small Group Tour

DAY 8

  • INVERNESS In Remembrance
  • Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns (9 hrs) - Small Group

DAY 9

  • INVERNESS TO GLASGOW On the Road Again
  • Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Inverness - Glasgow [3.5 hrs] - First Class
  • Short Walking Transfer - Train Station
  • Central Glasgow Walking Tour (4 hrs) - Private Tour

DAY 10

  • GLASGOW Bon Voyage
  • Private Airport Transfer

DAY 1

  • EDINBURGH

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Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
  • The Adventure Begins
  • For your added comfort, a Meet and Greet assistant will welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. They'll be waiting for you outside of customs, holding a sign with your name on it. Your assistant will help to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver at the airport, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.
  • A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful, will be provided to you on your first day in destination.

DAY 2

  • EDINBURGH

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Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
  • Along Cobblestone Streets
  • Meet your private guide at your hotel and depart on foot for a half-day walking tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago. You'll also explore New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features the famous Princes Street with its ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, along with historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. Stroll the renowned Royal Mile in Old Town, book-ended by the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle at one end, and the 16th-century Holyrood Palace at the other, residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Spot the prominent St Giles’ Cathedral, a religious focal point for nearly 900 years. Pass the National Museum of Scotland and learn of the city’s hidden subterranean passages running below street level. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock with an imposing stance upon the historic old town below. Stroll the courtyard and learn about the historic royal residence from the outside before leaving your guide while you visit the inside of the castle, where you can see the lavish interiors, and even the Crown Jewels.

DAY 3

  • EDINBURGH

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Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
  • Quintessential Castles
  • Set out with your private guide and transportation to Stirling, home of the impressive Stirling Castle. Its location rivals even Edinburgh Castle's for sheer magnificence as it sits on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. A visit here is a worthy addition you may want to include in your experience today. You have the vehicle for the day so be sure to make time to visit some of the other interesting sites in this beautiful town: Mar's Wark, King's Knot, the Old Bridge, Cambuskenneth Abbey, Menstrie Castle, Dunblane Cathedral, Doune Castle (filming location for Winterfell in Game of Thrones), and of course the Pineapple - a bizarre structure in the midst of one of the many beautiful gardens. Return back to your Edinburgh hotel by early evening.

DAY 4

  • EDINBURGH TO PITLOCHRY

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Fonab Castle Hotel
  • A Change of Scenery
  • This morning, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Edinburgh train station.
  • Depart by train from Edinburgh to Pitlochry. Approximate travel time is 1.5 hours.
  • Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.

DAY 5

  • PITLOCHRY

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Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Fonab Castle Hotel
Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Fonab Castle Hotel
Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Fonab Castle Hotel
  • A Sight To Behold
  • With your private driver-guide, set out to explore the scenic surrounds of Pitlochry today. First, head to the visit stunning Blair Castle and its gardens and grounds, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to the 13th century, see over 700 years of Atholl family history brought to life within exquisite 18th century interiors. The castle enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. South of Pitlochry near, you'll head to the Tay Forest Park near Dunkeld to enjoy nature's beauty, setting out on the Hermitage & Braan Walk, a 1.5-mile woodland trail with picturesque follies and lovely waterfalls, along with Douglas fir trees, some of the tallest in Britain. In the afternoon, make a visit to Blair Atholl Distillery set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish.

DAY 6

  • PITLOCHRY TO INVERNESS

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Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Kingsmills
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Kingsmills
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Kingsmills
  • Onward and Upward
  • Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
  • Depart by train from Pitlochry to Inverness. Approximate travel time is two hours.
  • Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
  • Make your way to Clansman Harbor on the outskirts of Inverness, where you'll board an inspiring 1-hour shared cruise, sailing the deepest waters of Loch Ness, the best way to experience this legendary Loch. On your voyage, you'll view the ancient ruins of Urquhart and hear all about the myths and legends of the Loch.

