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Castles of Scotland Signature

10
 days from $
10350
 per person
Operated by: 
Kensington Tours
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Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Eriska, Glasgow

  • Visit a selection of Scotland's best castles, including the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.
  • Discover the sweeping vistas of the Isle of Skye, home to unparalleled natural beauty.
  • Admire the stunning lochs and highlands with the expert knowledge of your private guide.
  • Featuring luxurious high-end stays and castle accommodations throughout.
Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1

  • EDINBURGH You’ve Arrived
  • Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet
  • Scotland Welcome Package
  • Whisky Flight & Meal at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

DAY 2

  • EDINBURGH TO INVERNESS Strolling the Magical Streets
  • Edinburgh City Tour with Edinburgh Castle (4 hrs) - Private Tour
  • Afternoon Tea at The Balmoral's Palm Court
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 3

  • EDINBURGH TO INVERNESS A Change of Scenery
  • Transfer - Private - Edinburgh - Inverness [with Blair Castle Visit (8 hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver-Guide
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 4

  • INVERNESS A Journey Back in Time
  • Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield & Fort George (8 hrs) - Private Tour
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 5

  • INVERNESS TO ISLE OF SKYE Cross an Item off the Bucket List
  • Transfer - Private - Inverness - Isle of Skye [via Eilean Donan Castle (8 hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver-Guide
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 6

  • ISLE OF SKYE A Sight To Behold
  • Explore the Isle of Skye (8 hrs) - Private Tour
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 7

  • ISLE OF SKYE TO ERISKA Sights and Insights
  • Transfer - Private - Isle of Skye - Eriska [via Morar, Arisaig, Glenfinnan Monument & Loch Linnhe (8 hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver-Guide & Ferry
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 8

  • ERISKA TO GLASGOW Lose Yourself in Nature
  • Transfer - Private - Eriska - Glasgow [via Lochs & Highlands with Kilchurn Castle (8 hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver-Guide
  • Optional Dining Reservation

DAY 9

  • GLASGOW A Bit of Time on Your Own
  • Crossbasket Castle at Leisure
  • 1/2 Day City Highlights (4 hrs) - Private
  • Optional Dining Reservation
  • Local Taxi (not included)

DAY 10

  • GLASGOW Bon Voyage
  • Private Airport Transfer

DAY 1

  • EDINBURGH

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Scotch Whisky Tasting
Scotch Whisky Tasting
Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Scotch Whisky Tasting
Scotch Whisky Tasting
Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Scotch Whisky Tasting
Scotch Whisky Tasting
Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel
  • You’ve Arrived
  • 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.
  • Enjoy a fine selection of whisky drams at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Kaleidoscope Bar, sure to impress the most experienced of whisky connoisseurs. Led by one of the society's Ambassadors, you'll sample the legendary flavors of the Scottish "Water of Life". Following your tasting, enjoy a complimentary main course from the bar menu.

DAY 2

  • EDINBURGH TO INVERNESS

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Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
  • Strolling the Magical Streets
  • Meet your private guide at your hotel and depart on a half-day tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago. The New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the famous Princes Street with its ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, along with historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. With a structure-free south side of the street, Princes offers panoramic views back across the scenic Old Town, considered one of the most beautiful skylines in Europe. Explore the renowned Royal Mile in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, bookended 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.
  • Located in The Balmoral Hotel, Palm Court is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier. Palm Court is the place to sample award-winning Afternoon Tea and a wide selection of loose leaf teas, coffee and pastries. Sip a fine herbal tea and try to spot the Calton Hill follies hidden on the wallpaper as a harpist provides the perfect accompaniment. Your meal includes tea, a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and pastries.
  • We will provide you with a curated list of preferred restaurants. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to make a reservation.

DAY 3

  • EDINBURGH TO INVERNESS

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Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Ness Walk
Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Ness Walk
Blair Castle
Blair Castle
Ness Walk
  • A Change of Scenery
  • Departing with a private driver-guide this morning, transfer from Edinburgh to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, ensuring an abundance of stunning Highland scenery en route; rugged mountain ranges, serene lochs, and sweeping vistas. Along the way, you'll stop for a visit and tour of 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. Afterward, continue to Inverness.
  • We will provide you with a curated list of preferred restaurants. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to make a reservation.

DAY 4

  • INVERNESS

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Ness Walk
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle
Ness Walk
Culloden Memorial Cairn
Culloden Memorial Cairn
  • A Journey Back in Time
  • With your private driver-guide, set out for a full day of touring in the stunning surrounds of Inverness. You'll visit the 15th-century Cawdor Castle, romantically linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth, and a fantastic example of a fairy-tale Scottish castle steeped in history. Stroll the beautiful gardens, view the legendary Hawhtorne tree at the heart of the castle, admire family portraits in the lavish Drawing Room, see the commemorative mantelpiece in the Dining Room, and take in the century-old contraptions in the Old Kitchen. Continue on to Culloden Battlefield, home of the legendary Jacobite uprising in 1745 that was tragically defeated by loyalist troops. Step back in time as you walk the footpaths and visit the 20-foot memorial cairn, erected in 1881. After, you'll get to visit the garrison fortress of Fort George. Strategically built by the sea, the fortress had an immediate reinforcements and supply route in the event of a siege, put in place with the intention to pacify the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite rebellion.
  • We will provide you with a curated list of preferred restaurants. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like to make a reservation.

