Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland 10 days
About This Experience
Simply say “Scotland” and images of tartan kilts, blaring bagpipes and medieval castles instantly come to mind. (Oh, and let’s not forget that famed Loch Ness monster.) With ten days to explore, you’ll get your dose of these well-known Scottish icons, and then head a little off the beaten path, moving farther into the untamed Highlands and into craggy hillsides laden with lochs and Gaelic-speaking villages.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Edinburgh’s gorgeous Georgian architecture
The Highlands’ craggy cliffs & rolling landscapes
You’ll sip scotch in one of the oldest distilleries
Glasgow’s growing cosmopolitan culture
You’ll stand at the shores of Loch Ness
Ancient castles—is there anything more Scottish?
Overnight Flight1 night
Edinburgh3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Take a bite out of Edinburgh before your welcome dinner
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Scotland! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Edinburgh. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Walk through a masterpiece of city planning and stroll the Royal Mile
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle
Follow a local guide through Edinburgh, exploring from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. Your tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city from Castle Rock. From here, you can view the Scottish crown jewels, as well as the Stone of Scone. This afternoon, spend some free time in Edinburgh, during which you might choose to browse the shops of the Royal Mile or tour Holyroodhouse Palace, the setting for royal ceremonies, including the knighting of Sir Sean Connery. Alternatively, choose to join our Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey excursion.
Optional Excursions
Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey $69* pp
Travel through the Scottish Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The poet designed his home in the Romantic style to imitate the elaborate baronial estates of British aristocrats. Today it serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts that Scott collected throughout his lifetime. The excursion then continues with a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive of the four Borders abbeys.
Day4
Sit back on Arthur’s Seat or swing by the so-called “birthplace of golf”
Breakfast
Today is free to continue your explorations of Edinburgh. For great views of the city, climb to the top of the Walter Scott Monument, overlooking the Royal Mile, or to Calton Hill, which takes in the Firth of Forth and Arthur’s Seat. Alternatively, journey to the east coast town of St. Andrews on an optional excursion. This “birthplace of golf” is also famous for its historic university, its castle, cathedral and dramatic coastal setting. The excursion includes a visit to the British Golf Museum. This evening, experience traditional music and dance at the optional Scottish Ceilidh (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
St Andrews $79* pp
St Andrews may be most well-known as the home of golf, but it's also the site of Scotland's oldest university. On this excursion, you'll pass by the 16th-century grounds of St Andrews University, the alma mater of Prince William, who met Kate Middleton here. You'll also pass by the ruins of the town's cathedral and castle. Later, visit the British Golf Museum, where you’ll discover how golf transformed from a Scottish pasttime into a global obsession.
Optional Excursions
Scottish Cèilidh $119* pp
Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic céilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Along with a savory dinner of local favorites, the evening will feature folk dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers and the “Ceremony of the Haggis.” Please note: This optional is seasonal from May to September, requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Inverness2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Discover the highlights of the Highlands, stopping for scotch, of course
Breakfast
Blair Athol Castle, Whisky Distillery
On your way north to Inverness, stop in Perthshire, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, for a visit to Blair Athol Castle and the 18th-century Whisky Distillery, one of the oldest and purest distilleries in Scotland. Arrive in Inverness later this evening and check into your hotel.
Day6
Deep in the countryside, sits one of Scotland’s fastest growing cities
Breakfast
Hugging the base of the scenic River Ness, the city of Inverness is truly a hidden gem with some of the friendliest locals in Scotland and a fine collection of shops, pubs and museums. Discover the city on your own today. You might wish to take a city tour or a river cruise. Or join an optional excursion to historic Culloden Moor, site of the last battle fought on British soil, and Cawdor Castle, the fictional home of Macbeth. The excursion also includes a visit to the Clava Cairns, location of some of the oldest megalithic structures in all of Britain.
Optional Excursions
Culloden Moor & Cawdor Castle $75* pp
Culloden Moor witnessed one of Scotland’s most devastating military losses in 1746, when the troops of Prince Charles Edward Stuart faced the British army, commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. Travel to the battlefield and its visitor center to hear a fascinating and detailed account of the poorly matched battle. Your next stop is Cawdor Castle, the fictional setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The well-maintained castle remains vibrant today, and as you walk through its halls and chambers, you can view family portraits, tapestries and elegant furniture representing 600 years of royal history. Please note: In the event that Cawdor Castle is closed on the day of your excursion, you will instead travel to Brodie Castle.
