Scottish Castles and Culture Tour (14 Nights)

On this tour we’ve packed in every essential, must-see spot in bonny Scotland. Beginning in Edinburgh and ending in Glasgow, this mammoth vacation is the perfect cure for itchy feet!

Spend two weeks seeing all there is to see in Scotland, travelling from the Highlands to the Lowlands in style. Enjoy the comfort of a luxury rented car as you drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

On the way you’ll stop in Aberdeen, the Isle of Skye, Stirling and a host of other interesting places, visiting main attractions and hidden gems alike. If you’ve ever wanted to truly see Scotland, you need to take this tour.

Day 1 - Arrival at Edinburgh

Highlights

  • National Museum of Scotland
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • The Royal Mile

Kick off your Scottish vacation by arriving in Edinburgh airport. Once you’ve dropped off your bags it’s time to go exploring! Edinburgh is a lively, colourful hub of Scottish culture with countless things to see and do. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and brush up on your Scottish history as well as taking in attractions on subjects such as Ancient Egypt. Move on then to Edinburgh Castle, a fortification that’s been decorating the city skyline for over a thousand years in one form or another. Then walk the Royal Mile, beginning at the castle and ending at Holyrood Palace.

Day 2 - Exploring Edinburgh

Highlights

  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Camera Obscura
  • Gilmerton Cove

Today is dedicated to seeing more of the famous city of Edinburgh. Start off with a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia. The yacht was in the service of the Royal Family for over 40 years, acting as their home when at sea. Next stop is another piece of Scotland deeply intertwined with the British Monarchy – Holyrood Palace. The palace is the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Stop by Camera Obscura afterwards, an attraction dedicated to mind-bending, topsy-turvy optical illusions and light displays. Wrap up your day with a tour of Gilmerton Cove. The cove consists of a series of winding, narrow labyrinths and chambers, each with a story to share.

Day 3 - Journey To Aberdeen and Dundee

Highlights

  • Glamis Castle
  • Dundee
  • St. Andrews
  • Aberdeen

Today you’ll wave goodbye to Edinburgh as you set course for Aberdeen. On the way stop at St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town and home to an excellent golfing community. Stop once more you’ll pause at Glamis Castle, a 17th century fortification that served as the backdrop for the Shakespearean play Macbeth. Then it’s on to Dundee, a city in central Scotland famed for its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery also known as “Scotland’s City of Discovery”. Arrive at Aberdeen and settle in for the next two nights

Day 4 - Exploring Aberdeen and Stonehaven

Highlights

  • Fyvie Castle
  • Craigievar Castle
  • Stonehaven
  • Dunnottar Castle

Today is all about adventuring in Aberdeen. Kick off your day with a trip to Fyvie Castle, constructed in the 13th century and bearing some truly beautiful architecture. Explore Craigievar Castle next, with its graceful cluster of towers stretching high into the Aberdeen skyline. The castle is perfectly preserved and offers a great glimpse into Scottish history. Visit Stonehaven afterwards, a cute seaside town located near the ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The town is renowned for being friendly and welcoming. Finish off your day with a visit to Dunnottar Castle. The castle once played home to Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and a slew of other impressive historical figures throughout the centuries.

Day 5 - Journey To Inverness and Cairngorms National Park

Highlights

  • Cairngorms National Park
  • Cairngorms Mountain Range
  • Balmoral Castle
  • Ballater

Today you’ll be moving on from Aberdeen and into Inverness. Along the way you’ll be stopping to take in some of Scotland’s gems. First on the list is Cairngorms National Park, the largest park in Scotland. The park is home to the highest mountain range in Britain, truly an impressive sight. Then it’s on to Balmoral Castle. Balmoral has been in the Royal Family since the 17th century and is still kept by them today. Pause next at Ballater, a Victorian town bursting with historical tidbits including Queen Victoria’s personal, fully furnished train carriage. Wrap up your day in the city of Inverness.

Day 6 - Speyside And The Black Isle

Highlights

  • Speyside
  • The Malt Whisky Trail
  • Cawdor Castle
  • The Black Isle
  • Cromarty
  • Culloden

Kick off your first full day in Inverness with a trip to Speyside and a wander along the Malt Whisky Trail. Speyside is home to some of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious distilleries, each with their own merits. Next, stop at Cawdor Castle, famed for its association with Shakespearean-era history and its glorious gardens. Journey on then to the Black Isle, which despite the name is actually a peninsula. The Isle is home to the best-preserved prehistoric village in Scotland named Cromarty, as well as some stunning beaches and a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Finish off your day at Culloden Battlefield, which was the background to the infamous Battle of Culloden during the Scottish struggle for independence.

