Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour From Edinburgh

Highlights

• Explore Falkland Palace, a former royal hunting lodge
• Sample whisky in Scotland’s Speyside Region
• Wander through the gardens of Castle Fraser
• Discover the history and legends of Crathes Castle
• Learn about the last land battle fought on British soil at Culloden

Description

This four-day tour departs from Edinburgh, taking you through historic Fife, Royal Deeside, and scenic northern Scotland, with visits to castles, historic sites and a whisky distillery. The itinerary suits history enthusiasts and those who appreciate Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage.

Day 1: Travel north from Edinburgh across Queensferry Crossing to Fife. Visit Falkland Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on the oldest surviving court. Explore the medieval village featured in Outlander, then continue to St Andrews for lunch and sightseeing. In the afternoon, visit Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic cliff-top ruin. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.

Day 2: Explore Royal Deeside starting with Castle Fraser, a grand Scottish tower house, and its 18th-century walled garden. Lunch in Ballater, a village with royal connections. Spend the afternoon at Crathes Castle, known for its haunted history and original gardens. Return to Aberdeen for the night.

Day 3: Visit Fyvie Castle, dating from the 13th century, with its arms, armor, and tapestries collection. After lunch in Elgin, see the carved Pictish stone at Elgin Cathedral ruins. In the afternoon, tour Culloden Battlefield, site of the final Jacobite Rising battle. Overnight stay in Nairn.

Day 4: Travel south visiting Cardhu Distillery, established by Helen Cumming. Stop briefly at Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie. Explore Blair Castle, its unique ballroom and 9-acre Georgian garden. After lunch, pass through Perthshire’s woodlands and picturesque towns before returning to Edinburgh by evening.

Includes

• Tour transport in a luxury 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Driver and guide services
• Bed and breakfast accommodation (3 nights)
• Admission to Falkland Palace
• Admission to Castle Fraser
• Admission to Crathes Castle
• Admission to Fyvie Castle
• Admission to Culloden Visitor Centre, Museum and Battlefield
• Admission to Blair Castle and Garden
• Flavour Journey tour and whisky tasting at Cardhu Distillery

Excludes

• Meals
• Refreshments
• Visitor attractions not specified in the inclusions

Important Information

• Itinerary and distillery visits may change
• Return to Edinburgh on Day 4 is approximately 18:30
• Bring waterproof clothing and comfortable footwear
• No children under 5 allowed; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Luggage limit: one piece (approx. 55cm x 45cm x 25cm) plus a small personal item, max 20 kilograms per person
• Accommodation is in small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs with en suite rooms; expect a 20-30 minute walk to local shops and pubs
• If you have difficulty with stairs, advise in advance as lifts are not available at these properties

Easy cancellation

Full refund available for cancellations up to 14 days before the tour start date.