The Highlands2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Equal parts history and pop culture, this is legendary Loch Ness
Breakfast, Dinner
Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition
Continuing westward along the Great Glen and towards the Caledonian Canal, stop at Loch Ness, home of the legendary Loch Ness monster, or Nessie, as she is affectionately called. You’ll visit the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition, view a full-scale replica of the mysterious creature and see an audio-visual exhibit detailing the myths, sightings and history surrounding the loch. Some amazing footage has been recorded over the years and rumor has it that it’s been locked in a London bank vault to preserve its secrets. You’ll also get a sense of the unique geology of Loch Ness. More than 600 feet deep at some locations and with an extremely flat bottom, it’s the perfect location to hide a monster. Arrive later in the western Highlands region, where dinner is included tonight.
Day8
Meander the coast, castles and remote villages where Gaelic thrives
Breakfast, Dinner
On a free day, you might explore the traditional Scottish town of Fort William, a great base for ascents to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Or join a memorable excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. The castle is the most photographed in the world, dramatically situated in the middle of Loch Duich. The isle is a land of craggy highlands, otherwordly coastline and small country villages where Gaelic is still spoken. Dinner is included tonight.
Optional Excursions
Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye $99* pp
Set on the banks of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps the world's most photographed castle. Cross a narrow peninsula to reach the island castle and take a brief tour of the interior. Proceed on to the Isle of Skye, famous for its association with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and then to the Clan Donald visitor's center, where you'll experience exhibits outlining life in Scotland's clans. At the conclusion of this excursion, you'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to the mainland.
Glasgow1 night - hotel info
Day9
Glaswegian’s call their vibrant hometown Scotland’s “second city”
Breakfast, Dinner
Burrell Collection
Drive through historic Glencoe, site of the notorious 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan, and take the high road to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Continue through the Trossachs to Glasgow, Scotland’s “second city.” An expert local guide leads this afternoon’s tour of Glasgow, highlighting sights such as George Square and the banks of the River Clyde. Also included in your tour is a visit to the renowned Burrell Collection, whose 8,000 exhibits feature everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Rodin sculptures. Tonight enjoy a Farewell dinner with your group.
Extend Your Stay
Add Glasgow $249*
In Gaelic, Glasgow means "the Dear Green Place," a fitting title for the city with more parks per square mile than any other city in Europe. Famous for its passion for football (soccer) and its fabulous shops that beat those in Edinburgh hands-down, Glasgow is also renowned for its distinguished university, which is over 500 years old, and Kelvingrove Park, the vibrant meeting ground adjacent to it. Most impressive, though, are the Glaswegians, so genuine that their warmness and lyrical speech stay with you long after you depart Scotland's shores.
Glasgow2 nights - hotel info
Day1
GET A GLIMPSE OF HADRIAN’S WALL, STILL STANDING AFTER 2,000 YEARS
Breakfast
Explore Glasgow at your leisure. The city contains a plethora of shops and free museums, including the Museum of Modern Art. Or, choose to join our optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle Castle.
Optional Excursions
Hadrian's Wall & Carlisle Castle $79* pp
Travel to the region bordering Scotland and England to discover the historic Carlisle Castle. This medieval fortress was once the site of many battles, as well as the holding place of the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots. After exploring the castle, head to Hadrian’s Wall at Birdoswald Fort. Originally a defensive wall constructed by the Romans in 122 A.D., Birdoswald Fort is the longest continuous stretch of the Wall remaining. From its elevated location, you’ll be able to catch stunning views of the Irthing Valley and the Lake District Fells.
Day2
Before Braveheart, this town had a role in the Wars of Independence
Breakfast
Today opt for an excursion to Stirling to visit Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument.
Optional Excursions
Historic Scotland & Stirling Castle $115* pp
Visit Stirling, a town steeped in the history of the Wars of Scottish Independence. For generations, Sterling's castle held off British advances and served as a rallying point for rebellious Scots; it was within Stirling Castle that the infant Mary Stewart was crowned Mary, Queen of Scots. In addition to the castle, you’ll also tour Stirling's quaint Old Town, which still retains its medieval look and feel. Then journey into the valley where "Braveheart" William Wallace beat back the British at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Your excursion also includes a visit to the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 342 AD, just 20 years after the completion of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit what remains of the wall at Falkirk before taking a ride on the famous Falkirk Wheel, an ingenious boat-lift that carries boats from one canal to another.