Day 7 - Journey To Isle of Skye and Loch Ness

Highlights

  • Isle of Skye
  • Loch Ness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Loch Duich
  • Eilean Donan

Today you’ll be journeying onwards to the Isle of Skye, another outstanding area of the country. On the way there’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop off and do some exploring, firstly at the famous Loch Ness. Loch Ness is surrounded by myth and legend, overseen by the hulking Urquhart Castle. Stop next at Eilean Donan castle, tucked away on an island off the shore of Loch Duich. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Isle of Skye. This beautiful island will be your home for the next two nights.

Day 8 - Exploring The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
  • The Skye Island of Museum Life
  • Trotternish Peninsula
  • Talisker Distillery

Get ready to spend a day exploring the magnificent Isle of Skye. Kick off your adventure by visiting Dunvegan Castle. The castle is home to some true Scottish treasures, some dating back to the time of the Highland clans. The gardens are also stunning, definitely not to be missed. Follow up with a trip to The Skye Museum of Island Life. Here you can take a moment to learn about the history and customs of the Isle and its population. Afterwards, trip out to Trotternish Peninsula to take in some interesting scenery before finishing up with a visit to Talisker Distillery. The distillery dates back to 1830 and produces some of the finest malts in Scotland.

Day 9 - Journey To Fort William and Sightseeing

Highlights

  • Steall Waterfall
  • Glencoe
  • Glenfinnan

You’ll say a final farewell to the Isle of Skye this morning as you make your way to Fort William. On the way there’ll be plenty of opportunity to take in more of the country. Pause first at Steall Waterfall, a stunning natural waterfall that drops into a hidden hanging valley. Then it’s time to visit Glencoe, the most famous glen in Scotland. Be sure to have your camera ready because the scenery is utterly breathtaking. Next stop is Glenfinnan, a quaint village nestled in a deep valley. End the day by arriving at Fort William and settling in for the evening.

Day 10 - Exploring Oban Town

Highlights

  • Oban
  • McCaig’s Tower
  • Oban Distillery

Fort William is yours for the taking today, beginning with a visit to Oban. Oban is also known as The Gateway To The Isles due to its proximity to the shoreline; the scenery is not to be missed! While you’re there, stop by McCaig’s tower. Also known as McCaig’s Folly, this gargantuan tower closely resembles the coliseum in Rome. Finish off the day with a stop at Oban Distillery. Dating back to 1794, the distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest. Take the 1 Hour Sensory and Flavour tour to learn more about the art and science of whiskey while sampling the wares.

Day 11 - Journey To Stirling and Trossachs National Park

Highlights

  • Callander
  • Loch Lomond
  • Trossachs National Park
  • Rob Roy’s Grave

Today you’ll be moving along to Stirling, pausing to sight-see along the way. First stop is in Callander town, a vibrant, lively town known as the gateway to Loch Lomond. You’ll be visiting Loch Lomond next, the base for Trossachs National Park. The Trossachs is affectionately known as “the Highlands in Miniature” and is a beautiful sliver of Scotland that shouldn’t be missed. Pause once more at Rob Roy’s Grave. Rob Roy MacGregor was a famous outlaw whose life is deeply intertwined in 1700s Scottish history. You’ll then journey on to Stirling. The city of Stirling is full of interesting cultural and historical pursuits, and is believed to be the true site of King Arthur’s mythical Camelot.

Day 12 - Exploring Stirling And Scottish Independence

Highlights

  • Bannockburn Battlefield
  • Wallace Monument
  • Doune Castle
  • Stirling Castle

Today will be devoted to exploring the cultural hub of Stirling. Top of the list is a visit to Bannockburn Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Bannockburn which was a pivotal moment in the Scottish fight for independence. Next up is the Wallace Monument, a 220 ft. tribute to William Wallace. Wallace is famed for his role in the Scottish independence war, which was illustrated through the movie Braveheart. Move along then to Doune Castle, a castle with a colourful and interesting past dating back as far as the 1300s. Finish off your day with a stop at Stirling Castle. The castle has a rich history and was closely involved in the Scottish fight for independence.

