Scotland Tour: Castles, Cows, and Whisky

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Explore Scotland’s iconic castles, meet Highland Cows, savor whisky, and cruise Loch Ness on a private 6-day guided tour from Aberdeen.

Duration: 6 days

Cancellation: 6 days

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Highlights

Aberdeen to Inverness via Dunnottar Castle, Highland Cow Farm, Balmoral Castle, and The Cairngorms.

Dunnottar Castle - Renowned as one of Scotland’s and the world’s most breathtaking ruined castles, Dunnottar is an ancient medieval fortress perched on a rocky headland near Stonehaven. The existing structures date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though it was originally fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Visitors can admire this marvel for free from the cliff top. To explore the interior, there is a small fee of £11.00 per person.

Aberdeenshire Highland Beef - Experience a unique opportunity to meet the famous “Highland Cow” on a private working farm tour. Learn about and get up close to this native breed of cattle, and enjoy a delicious Highland Beef lunch.

Balmoral Castle - This iconic castle has been the Scottish residence of the Royal Family since it was acquired for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. It is a must-see for all visitors. Please note the castle is typically closed from mid-August to the end of October. Entrance fee of £20 per person is not included. Free to view during the low season.

Inverness - Enjoy a scenic drive through The Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness, the charming capital of The Highlands, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Inverness to Ullapool via Culloden, Loch Ness, and Corrieshalloch Gorge

Loch Ness - Embark on a cruise down the impressive Loch Ness. You might catch a glimpse of the legendary monster “Nessie” and explore centuries of history at Castle Urquhart, located on its banks.

Culloden Battlefield - Visit the historic site of the final battle of the last Jacobite Rebellion in 1746. The battlefield is free to visit, and entry to the interactive visitor center and museum is £15.00 per person.

Clava Cairns - The Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex, 4500 years old, featuring passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stones in a stunning setting, and serve as inspiration for the book/show “Outlander.”

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve - Corrieshalloch is one of Britain’s most spectacular gorges and the deepest at 60m. This glacial meltwater phenomenon is a remarkable sight. The 2km path is well-maintained with excellent viewing points.

Ullapool - Hotel drop-off at this picturesque fishing village surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Ullapool to Skye via Gruinard Bay, Inverewe Gardens, and Eilean Donan Castle.

Inverewe Garden - Inverewe Garden is unlike any other, offering a vast lush setting to explore. Among its many acres are species that shouldn’t thrive, including prehistoric trees, 400 varieties of rhododendrons, Himalayan poppies, Tasmanian eucalyptus, and more. From the perfect vantage point over Loch Ewe, coastal birds, seals, and otters can be observed. Entry is £15.00 per person, payable at the entrance.

Eilean Donan Castle - The world-famous Eilean Donan Castle, featured in the movie Highlander, was first constructed in the 13th century to defend against the Vikings and has been involved in numerous conflicts over the centuries, making it a stunning and fascinating place to visit and photograph. Free to view from the outside, with an entry fee of £16.50 per person to go inside.

Isle of Skye - Drop-off at your accommodation on The Isle of Skye, an island of epic and stunning landscapes, magical experiences, and cultural and historical attractions.

Explore the Isle of Skye (Fairy Pools, Whisky Distillery, Old Man of Storr)

Fairy Pools - The Fairy Pools are a beautiful series of pools and waterfalls beneath the Black Cuillin Ridge. The pools are a vivid blue and popular with wild swimmers for those brave enough to take a plunge. The path to the pools is well-maintained but may be muddy.

Talisker Distillery - Visit the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye for a 1-hour immersive tour and tasting. Hosted by passionate guides, you’ll explore Talisker’s history, flavor, and production processes. The experience concludes with three dram tastings of award-winning single malts.

The Old Man of Storr - Hike up to this famous and stunning stone pinnacle, located under the renowned Trotternish Ridge, as seen in the movie Prometheus. From this iconic spot, there are breathtaking views to enjoy, weather and fitness permitting.

Portree - Drop-off at your Portree Hotel.

Skye to Pitlochry via Glenfinnan, The House of Bruar, and Blair Castle.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - This must-see 1000 ft long impressive railway viaduct, set amidst stunning scenery, gained fame from its appearance in the Harry Potter movie franchise.

The House of Bruar - House of Bruar is a unique department store located in the heart of beautiful Perthshire. It offers an incredible range of Scottish Country Clothes, including masterfully crafted luxury textiles such as cashmere, merino, and lambswool, along with gifts, art, and many other selected products.

Blair Castle & Gardens - Blair Castle and Gardens are incredibly impressive and rich in history. It has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries and has been expanded and adapted over time, witnessing tumultuous historical periods. It is also the garrison for Europe’s only legal private army. The gardens feature a nine-acre walled garden, an extensive wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park, and a gothic folly. Highland cattle graze in fields, the native red squirrel can often be spotted among the branches of some of the garden’s tall trees, and peacocks roam freely. Interior tours are available at an additional cost. Entry to the castle is £16.00 per person.

Pitlochry - Drop-off at your Pitlochry Hotel. Pitlochry is a charming small town situated in the heart of beautiful Perthshire, featuring many lovely stores and restaurants, as well as the famous dam and Salmon Leap.

Pitlochry to Edinburgh via Scone Palace

Scone Palace - Scone Palace is a magnificent site in Perthshire, Scotland, with over 1,000 years of history. It was the original home of the Stone of Destiny and the crowning place of many kings over the centuries. Entry is £16.00 per person.

Aberdeen - Drop-off at your Aberdeen Hotel.

Edinburgh - Option for drop-off in Edinburgh. Please contact us for pricing.

What's Included

Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Ferry Crossing
Transport in Minivan with Guide
Door to door pick up and drop off
Tour and lunch at Highland Cow Farm
Balmoral Castle entrance fee
Most castles are free to see from outside but charge for internal tours
Private Tour for your group only

What's Not Included

Any drinks/snacks not on itinerary.
Meals other than stated
Blair Castle - £18 per person to enter. Pay at gate.
Dunnottar Castle. Free to see from outside. £11 per person to go inside. Pay at gate.
Eilean Donan Castle. Free to see from outside - £16 per person to inside.Pay at gate.
Scone Palace -£16 per person to enter. Pay at gate.
Accommodation - Please book or ask us about out accommodation booking service

Additional Information

The Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour truly lives up to its name.
Experience the finest castles and palaces, encounter Highland Cows, savor the best whisky, admire breathtaking landscapes, search for mythical creatures on an exceptional boat cruise, enjoy exquisite local cuisine, explore the top Scottish shop, visit famous movie locations, and…

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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up to 7 guests