From Edinburgh: Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour

Discover the captivating landscapes and historic sites of Scotland’s Western Highlands on this immersive tour departing from Edinburgh. Venture beyond the city limits to explore iconic castles, charming towns, and the breathtaking natural beauty of Loch Lomond. With convenient pickup options and an experienced guide providing engaging commentary, the tour offers an intimate small-group experience that showcases the region’s rich heritage and stunning vistas. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, this comprehensive day trip promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s captivating allure. What secrets might the Western Highlands unveil?

Key Points

Key points:

• A 9.5-hour tour from Edinburgh exploring the Western Highlands, with visits to Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, and Loch Lomond.
• Priced from $72.01 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later.
• Small group size for a more intimate experience, with pickup from multiple locations in Edinburgh and an experienced driver-guide.
• Suitable for a wide range of ages, including adults, youth, children, and seniors, with the exception of children under 6.
• Overall tour rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 43 reviews, with praise for the engaging guides and scenic views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour departs from Edinburgh, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s iconic castles, picturesque lochs, and breathtaking landscapes.

Priced from $72.01 per person, the 9.5-hour tour provides a full day of sightseeing and immersion in Scottish history and natural beauty.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour ensures flexibility and convenience for travelers.

The small group size enhances the intimate experience, allowing participants to fully appreciate the stunning vistas and cultural highlights along the way.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour is a stop at the captivating Doune Castle, where visitors can expect to spend around 40 minutes exploring the historic site and capturing stunning photographs. Next, the tour makes a 15-minute photo stop at the picturesque Kilchurn Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Awe. The tour then heads to the charming town of Inveraray, where guests will have 1.5 hours to enjoy lunch, explore the quaint shops, and take in the sights. Afterwards, the tour visits the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint for a 15-minute photo opportunity, followed by a 30-minute stop at the iconic Loch Lomond.

Stop	Duration
Doune Castle	40 minutes
Kilchurn Castle	15 minutes
Inveraray	1.5 hours
Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint	15 minutes
Loch Lomond	30 minutes

Tour Inclusions

This Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour includes a comprehensive set of amenities and services to ensure a memorable experience.

Pickup from many central Edinburgh locations is provided, allowing for convenient access to the start of the tour. The scenic journey through the Highlands is led by an experienced Driver Guide, who’ll share insights along the way.

Refreshment stops are included, and admission fees to Inveraray jail or castle are covered. Lunch is also part of the package, ensuring travelers are well-fed during the 9.5-hour adventure.

With transportation by luxury coach and an intimate group size, this tour offers a comfortable and personalized exploration of the Western Highlands’ stunning landscapes and historic sites.

Participant Information

Suitable participants for this Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour span a wide range of ages, including adults aged 23 to 64, youth aged 16 to 22, children aged 6 to 15, and seniors aged 65 to 99. However, the tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old. The group size is kept small to ensure a more intimate experience.

Age Group	Suitable?
Adults (23-64)	✓
Youth (16-22)	✓
Children (6-15)	✓
Seniors (65-99)	✓
Children under 6	✗

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Important Information

Commencing at 8:20 AM, the meeting point for this Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour is the Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place.

Flexible drop-off points are available in the city center upon tour completion.

While the itinerary is subject to change due to weather or road conditions, the tour typically includes stops at Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint, and Loch Lomond.

This small-group tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 43 reviews, with highlights including engaging guides, scenic views, and enjoyable experiences with extra stops along the way.

Customer Reviews

The Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 43 reviews.

Customers consistently praise the tour’s engaging guides, who captivate participants with their wealth of knowledge and passion for the region. Reviewers highlight the tour’s scenic views, with many noting the breathtaking landscapes encountered along the way, from the striking Loch Awe to the picturesque Loch Lomond.

Travelers also appreciate the tour’s flexibility, with the ability to be dropped off at various points in the city center.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Conveniently, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel serves as the meeting point for the Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the hotel provides a central and easy-to-find starting location. Guests can simply make their way to the hotel’s entrance at 8:20 AM on the day of the tour.

From there, the tour’s driver-guide will be waiting to greet the group and begin the scenic journey through the Highlands.

The tour offers flexible drop-off points within the city center upon return, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

With clear meeting instructions and convenient access, getting to the tour’s starting point is straightforward and hassle-free.

Flexible Drop-off Options

At the conclusion of the Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour, participants are provided with flexible drop-off points within the city center of Edinburgh. This allows travelers to disembark at the location most convenient for them, ensuring a seamless end to their journey.

The tour offers:

• Convenient drop-off locations throughout the city center
• Flexibility to continue exploring Edinburgh or head to your next destination
• No need to return to the original starting point
• Hassle-free transportation arrangements for the end of the tour

This added convenience ensures a smooth and personalized conclusion to the Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or provide light refreshments along the way.

Is There Any Onboard Wifi Available for Use During the Tour?

The tour does not offer onboard wifi. However, passengers can stay connected by using their own data plans or purchasing a travel SIM card before the trip. The coaches are equipped with USB charging ports for devices.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled Throughout the Tour?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks throughout the day. Passengers can expect several opportunities to use the facilities at various stops along the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable experience during the 9.5-hour tour.

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Additional Locations?

The tour operator generally allows guests to modify the itinerary, subject to availability and additional fees. Guests can inquire about adding or replacing stops during booking or by contacting the operator directly before the tour date.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour provider offers occasional discounts and special offers, such as early booking promotions or package deals with other activities. Customers are advised to check the website or contact the provider directly for the latest offers and availability.

Recap

The "From Edinburgh: Western Highlands Castles and Lochs Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Scotland’s stunning landscapes and historic sites. With convenient pickup, flexible drop-off options, and small group sizes, it’s an excellent way to discover the beauty of the Western Highlands. Visitors can expect scenic views, engaging commentary from an experienced guide, and visits to iconic locations like Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and Loch Lomond.

You can check if your dates are available here: