Scottish Castles Uncovered (Hotel) - 4 days
Scottish Castles Uncovered (Hotel) - 4 days
4 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Nairn
Visiting: Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Nairn
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
HOTEL UPGRADE: Discover some of Scotland's most impressive castles on this 4-day group tour beginning and ending in Edinburgh, staying in 3-star hotels. Wander the walls and gardens of Falkland Palace and Dunnottar Castle, journey through the captivating scenery of Royal Deeside along with it's many historic castles, visit the solemn Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle on British soil, and taste the whisky of Cardhu Distillery, the first pioneered by a woman.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh - St Andrews - Aberdeen. Departing from Edinburgh, our journey takes us north across the Queensferry Crossing into the historic Kingdom of Fife. Our first stop is Falkland Palace, originally a hunting lodge for Scottish kings before its transformation into a lavish residence. Here, you can tread the same courts as Mary Queen of Scots, who famously played tennis on the world's oldest tennis court. Explore the medieval village of Falkland, also featured in the TV series Outlander.
Continuing to St Andrews, enjoy lunch and wander the charming cobbled lanes and ancient university buildings.
In the afternoon, our journey north brings us to Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic cliff-top fortress renowned as one of Scotland's iconic landmarks. Capture stunning views and hone your photography skills before heading off for a night in Aberdeen.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Day 2: Aberdeen
Location: Aberdeen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Aberdeen - Royal Deeside - Aberdeen. Today, we delve into the enchanting Royal Deeside, renowned for its magnificent castles. Our first stop is Castle Fraser, a splendid example of Scottish baronial architecture. After exploring, we can wander through the picturesque 18th-century walled garden.
Next, we head to Ballater for lunch, a charming village with ties to the British royal family. In the afternoon, we visit Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with a pinkish facade and turrets. Explore the haunted halls and vibrant gardens at your leisure with stunning views of the castle amidst colourful blooms.
We return to Aberdeen for another night.
Day 3: Aberdeen
Location: Aberdeen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Aberdeen - Elgin - Nairn. Our journey north begins with a visit to the historic Fyvie Castle, boasting a rich history dating back to the 13th century and housing impressive collections of arms, armour, and tapestries. Continuing through picturesque scenery, we reach Elgin for lunch. History enthusiasts can admire the intricate carvings of a weathered Pictish stone on the grounds of the ruined Elgin Cathedral.
In the afternoon, we visit the solemn Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising. Pay homage to those who lost their lives in the tragic battle, the last fought on British soil.
Afterward, we travel to Nairn for our overnight stay.
Day 4: Nairn
Location: Nairn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nairn - Edinburgh. We journey south through Scotland's breathtaking scenery, beginning with a visit to Cardhu Distillery, the first pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming, offering a taste of its rich and slightly fruity whisky.
Passing through Kingussie, we may pause for a quick photo at Ruthven Barracks before reaching Blair Castle. We explore this historic site, delving into the history of Mary Queen of Scots, admiring the ballroom adorned with 175 antlers, and strolling through the 9-acre Georgian garden.
Continuing through the lush landscapes of Perthshire, renowned for its remarkable woodlands, we take a break in one of the picturesque towns before returning to Edinburgh in the evening, crossing over the Firth of Forth.
Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-star hotels -
3 breakfasts
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3 nights 3-star hotel
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Escorted by a local driver-guide
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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Admission to Falkland Palace
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Admission to Castle Fraser
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Admission to Crathes Castle
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Admission to Fyvie Castle
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Admission to Culloden Visitor Centre, Museum & Battlefield
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Admission to Blair Castle and Garden
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Age Policy
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.