Sara Matthews

Explorer's Travel Advantage, LLC

Scotland Clans & Castles Tour - 2027

Mar 30, 2027 to Apr 11, 2027
Scotland

April 1-11, 2026

Join me on an unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands, where ancient castles rise from misty lochs and centuries of clan history come alive around every bend.
 
Over 11 magical days, we'll wander the halls of Stirling Castle, sample a dram at a two-century-old distillery, and cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness. We'll stand on the hallowed ground of Culloden Battlefield, meet Scotland's famously gentle Highland cows face to face, and lose ourselves in the romance of Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world. From the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye to the royal grandeur of Edinburgh's Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle's Crown Jewels, this isn't just a tour, it's a story I get to share with you in person.
 
 As your travel advisor, I'll be right there with you, handling the details so you can simply soak in the scenery, the whisky, and the stories.
Space is limited.  Let's explore Scotland together. 
 
Save additional 5% before October 15, 2026
 
You will be contacted for verification prior to processing your booking.  Your card will not be processed until after we have talked. 
 
 

Pricing:

$4,145 per person based on double occupancy
*single supplement of $1,395 for Single Travelers

Included in your Adventure:

  • 16 Meals - 10 Full daily breakfasts,  and 6 Dinners
  • In Destination Transportation (buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Transfer on April 1st from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow for start of the tour (must arrive before noon)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Expert local tour guides
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary
  • Welcome gift of a travel backpack, travel adapter, rain poncho, luggage strap and tags, and a water flask.
 

Exclusions:

  1. Airfare (unless booked through tour) 
  2. Travel Insurance (unless chosen)
  3. Pre or Post hotel accommodations (can be added to tour)
  4. Gratuities

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 (Glasgow): Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a panoramic tour of Glasgow, seeing sights like George Square, Kelvingrove Park, the cathedral and the university, all featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before a free evening to explore and dine as you wish. 
 
  • Day 2 (Stirling Castle & Glengoyne Distillery): Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent strong-hold that was the childhood home of many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Next, sample a dram at Glengoyne Distillery and learn about its two centuries of whisky making. Return to Glasgow for a free evening. (B) 
 
  • Day 3 (Glencoe & Eilean Donan Castle): Journey into the majestic Highlands, along Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular places. Stop for photos along the way, then continue on to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle before arriving at your hotel on the shore of Loch Alsh. (B, D) 
 
  • Day 4 (Isle of Skye Full Day Tour): Spend a full day exploring the Isle of Skye, a scenic island that was once a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time. (B, D) 
 
  • Day 5 (Loch Ness Cruise and Sheepdog Demonstration): Embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. The home of the legendary monster boasts splendid mountain scenery and lovely photo opportunities. Next, take in the beauty of your route as you drive along the edge of the Cairngorms National Park on your way to a farm for a demonstration by skilled sheepdogs working with the farmer to herd their flock. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D) 
 
  • Day 6 (Culloden Battlefield & Fyvie Castle):Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, to end the Jacobite Rising. Proceed to Aberdeenshire to visit Fyvie Castle, Garden and Estate. Discover 800 years of the castle’s history and see the extraordinary collection of art, arms, and armor gathered by a local man who made his fortune in the American steel industry. Dine at your manor-house hotel near Aberdeen this evening. (B, D) 
 
  • Day 7 (Highland Cows & Drum Castle): Visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle to meet a farmer raising Highland cows. See and photograph these famously gentle, long-haired creatures up close. Next, tour Drum Castle, Garden and Estate and see its imposing medieval tower and impressive Victorian library. Return to your hotel to dine with your group. (B, D) 
 
  • Day 8 (Glamis Castle & St Andrews): Travel to Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This majestic building is filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings. Take a panoramic drive through the city of Dundee to see its transformed waterfront, with its impressive architecture and urban beach. Continue on to St Andrews, known as the home of golf and rich in medieval heritage. Take a panoramic drive and explore the city independently before departing for your hotel near Edinburgh. Your evening is free to dine independently. (B) 
 
  • Day 9 (panoramic Tour, Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh castle & Scottish Evening): In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town stand in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. Next, visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and great views of the city. Enjoy a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment.  (B, D*) 
 
  • Day 10 (Independent Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour of Edinburgh): Spend the day on an independent Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Edinburgh. You will receive a taxi voucher to travel from your hotel to the city center. Explore and dine as you wish in this fascinating city. (B) 
 
  • Day 11 (Tour Ends in Edinburgh): Your tour ends after breakfast.
 
  • (B) B: Breakfast; (L): Lunch; (D): Dinner
 
 

Cancellation policy:

Click HERE for the CIE Terms and Conditions. $250 deposit is non-refundable.

Available Packages

Tour Package
Available until January 10, 2027

Starting At: $4,145.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person

Book now (15 left)
Your package includes:
  • 10 night of accommodations throughout the tour.
  • 16 meals (10 breakfasts, 6 dinners)
  • Transportation and entrance tickets
 
Book before October 15th for a 5% early bird discount (applied when booked)
 
Lodging:
  • Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel (2 nights)
  • Balmacara Hotel, near Kyle of Lochalsh (2 nights)
  • Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport (1 night)
  • Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen (2 nights)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing (3 nights)

Extra options

Travel Insurance
Available until January 1, 2027

$400.00
Deposit: $400.00

This price is an estimate. Exact figure will be calculated before purchase.
 
Insurance is based on policy value, age, and state of residence.  
 
Important: In the state of Washington, you have 14 days from the 1st deposit date to purchase travel insurance that includes the pre-existing medical waiver.  After 14 days, you can still purchase the insurance, it will just not cover pre-existing medical conditions.