DAY 5

  • INVERNESS TO ISLE OF SKYE

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Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Duisdale House
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Duisdale House
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Duisdale House
  • Cross an Item off the Bucket List
  • Depart Inverness today with a private driver-guide on a full day transfer to the remarkably stunning Isle of Skye, admiring the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands en route. Before crossing the bridge to Skye, you’ll visit the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, first established by Alexander II in the 13th-century to help protect the area from Viking incursions. Situated on a small, separate tidal island, this highly photogenic medieval castle is one of Scotland's most iconic images. The castle as we know it today was reconstructed as a family home between 1912 and 1932 while its bridge was also added, a structure that is as much a part of the classic image as the very castle itself.

DAY 6

  • ISLE OF SKYE

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Duisdale House
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
Duisdale House
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
  • A Sight To Behold
  • Enjoy a full day to explore the “misty isle”. Be enthralled by the craggy Cuillin Mountains, the ancient hills of the Quiraing and the outstandingly beautiful Trotternish Peninsula. Immerse yourself in the legendary beauty of the isle, where wildlife abounds on the shoreline and skyline. The chance is always there to see a stag or a Golden Eagle. Head North West to see the 800 year old seat of Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. Perhaps pause at Talisker Distillery for “a wee dram”. Every corner turned affords different and spectacular views.
  • Please note: Per Person entrances fees have not been included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like all entrances included and this can be added).

DAY 7

  • ISLE OF SKYE TO ERISKA

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Glenfinnan Monument
Glenfinnan Monument
Isle Of Eriska Hotel
Glenfinnan Monument
Glenfinnan Monument
Isle Of Eriska Hotel
Glenfinnan Monument
Glenfinnan Monument
Isle Of Eriska Hotel
  • Sights and Insights
  • Today, leave the Isle of Skye behind as you depart with your private driver-guide, heading back to the mainland by ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Travelling along the scenic Road to the Isles, you will take a little back road passing through the charming village of Morar with its famous beach Silver Sands of Morar, which featured in the film Local Hero, as well as in Breaking the Waves. Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles is home to the mythical creature Morag, distant cousin of Nessie! From here you will continue down to the picturesque coastal village of Arisaig, offering lovely views out to some of the smaller west coast islands. Back to the main route you will travel alongside the West Highland Railway to the landmark Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter film series, and stop for a short walk out to the historic Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied his Jacobite supporters. From Fort William, head along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe, taking the coastal route to the Isle of Eriska, where your day comes to an end.

DAY 8

  • ERISKA TO GLASGOW

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Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle
crossbasket castle
Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle
crossbasket castle
Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle
crossbasket castle
  • Lose Yourself in Nature
  • This morning, depart Eriska for a full-day transfer to Glasgow with your private driver-guide. Pass through breathtaking highland scenery including views along Loch Awe, the longest loch in Scotland. The countryside here is rich with history, and its along these very shores that you'll make a stop at the historic ruins of Kilchurn Castle, medieval stronghold of the Campbell Clan. Dating back to the mid-1400s, Kilchurn remains one of the most photographed castles in the country. Continue through Pass of Brander where Robert the Bruce had a notable victory in the early 12th century, heading to Loch Lomond the largest expanse of fresh water in Scotland. Stop in the quaint conservation village of Luss, admiring some of the old stone cottages, where you'll be treated to a coffee as you take in incredible views over the loch. Conclude your day on arrival to your hotel.

DAY 9

  • GLASGOW

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crossbasket castle
Crossbasket Castle Grounds
Crossbasket Castle Grounds
Glasgow City Chambers
Glasgow City Chambers
crossbasket castle
Crossbasket Castle Grounds
Crossbasket Castle Grounds
  • A Bit of Time on Your Own
  • Spend some time at leisure enjoying the amenities and grounds of Crossbasket Castle, which include a large stretch of woodland, extensive nature walks and a beautiful stretch of river featuring lovely waterfalls. The convenient location means there's plenty to do and see locally. If fishing is of interest, the hotel has its own section of the River Calder where plenty of Brown Trout pass through. For golf enthusiasts, both the Cathkin Braes Golf Club and the East Kilbride Golf Club are only a 10-minute transfer away.
  • Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. Meet your private driver-guide and depart for a half-day tour through Scotland's largest and greatest city, discovering highlights of the city reborn as a center of style and vitality, set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. See the elegant Glasgow City chambers, discover the upmarket Buchanan Street - a shopper's delight, 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 clocktower which dominates Glasgow Cross, a relic from 1625. See the 11th century Glasgow Cathedral in medieval Gothic style, admire the architecture of the Clyde Auditorium, known as the 'Armadillo', and set your eyes on the impressive University of Glasgow, the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. 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.

Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Ness Walk

Duisdale House

Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Golf

Crossbasket Castle

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