Day 13 - Journey To Glasgow And Falkirk Town

Highlights

  • Falkirk
  • Falkirk Wheel
  • Glasgow
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Glasgow City Chambers

Wave goodbye to Stirling as you make your way to Glasgow, the last chapter of your Scottish adventure. On the way you’ll pause at Falkirk, a town immersed in history, culture and technology. The town is home to the gargantuan Falkirk Wheel, the first-ever rotating boat-lift. Arrive in Glasgow and get settled in before visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Kelvingrove is home to a vast multitude of art and historical exhibitions, each displaying a unique significance to international culture. Finish out the day by visiting the City Chambers of Glasgow. Built in 1888, the Chambers has been home to every council of Glasgow for over a century.

Day 14 - Exploring Glasgow

 

Highlights

  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • Scottish Football Museum
  • Glasgow Necropolis

On your final day in Scotland you’ll be adventuring around Glasgow to learn more about the city. First up is the Glasgow Science Centre. The centre is bursting with intriguing, interactive exhibits and special-effects shows. Stop off next at the Scottish Football Museum, a museum dedicated to Scotland’s history with soccer. Finish up your sightseeing with a trip to Glasgow Necropolis. This sprawling cemetery is located on the second-highest hill in Glasgow and is said to have an aura of serenity and calm. After that, enjoy the city at your leisure before retiring for the evening.

Day 15 - Glasgow Airport and Journey Home

Your tour ends after breakfast today.

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      • Aberdeen
      • Fyvie Castle
      • Craigievar Castle
      • Stonehaven
      • Dunnottar Castle
      • Cairngorms National Park
      • Cairngorms Mountain Range
      • Balmoral Castle
      • Ballater
      • Speyside
      • The Malt Whiskey Trail
      • Cawdor Castle
      • Cawdor Castle
      • The Black Isle
      • Cromarty
      • Culloden Battlefield
      • Isle of Skye
      • Loch Ness
      • Urquhart Castle
      • Loch Duich
      • Eilean Donan
      • Steall Waterfall
      • Glencoe
      • Glenfinnan
      • Callander
      • Loch Lomond
      • Trossachs National Park
      • Rob Roy’s Grave
      • Bannockburn Battlefield
      • Wallace Monument
      • Doune Castle
      • Stirling Castle
      • Falkirk
      • Falkirk Wheel
      • Falkirk
      • Glasgow
      • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
      • Glasgow City Chambers
      • Glasgow Science Centre
      • Scottish Football Museum
      • Glasgow Science Centre
  • Glasgow Necropolis
  • Edinburgh 2 nights
  • Aberdeen 2 nights
  • Inverness 2 nights
  • Isle of Skye 2 nights
  • Fort William 2 nights
  • Stirling 2 nights
  • Glasgow 1 night
  • Car hire, (includes unlimited mileage, theft protection, airport fees and taxes).
     
  •  
    Accommodation each night. You chose if you would like to stay in B&Bs, hotels or one of our beautiful authentic castles.
     
  •  
    Full English Breakfast each morning.
     
  •  
    Access to your itinerary 24/7.
     
  •  
    Payment plan options.
     
  •  
    Your personal travel advisor to offer you expert advice and answer any questions you may have to ensure that your vacation is unforgettable.
     

NOTE

Go Irish Tours reserves the right to substitute visits, entertainment and other features when cannot be visited for reasons beyond our control.

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    About Ed


    Hi.
    My name is Ed short for Edgar. Mixed blood of Latvian and Ireland
    I have lived in Mullingar town for most of my life. Traveling around the country is my favorite pass time activity, I have been to many places, and love to explore all the nooks & crannies of Ireland. The beauty of Ireland's landscape is unbelievable sometimes you feel like in a different country. From the serenity of the walk at Glendalough to the humbling feeling of being beside Cliffs of Moher is truly amazing to experience.
    When I travel throughout Ireland the hospitality is the one thing that stood out most! Cork is my personal favourite as the people are so nice and welcoming my highlight was the Titanic experience where you feel like one of the passengers who are about to board the ship from the heartbreak pier that still stands to this day.
    In Ireland you will always get the warmest welcome in any B&B. My other hobbies are cooking horse riding and fishing. I can’t wait to share the experiences with you for your Trip of a lifetime to this amazing Green Isle.
    Sláinte (Cheers)

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    About Donna


    Hey, my name is Donna and I'm from the town of Mullingar in the Heart of Ireland.