About This Experience
Simply say “Scotland” and images of tartan kilts, blaring bagpipes and medieval castles instantly come to mind. (Oh, and let’s not forget that famed Loch Ness monster.) With ten days to explore, you’ll get your dose of these well-known Scottish icons, and then head a little off the beaten path, moving farther into the untamed Highlands and into craggy hillsides laden with lochs and Gaelic-speaking villages.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Edinburgh’s gorgeous Georgian architecture
The Highlands’ craggy cliffs & rolling landscapes
You’ll sip scotch in one of the oldest distilleries
Glasgow’s growing cosmopolitan culture
You’ll stand at the shores of Loch Ness
Ancient castles—is there anything more Scottish?
Overnight Flight1 night
Edinburgh3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Take a bite out of Edinburgh before your welcome dinner
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Scotland! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Edinburgh. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Walk through a masterpiece of city planning and stroll the Royal Mile
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle
A local guide leads this morning’s tour of Edinburgh, from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. The tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city from Castle Rock. Here, you can view the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Scone. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Edinburgh, during which you might choose to browse the shops of the Royal Mile or tour Holyroodhouse Palace, the setting for royal ceremonies, including the knighting of Sir Sean Connery and other Scottish notables. Alternatively, join our optional excursion, Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey, to marvel at the former residence of poet Sir Walter Scott and the remains of the 12th-century abbey.
Optional Excursions
Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey $69* pp
Travel through the Scottish Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The poet designed his home in the Romantic style to imitate the elaborate baronial estates of British aristocrats. Today it serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts that Scott collected throughout his lifetime. The excursion then continues with a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive of the four Borders abbeys.
Day4
Sit back on Arthur’s Seat or swing by the so-called “birthplace of golf”
Breakfast
Today is free to continue your explorations of Edinburgh. For great views of the city, climb to the top of the Walter Scott Monument, overlooking the Royal Mile, or to Calton Hill, which takes in the Firth of Forth and Arthur’s Seat. Alternatively, journey to the coastal town of St Andrews on an optional excursion. This “birthplace of golf ” is also famous for its historic university, castle, cathedral and dramatic coastal setting. The excursion includes a visit to the British Golf Museum. Tonight, experience traditional music and dance at our optional Scottish Céilidh (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
St Andrews $79* pp
St Andrews may be most well-known as the home of golf, but it's also the site of Scotland's oldest university. On this excursion, you'll pass by the 16th-century grounds of St Andrews University, the alma mater of Prince William, who met Kate Middleton here. You'll also pass by the ruins of the town's cathedral and castle. Later, visit the British Golf Museum, where you’ll discover how golf transformed from a Scottish pasttime into a global obsession.
Optional Excursions
Scottish Cèilidh $119* pp
Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic céilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Along with a savory dinner of local favorites, the evening will feature folk dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers and the “Ceremony of the Haggis.” Please note: This optional is seasonal from May to September, requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Inverness2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Discover the highlights of the Highlands, stopping for scotch, of course
Breakfast
Blair Athol Castle, Whisky Distillery
En route to Inverness, stop in Perthshire, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, for a visit to Blair Athol Castle and the 18th-century Whisky distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Later, arrive in Inverness and check in to your hotel.
Day6
Deep in the countryside, sits one of Scotland’s fastest growing cities
Breakfast
Hugging the base of the scenic River Ness, the city of Inverness is a hidden gem. Discover the city on your own today. You might wish to take a city tour or a river cruise. Or, join our optional excursion to historic Culloden Moor, site of the last battle fought on British soil, and Cawdor Castle, the fictional home of Macbeth. The excursion also includes a visit to the Clava Cairns, some of the oldest megalithic structures in Britain.
Optional Excursions
Culloden Moor & Cawdor Castle $75* pp
Culloden Moor witnessed one of Scotland’s most devastating military losses in 1746, when the troops of Prince Charles Edward Stuart faced the British army, commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. Travel to the battlefield and its visitor center to hear a fascinating and detailed account of the poorly matched battle. Your next stop is Cawdor Castle, the fictional setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The well-maintained castle remains vibrant today, and as you walk through its halls and chambers, you can view family portraits, tapestries and elegant furniture representing 600 years of royal history. Please note: In the event that Cawdor Castle is closed on the day of your excursion, you will instead travel to Brodie Castle.
