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Eilean Donan
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4.6
Read 47 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 Edinburgh

trip-destination

Tour end Edinburgh

10 icon

Days

9 icon

Nights

15 icon

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.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Glasgow Panoramic Tour | Welcome Drink
Your tour departs at 2:30 PM from your hotel. 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)
Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent stronghold that was the childhood home of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Next, head to Glengoyne Distillery to learn about its two centuries of whisky-making and sample a dram. Return to Glasgow, where you will be free to explore and dine as you wish. (B)
Head into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, 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)
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)
Begin a scenic drive across the beautiful mountainous landscape of the Highlands, stopping off for photos in Lochcarron, a pretty lakeside village of whitewashed cottages. Visit Strathpeffer for some free time to explore this leafy Victorian spa town with its distinctive architecture. Proceed to Hugh Miller's Birthplace in Cromarty to discover one of Scotland's most fascinating 19th-century figures; Miller was a fossil hunter, folklorist, stonemason, geologist, and newspaper editor. Arrive in Inverness, and dine in your hotel. (B, D)
Photo opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland's largest castle, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Head to Inverness for a walking tour of this small, charming city. Enjoy dinner with your group in your hotel in the heart of the city.  (B, D)
Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ending the Jacobite rising. Proceed to Elgin, a picturesque town with cobblestone streets, rich in medieval heritage. Head on to explore 16th-century Brodie Castle, with its fairytale towers and turrets set on spacious grounds. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own. (B)
Immerse yourself in farm life and enjoy a demonstration of dogs obeying commands to round up sheep. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Continue to Culross for a walking tour around the charming 16th-century town, recently used as a filming location for “Outlander.” Highlights include the Town House, Culross Palace, and the remains of Culross Abbey. Enjoy free time in Culross before going to your hotel near Edinburgh. Enjoy a free evening with time to explore and 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 27 - August 17 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B, D*)
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

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 Exterior

Balmacara Hotel Scottish Highlands, Scotland

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

Glen Mhor Hotel Inverness, Scotland

Located in Inverness, Glen Mhor Hotel is in the city center and near a train station. Along with a...
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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
  • 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
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See what people are saying about this trip

5
Beatrice Kingston
4 weeks ago
Beautiful, historical, unforgettable tour!

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

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 month 1 week 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!

5
Michael Wayne Thomas
2 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.

5
CIE Tours Customer
2 months ago
Clans & Castles - A Perfect Package for Touring Scotland!

Everything on the tour was excellent. The bus was state of the art and comfortable, the lodging was clean and comfortable, and the schedule was well planned. We had the right amount of time at each site - we never felt rushed. Transportation was exceptional, from pick up on arrival to drop off for the return home. There was variety among the sites we toured, with a little something for everyone. Our tour guide did an excellent job of keeping everything on track for the entire 10 days.

5
Robert Rhea
2 months 1 week ago
I thoroughly enjoyed my Clans and Castles tour in June with Ian!

Fabulous tour and experiences. Would like to go again with family with Ian W as our guide.

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