CATHEDRALS, CASTLES AND HIGHLANDS PRIVATE TOUR FROM EDINBURGH

Cathedrals, Castles and Highlands2023-04-06T08:55:47+00:00

Take a trip north of Edinburgh to picturesque Perthshire. Experience one of Scotland’s best surviving Cathedrals, visit the stunning formal gardens at Drummond Castle and walk through the ancient Hermitage woodland. Our last call of the day is the very castle Mary Queen of Scots Honeymooned with her ill-fated husband Lord Darnley.

Journey past some of Scotland’s best sights along the way, including breathtaking views of Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument and The Kelpies.

Each private tour is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the narrow back roads of Scotland.

Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

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TOUR DURATION 8 hours (typically 9am - 5pm)

BOOK DIRECT FOR BEST RATE You will not find a better rate for this tour

INSTANT CONFIRMATION Receipt for your booking immediately

KEY SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR…

Dunblane Cathedral

The Cathedral at Dunblane dates back over 1,000 years and is one of the best examples of a Medieval place of worship in Scotland. The tower dates from the 1100’s and the chancel in the 1400’s. During the religious reformation lead by John Knox, Dunblane Cathedral was stripped of its furnishings and fell into disrepair until it was fully restored in the 1800’s. Today a visit to the Cathedral is a fascinating and often overlooked trip.

Drummond Castle

Located deep in Perthshire, Drummond Castle is a 15th century keep with a 17th century mansion house extension, set into 12 acres of formal terraced gardens. The Castle has seen a lot of history and is connected to Oliver Cromwell and The Jacobite cause, eventually being seized as a government asset. Today the house is private but the claimed gardens are considered to be the best example of their kind in Scotland and well worth a visit.

Drummond Castle’s Jacobite connections were revived recently when it was made famous in TV series Outlander, as the stand in for the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

The Hermitage near Dunkeld is a gentle woodland walk through the ancient Craigvinean forest to Ossian’s Hall, a surprising folly (retreat) overlooking the impressive Black Linn waterfall. The path to the folly traverses ancient Caledonian forrest and is home to some of the tallest trees in the Uk. The folly was built in 1760 for the Third Earl of Breadalbane to honour the blind bard Ossian. It is home to Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors. The building was badly damaged by an explosion in 1869. The early 20th century saw vandalism, decline and dereliction before a further restoration in 1952.

Huntingtower Castle (Ruthven Castle)

A tale of two towers, the arrangement was unusual and is believed to have been for two fractions of the same family. Built simultaneously between 1480 and 1530 ‘cheek by jowl’ next to each other, its design is unique in medieval architecture. It is also notable that a Doocot (dove cot) was built into the west tower rather than as a separate building which would have served as a source of meat during the long winter months. In the east tower is one of the oldest painted ceilings in Scotland.

Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned here with Lord Darnley in 1565. However, the Earl of Gowrie of Clan Ruthven fell out of favour with James VI of Scotland during a turbulent time surrounding the reformation and challenges to the Scottish Crown. It stopped being a grand residence about a century later, and was abandoned in 1767.

The Forth Bridges

On the return leg to Edinburgh we cross the Forth bridges at Queensferry. The famous cantilever designed Forth Railway Bridge, opened in 1890 can be seen spanning the river next to the 1964 road bridge, now replaced by the 2017 Queensferry Crossing.

SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTE…

Each tour we operate is unique and designed to your requirements. Here is an example of this tour’s route

November 20, 2019 4:54 pm
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 146 miles
  • Time 4 h 32 min
  • Speed 32 mph
  • Min altitude 0 ft
  • Peak 0 ft
  • Climb 0 ft
  • Descent 0 ft

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some of the frequently asked questions about our Cathedrals, Castles and Highlands, however if you have a specific question please contact us

Can I customise the tour?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we can customise any itinerary. We’ll email you shortly after booking to ask if you have any customisation requests and suggest additions you may wish to make.

Can the tour start at the airport / cruise port2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we regularly pick up guests from the airport or cruise port. Read more about shore excursions from cruise ships

Do I need to bring anything with me?2022-11-15T14:45:22+00:00

We recommend bringing a jacket (even if the forecast is good!) and comfortable shoes. We’ll provide everything else including umbrellas, binoculars refreshments and a wee treat or two!

Do you provide car seats for children?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, by law children under 135cm (4.4 foot) must travel in a booster seat. We can also provide baby seats. Please advise us if you need this.

How do I pay for the tour2022-11-15T14:42:58+00:00

When you book you pay a 20% deposit. The final payment is due on the date of departure and is taken from your card automatically. We don’t accept cash for your tour payment.

I need to change my tour date2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

No problem, as long as we have availability we can change the tour date. The deposit is transferable to your new date

What about ‘comfort stops’2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

There are plenty of toilet opportunities! Each of our tours is designed to have regular breaks and tour guide can accommodate most requests for bathroom stops.

What about lunch on tour2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Scotland is full of amazing places to eat and we’ll recommend stops that champion the best in Scottish quality and make the most of your time.

What is the maximum number of guests2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We have two versions of our minivan; either 6 or 7 passengers. Find out more about our premium minivans

Where do I meet the tour2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. In some instances parking in the city centre is restricted so there might be a short walk to your vehicle, but your guide will walk with you to the vehicle.

ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…

KILT WEARING TOUR GUIDE

We are passionate, professional and full of personality. Let us share our knowledge of Scotland

HOTEL / CRUISE BERTH PICK UP

We’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour

BOTTLED SCOTTISH WATER

`Chilled, premium still and sparkling Scottish water is provided

PREMIUM MERCEDES MINIVAN

Our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags

ONBOARD WIFI

Stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi

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