    One of my passions is exploring and from my experience, Ireland is a beautiful country to explore. I have so many recommendations but for newcomers to Ireland I definitely opt to send you to Westport for Croagh Patrick & Clew Bay, perfect for hiking scenery and beautiful seafood, 

    My favorite place in Ireland is Galway City - I love going for a meal with my friends, followed by a stroll down the cobbled streets, before popping into one of the Traditional Irish Pubs like  An Púcan.

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    About Rita


    Hi, I’m Rita and I am living in Kilkenny, the Marble city.

    Born in Portugal, I fell in love with Ireland from the moment I landed here. I intended to stay for 6 months, and 6 years after I just cannot imagine my life without the Irish ‘craic’. 

    Working in Events & Tourism for the last years has been so rewarding - bringing people to see all the magical, undiscovered spots in this country is what I wake up for every day. I have made memories that will last a lifetime, and I work towards creating the same experiences for others visiting the Emerald island. 

    My favourite place in Ireland is probably the Dingle Peninsula, where bumpy roads bring the Atlantic ocean and green mountains together. The seafood is just as brilliant as the landscape, which I couldn’t forget to mention, being the foodie that I am!

    You could say I am biased when I pick Kilkenny as one of my other top spots - I just can’t get enough of this lively mediaeval city branded by its hospitality.

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    About Tina


    Hi my name is TinaMarie, I have been working in Travel for over 15 years now and still love it as much as when I just started. There is something very special about bringing people to Ireland because we live here we take pride in our wonderful little country and want the whole world to experience what we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.

    Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite county and city in Ireland is Galway simply due to the dual aspect living you can have in this area the beauty and serenity of the Connemara countryside and the diverse cultural living of Galway city. Come and see firsthand how friendly and welcoming the Irish people are , Stop waiting and make the trip of a lifetime!

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    About Sinéad


    Hey! My name is Sinéad. I'm from Longford, the heart of the midlands. I'm a countryside girl at heart, depsite living in the capital for a few years while studying. I love the hustle bustle of Dublin city centre, there's always so much going on and so much to do. Although, you can't beat the tranquility of the Irish countryside in my opinion!

    Apart from my hometown, one of my favorite place in Ireland has got to be 'The Kingdom' (Kerry). The scenery is just unparalleled. From the idyllic wild Atlantic coasts to our selection of well-known mountain ranges, and everything in between. The ring of Kerry is definitely a must see, the nightlife is pretty great too!!

    On my weekends I love to cheer on my local Gaelic football teams. I'd definitely recommend catching a GAA match on your travels!

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    About Jessica


    Hi, my name is Jessica,

    I'm from the town of Mullingar, known as the hidden heartlands of Ireland. Travel is my passion, every weekend I try to visit a few different counties here in Ireland and also explore new and exciting countries. Unfortunately there is just not enough time to visit everywhere I want too on our beautiful island of Ireland, Naturally the next best thing is to help make others dreams come true with the trip of a lifetime to our fair isle!

    My two favorite places in Ireland is Galway and Kerry. They are full of great culture, food, scenery, and of course many traditional Irish pubs!! There is always a great lively buzz no matter what time of year you visit.

    I look forward to working with many of you in the near future to offer my knowledge, guidance and support for your trip of a lifetime.

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    About Ronan


    Hey!

    My name is Ronan and I'm from Mullingar (the heart of the Midlands). I have a passion for travelling and have been all over the world. However, my most favourite place in the world is the west of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way. From seeing Basking sharks in Keem bay in Achill Island (Mayo), to having a lovely relaxing pint of Guinness in Salthill in Galway, to taking in the majestic Cliffs of Moher in Clare and kayaking alongside dolphins in Dingle bay (Kerry) - it's all just amazing. Oh, and not to forget the delicious Skellig chocolates while looking out at Skellig Michaeal in Kerry, yum!

    I love all things sport and food - when I'm not travelling around Ireland I'm cooking up a storm in the kitchen and watching some local GAA (our national sport). I can't wait to help you out and make your trip to Ireland, the trip of a lifetime!

    Céad mile fáilte mo chara - (A thousand welcomes my friend).

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