Scotland Castle Tour

In the morning, meet your driver guide at your hotel. Your tour starts in one of the World's most famous streets, the Royal Mile. At the top of the street, you will visit the Edinburgh Castle, which is the most famous of Scottish castle and dates from the 12th century. About half way down is St. Giles Cathedral and at the bottom of the street is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is probably best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots and the setting for the most dramatic parts of her reign. 

After breakfast, drive west from Edinburgh to the ancient burgh of Linlithgow, where was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Originally built in the C15th the palace, there are many tales to discover. Then, travel to Stirling Castle which was once the residence of the Scottish Kings. The quaint architecture and cobbled streets of the Old Town tell the stories of Scotland's past. 

Today's tour takes in three must-see castles in Scotland. Glamis Castle is one of Scotland's greatest castles. The Queen Mother spent her childhood days here. The ruined remains Dunnottar Castle testament the country's history. Crathes Castle is a famous 16th century family tower house with many items of furniture and interesting paintings.  

You are now in the Speyside area of Scotland - the largest concentration of whisky distilleries. Today you will visit two beautiful and famous Ballindalloch Castle and Cawdor Castle. (You will have the chance to visit a whisky distillery today). 

The Battlefield of Culloden is an excellent presentation of a complex Scotland's history. From here, we will drive to Castle Urquhart, viewing the Loch Ness from the castle. There are boats to seek out the monster. Continuing drive across the Skye Bridge, on the way is Eilean Donan - the most photogenic castle on earth.

From Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, you will explore this most breathtaking Scottish Islands, including the jagged ridge of the Cuillin Hills and Dunvegan Castle, the home to the Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Ends the days with the Museum of Island Life, tells the story of how crofters lived 100 years ago. 

This morning, you will take ferry to Mallaig and then drive to Fort William, which is the capital of the Highlands and the road from the ferry is spectacular. On the way is Glenfinnan - the viaduct was well known in the Harry Potter movies. Driving through the spectacular mountain pass of Glen Coe, you will stop at Castle Stalker, sits majestically on the top of a loch with scenic view all around. Access is via boat (subject to availability and need to book in advance). Today ends with a visit to the Dunstanfannge Castle, which is a 13th century building with an impressive chapel. 

Your tour continues to the port town of Inverarary. The Inverarary Castle is the home of the Campbells and has fine furniture, artwork, tapestries and armour. After, a visit to the Loch Lomond, which is Scotland's most famous water way and at the southern end is Luss, a lovely 18th century village used as a movie and TV sets. 

You will have a Glasgow city tour today at this beautiful Victorian city. Your tour includes the City Chambers and George Square at the very heart of the city.  And then go out past Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and afterwards to Glasgow University (founded 1451) where can be found the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery and the Mackintosh House designed by the famous Glasgow architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Drive back to your hotel after today's tour. 

Service end.