The Highlands2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Equal parts history and pop culture, this is legendary Loch Ness
Breakfast, Dinner
Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition
Continuing westward along the Great Glen and toward the Caledonian Canal, stop at Loch Ness, home of the legendary Loch Ness monster, or Nessie, as she’s affectionately known. You’ll visit the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition, view a full-scale replica of the mysterious creature and see an audio-visual exhibit detailing the myths, sightings and history surrounding the loch. You’ll also get a sense of the unique geology of Loch Ness. More than 600 feet deep at some locations, and with an extremely flat bottom, some consider it the perfect location to hide a monster. Arrive later in the western Highlands region, where dinner is included.
Day8
Meander the coast, castles and remote villages where Gaelic thrives
Breakfast, Dinner
On a free day, explore the traditional Scottish town of Fort William, a great base for ascents to Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Or, join a memorable excursion to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. The castle is dramatically situated on an island in Loch Duich. The Isle of Skye is a land of craggy highlands, otherwordly coastline and small country villages where Gaelic is still spoken. Dinner is included tonight.
Optional Excursions
Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye $99* pp
Set on the banks of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps the world's most photographed castle. Cross a narrow peninsula to reach the island castle and take a brief tour of the interior. Proceed on to the Isle of Skye, famous for its association with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and then to the Clan Donald visitor's center, where you'll experience exhibits outlining life in Scotland's clans. At the conclusion of this excursion, you'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to the mainland.
Glasgow1 night - hotel info
Day9
Glaswegian’s call their vibrant hometown Scotland’s “second city”
Breakfast, Dinner
Burrell Collection
Drive through historic Glencoe, site of the notorious 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan, and take the high road to the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Continue through the Trossachs to Glasgow, Scotland’s “second city.” A local guide leads this afternoon’s tour of Glasgow, highlighting sights such as George Square and the banks of the River Clyde. Also included in your tour is a visit to the renowned Burrell Collection, whose 8,000 exhibits feature everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Rodin sculptures. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
Extend Your Stay
Add Glasgow $249*
In Gaelic, Glasgow means "the Dear Green Place," a fitting title for the city with more parks per square mile than any other city in Europe. Famous for its passion for football (soccer) and its fabulous shops that beat those in Edinburgh hands-down, Glasgow is also renowned for its distinguished university, which is over 500 years old, and Kelvingrove Park, the vibrant meeting ground adjacent to it. Most impressive, though, are the Glaswegians, so genuine that their warmness and lyrical speech stay with you long after you depart Scotland's shores.
Glasgow2 nights - hotel info
Day1
GET A GLIMPSE OF HADRIAN’S WALL, STILL STANDING AFTER 2,000 YEARS
Breakfast
Today you’re free to explore Glasgow at your leisure. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Hadrian’s Wall & Carlisle Castle. The 11th century wall was the site of a notorious 8-month siege during the English Civil War. The excursion also stops at Birdoswald Fort, one of the main forts on Hadrian’s Wall, which commands stunning views over the Irthing Valley to the Lake District Fells.
Optional Excursions
Hadrian's Wall & Carlisle Castle $79* pp
Travel to the region bordering Scotland and England to discover the historic Carlisle Castle. This medieval fortress was once the site of many battles, as well as the holding place of the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots. After exploring the castle, head to Hadrian’s Wall at Birdoswald Fort. Originally a defensive wall constructed by the Romans in 122 A.D., Birdoswald Fort is the longest continuous stretch of the Wall remaining. From its elevated location, you’ll be able to catch stunning views of the Irthing Valley and the Lake District Fells.
Day2
Before Braveheart, this town had a role in the Wars of Independence
Breakfast
With another free day in Glasgow, you might join our optional excursion, Historic Scotland & Stirling Castle. You’ll have time to explore the impressive castle before taking a ride on the Falkirk Wheel, a modern engineering marvel that echoes Glasgow’s industrial past.