DAY 7

  • INVERNESS

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Kingsmills
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Kingsmills
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
  • From Sea to Sky
  • As a small group of no more than 16 participants, head out on a full day adventure thorough some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery. Driving along the shores of Loch Ness, you'll stop at the village of Invermoriston, where you can take in the serene views, see a delightful ruined bridge, and keep an eye out for 'Nessie', legendary creature said to take refuge in the depths of the loch below. Your journey then winds past the Five Sisters, a stunning range of mountains that dominates the surrounding landscape. You’ll then arrive to the Isle of Skye, making a stop so to admire the picturesque beauty of the 13th century ruins of Eilean Donan Castle - easily recognized as one of the most iconic sights in the country. There will be time for an optional visit of the castle on its separate tidal island, though admission (if desired) is payable on the spot. Your experience on the Isle of Skye will have you brought along the stunningly beautiful road through Glen Suardal, see the iconic Red Cuillin Hills, and enjoy views of Bla Bhein - often considered Scotland’s prettiest mountain. The road then drops to hug the banks of Loch Slappin where you’ll be able to stop and enjoy some beach combing, before your journey takes a steep climb over Strathaird to reach the little community of Elgol, offering superb views of the Black Cuillin Hills and the stunning seascapes towards Rum and other small isles. Return to Inverness via the scenic Black Isle, with views over the Moray Firth.

DAY 8

  • INVERNESS

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Culloden Memorial Cairn
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Kingsmills
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Kingsmills
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Kingsmills
  • In Remembrance
  • Journey back in time as you explore Scotland's enigmatic and tragic past in a small group adventure through some of the Highlands' most iconic landmarks. Once aboard your shared air-conditioned vehicle, your driver-guide will introduce you to the legends steeped in Scottish soil. Your first stop is Clava Cairns, made famous for doubling as Craigh na Dun in TV's "Outlander". The mystical stone circle has survived four millennia and was once an ancient burial site during the Bronze Age. Continue on to Culloden, the site of the harrowing final battle between the uprising of Jacobites and the British soldiers, an event that would shape Scotland's future forever. A truly powerfully moving landmark, Culloden features a visitor center that pays tribute to those who lost their lives fighting to protect their identity. Witness the beauty of Glen Affric, rich in Caledonian pine trees and picture-perfect views of rugged Scottish beauty. Known as "Scotland's Most Beautiful Glen", Affric is home to an abundance of natural treasures and pastoral ambiance. Your final stop of the day is the ruins of Beauly Priory, once home to 13th-century monks who resided in the Highlands. En-route back to Inverness, your journey takes you along the shores of Loch Ness, for one last vista of Scotland's legendary majesty.

DAY 9

  • INVERNESS TO GLASGOW

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Glasgow City Chambers
Glasgow City Chambers
Carlton George Hotel
Glasgow City Chambers
Glasgow City Chambers
Carlton George Hotel
Glasgow City Chambers
Glasgow City Chambers
Carlton George Hotel
  • On the Road Again
  • Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
  • Depart by train from Inverness to Glasgow. Approximate travel time is 3.5 hours.
  • Take a short, self-guided walking transfer, as your hotel is located near the train station.
  • Discover why Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. Meet your private guide and depart on foot for a half-day walking tour through Scotland's largest city, discovering highlights of the city reborn as a center of style and vitality, set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Built in a grid, the city is divided roughly into three districts: the Financial district, the Retail and Theater district, and Merchant City - the latter two being where you'll primarily spend your time strolling. See the elegant Glasgow City Chambers, discover the upmarket Buchanan Street, and pass the 19th-century Theater Royal, home of the Scottish Opera. Discover the 18th and 19th-century mercantile buildings tethered to Merchant Square, now a trendy hub for bars and restaurants, and spot the historic Tolbooth Steeple and clock-tower which dominates Glasgow Cross, a relic from 1625. Keep your eye out for the splendor of Scotland's best-known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose style adorns many unique attractions throughout Glasgow.

DAY 10

  • GLASGOW
  • Bon Voyage
  • Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

Fonab Castle Hotel

Kingsmills

Carlton George

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