Optional Excursions
Historic Scotland & Stirling Castle $115* pp
Visit Stirling, a town steeped in the history of the Wars of Scottish Independence. For generations, Sterling's castle held off British advances and served as a rallying point for rebellious Scots; it was within Stirling Castle that the infant Mary Stewart was crowned Mary, Queen of Scots. In addition to the castle, you’ll also tour Stirling's quaint Old Town, which still retains its medieval look and feel. Then journey into the valley where "Braveheart" William Wallace beat back the British at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Your excursion also includes a visit to the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 342 AD, just 20 years after the completion of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit what remains of the wall at Falkirk before taking a ride on the famous Falkirk Wheel, an ingenious boat-lift that carries boats from one canal to another.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Scotland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Scotland. Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Edinburgh and depart from Glasgow. Included transportation is by private motor coach. All of the cities and towns on this itinerary are accessible on foot, but you may want to break up periods of walking by using both have a fairly efficient bus system. Passes and packages are available. If you decide to take an excursion outside the cities on your own, make use of ScotRail’s excellent train system. You can pick up trains at Edinburgh’s main station (near the Scott Monument, between Old Town and New Town) and at Glasgow Central and Queen Street Stations.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Cuisine
Like the rest of Britain, Scotland often gets a negative reputation for its cuisine, but in truth the food here has been improving since an influx of international choices became available in the early 1990s. For traditional Scottish fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal, which often features delicious vegetarian options. Specialties of Scotland include shortbread, kippers, smoked salmon, Scotch broth, venison, oatcakes, jelly, jam, and of course, haggis (made of sheep innards). Indian, Chinese and Italian food are widely available and delicious. Scotch whisky is a favored local spirit, and Scotch ales (especially from microbreweries) are some of the best in the world.
Currency
The British pound is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Scotland, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/debit cards and credit cards. They may be used at ATMs, which are widely available in Edinburgh and Glasgow (mostly on the Cirrus and Plus international networks). We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Fantastic Tour
I enjoyed every aspect of the tour. John was a wonderful knowledgeable tour guide and Cullen was excellent as our bus driver. Both of them had wonderful personalities that made the tours fun and exciting. I would take the tour again and recommend it to anyone!
dream vacation
I would recommend Go Ahead tours to everyone. Everything was handled for me from the time I stepped on the plane. The guide picked my group up from the airport and took us to the hotel. He was great. If something came up and we were not able to go to a specific castle, the guide replaced it with another one. Everything was seamless. The bus driver was the BEST. We had a really bad day of weather and he was a complete pro. I will go on another Go Ahead tour in the future. I would even do this tour again because there is so much I did not see.
Great Trip
It was a great trip. The weather was cold, but we still enjoyed the trip. We meet some wonderful people and had a great tour guide & bus driver. We will be booking another tour with Go Ahead.
Great Tour
I really enjoyed the Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour. We saw many different places, such as Edinburgh, Inverness, Glen Coe and Glasgow. I learned a lot and enjoyed seeing places such as Loch Ness and the Edradour whiskey distillery. Out tour director and bus driver were friendly, professional and informative. I did many of the optional excursions, which added a lot to the trip. Overall, I'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see a variety of Scottish sites.
An Amazing Trip!!
Scotland and Castles review. An amazing mesmerizing trip!! After months of never ending rain luck was with the tour group I was with. The tour started with sunny days until the very last 3 days where we had some rainy days. Although the sun did peak out even on the days it did rain. Considering the past couple of months Scotland’s weather has been no one on the tour could or did complain on the rainy few days. What it did do is give us all an experience of the Highland’s that could not be missed. Seeing the overflowing rain fall from the top of the mountains cascading down the cracks as rushing waterfalls was an experience that left anyone speechless. The autumn landscape glowed in the gloomy rainy day leaving a lasting experience. Now on my review… Day 2-4 We toured various interesting historical locations in Scotland on a very comfortable luxurious motor coach (a bus). Since the tour was during the time when the season has slowed down it was only about 20ish in the group. This made the tour much more personal and a lot easier for our Tour Director Tom Quinn to give everyone a much more personal attention. Tom definitely was a great tour director. Considering that he is Irish he knew Scotland as if he was born and lived there his entire life. You could hear the passion and love he has for the Scotland and its history. While on the tour he weaved the historical background information enriching our understanding of the history of each location visited. The tour starts with a tour of Edinburgh with a local guide making a few quick stops at a few points of interest ending with a visit at Edinburgh Castle. Definitely a must go place. Later in the afternoon a few of the group opted to do the optional tour to Mary Queen of Scots & Jedburgh. I chose to walk around town and visit the museums. However, from speaking to the members of my group who did go on the optional tour they all enjoyed it very much. The following day we went to St. Andrews. We start the day by going to the golf museum which has some interesting information on the history of golf. Even for those who are not interested in the game will find it interesting. The tour director afterwards took us on a short walking tour around the small town of St. Andrews pointing out some interesting historical points of interest. Overall hotel quality in Edinburgh I grade it a “B”. Days 5-6 Leaving Edinburgh we headed towards Inverness. On our way there we visited Blair Castle and a Whisky Distillery. The tour bus stopped for a break at a town near Blair Castle so we could have a lunch break. Great tours and great scenery during the drive to Inverness. By the time we arrived to our hotels we all were dead tired. Stores close early around 5 - 5:30 PM so if you want to go shopping you need to quickly leave your things in your hotel room and run. The great thing we stayed in a centrally located historical hotel which is beautiful but a little moldy. The next day the optional tour for Culloden Moor & Cawdor Castle had to be revised. Unfortunately when our tour took place Cawdor Castle had closed for the winter. So we went instead to Brodie Castle. It was definitely a treat. Overall hotel quality I grade it a “C”. Days 7-8 Leaving Inverness and heading to The Highlands. Can I refer you back up to my first paragraph. This is when you really get see the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland. The drive through the Great Glen, visiting Loch Ness exhibit and had time to get on a short boat ride around the Loch and were able to get some great photos of Urquhart Castle that is located on a cliff off the Loch. We stayed at a hotel/resort in Glencoe. Very nice private quiet area. Had some amazing scenic views of the mountains and Loch. The next day the optional tour was for Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye. Early start but was definitely worth going. This tour was wonderful the weather at this point was rainy but it did not damper the mood for anyone. We all in the group went to this optional excursion and enjoyed it very much. Overall hotel quality in Glencoe, Highlands I give it a grade of “B-”. Days 9-11 (including extended stay) Although Glasgow is only about a 30 minute drive from Edinburgh it’s a completely different city. In its old world mixed with modern appearance it has its charm. I found it a little dirty but don’t let the old stone work fool you into believing this city does not have a vibrant life. Glasgow is filled with artistic venues and opportunities for all to enjoy. I was surprised how few decided on taking advantage of the extended stay. First it’s a great deal and secondly the optional tours are definitely ones not to miss. Inverary Castle was definitely a castle not to be missed. Being the seat of the Duke of Argyll and his family they have strived to keep and maintain the castle in nearly pristine condition. The Duke and his family still have apartments in the Castle and live there part of year. We were fortunate enough to see both the Duke and his Duchess. Beautiful family to go along with a very spectacular castle. Make sure you make time to take a walk in the gardens. We visited the town of Stirling and its Castle which was both amazing. The reenactment shows and the guided tour only enhanced our experience. We later went on the Falkirk Wheel which is only a short drive away from the castle. I will say that both of these tours were great. The day ended with a beautiful rainbow appearing in the sky. I know I mentioned this before but our Tour Director Tom Quinn and our driver Paul were both amazing. They make a great team. Keep putting them together on future tours!! Overall hotel quality in Glasgow I give it a grade of “B”.
Trip
This trip was well done
SCOTLAND'S CASTLES
My 10 days in Scotland was a wonderful experience. I especially liked having some free time to explore or just relax on my own, knowing there was assistance close by, if needed. Shona is a treasure. If half of your other tour leaders are as knowledgable, competent, and enthusiastic, you're very lucky. By sheer coincidence, Shona was also our tour director on a previous trip to Italy. We were so impressed with her then, that we chose Go-Ahead again. I liked having the option of extra excursions, and I thought your itinerary covered as compete a look at Scotland in 10 days as possible.
Fascinating History
Each day, our tour director, Tom Quinn, told us the history of the places we visited, so by the end of the tour we had learned quite a lot about the amazing history of Scotland. I especially enjoyed the optional excursion to Cawdor Castle that has been continuously inhabited for 600 years, and Culloden Battlefield with its excellent exhibit describing the nearly successful attempt of Bonnie Prince Charlie (of Scottish ancestry) to gain the throne of England. There was such variety on this tour of Scotland -- castles, castle gardens, Edradour Distillary, Highlands scenery, museums, churches. Everything was well planned and organized. And to top it off, our fellow tour members were so friendly and so much fun. A delightful trip!
Edinburg and Castles of Scotland
Very enjoyable tour with beautiful scenery, great food, and a great group of 34 tourists plus tour director and bus driver. The bus driver was awesome, getting through tight places with a larger-than-average bus. Director and driver had never worked together before, but their raport was excellent! My only concern was that if you didn't spend all the extra money to go one the added excursions, you could end up left behind without really knowing your way around when you are not a seasoned traveler such as myself.
Awesome Trip
This was my first tour and first trip out of the US. Our tour director, John Payne and our driver, Joe, were terrific and provided a lot of information on our trip. I booked every side trip available and enjoy them immensely.
