Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the captivating Kelpies sculptures – these are the remarkable highlights of a tour that takes visitors on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Departing from Edinburgh, this 8.5-hour excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the country’s most iconic sights, led by a knowledgeable local guide. With ample free time for personal discovery, the tour promises a memorable experience, seamlessly blending history, natural beauty, and the opportunity to take in the rich cultural tapestry that makes Scotland truly unique. As for what makes this tour stand out from the rest…
Key Points
- This 8.5-hour tour from Edinburgh takes visitors to see the Kelpies, explore Balmaha, and tour Stirling Castle, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
- The tour includes transportation via a comfortable bus and the option to purchase an entry ticket for Stirling Castle.
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and the tour guide is highly rated for their quality.
- The tour is priced at €61.26 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 5, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh," offers an immersive 8.5-hour exploration of Scotland’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from €61.26 per person, it’s a must for visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to the region. The tour departs from central Edinburgh at 8:45 AM and returns around 5:30 PM.
Along the way, guests will marvel at the world’s largest equine sculptures, the Kelpies, before exploring the picturesque town of Balmaha and the medieval splendor of Stirling Castle.
Travelers can choose to purchase tickets for the castle or simply enjoy free time in the historic city.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide and includes transportation via a comfortable, climate-controlled bus.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Tour Itinerary Highlights
Commencing the tour, visitors first encounter the Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, where they enjoy a 30-minute photo opportunity to capture the impressive structures. Next, the tour takes a break in Balmaha, allowing guests an hour to sightsee and explore the nearby woodland. The highlight of the day is the visit to historic Stirling, where travelers are granted 2.75 hours of free time to discover the city and its iconic Stirling Castle, which can be visited at an additional cost.
Itinerary Highlights | Duration |
---|---|
Kelpies | 30 minutes |
Balmaha | 1 hour |
Stirling | 2.75 hours |
Transportation and Guide
Travelers aboard a spacious, climate-controlled bus for this tour.
They’ll be accompanied by a live tour guide who provides commentary in English. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese, catering to the diverse needs of participants.
The local guide has received high ratings of 4.7 out of 5 for guide quality, ensuring a knowledgeable and engaging experience.
The transportation and guide services are included in the tour price, providing a seamless and informative journey through the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes transportation and a local guide, with the entry fee for Stirling Castle being an optional additional cost.
The tour also provides downloadable audio guides in multiple languages. However, food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
The key inclusions and exclusions are:
- Includes transportation, local guide, and downloadable audio guides
- Stirling Castle entry fee is optional
- Food and drinks aren’t included
Customer Feedback
How have customers rated this tour? Reviewers have given it an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 258 reviews. Feedback has been largely positive, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and comfortable bus. Customers particularly enjoyed the visit to the Kelpies and the free time in Stirling. Some suggestions for improvement include allocating more time at Stirling Castle and adding stops like the William Wallace monument.
Positive Comments | Negative Comments |
---|---|
Knowledgeable guide | Not enough time at Stirling Castle |
Comfortable bus | Lack of additional stops |
Enjoyment of Kelpies and Stirling | – |
Good value for money | – |
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Meeting Point and Departure Time
The tour departs from 60 High Street in Edinburgh’s city center, with a scheduled departure time of 8:45 AM.
This meeting point is easily accessible, being located on the famous Royal Mile. The tour bus is scheduled to leave promptly at the stated time, so it’s recommended that participants arrive a few minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the departure.
The tour covers a lot of ground, so starting on time is crucial to make the most of the day’s activities.
Here are 3 key things to remember about the meeting point and departure time:
- Location: 60 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB
- Departure Time: 8:45 AM
- Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the bus.
Tour Duration and Price
This tour spans a duration of 8.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the scenic Loch Lomond, the majestic Stirling Castle, and the impressive Kelpies sculptures.
The cost for this experience starts at €61.26 per person, making it an affordable option for travelers.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility.
With the tour likely to sell out, it’s recommended to check availability and book early to secure your spot on this immersive journey through Scotland’s natural wonders and historical landmarks.
Cancellation Policy
Guests can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. This provides travelers with the peace of mind to book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.
Some key points about the cancellation policy:
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Participants are eligible for a full refund if they cancel within the 24-hour window.
- This policy ensures flexibility and allows for last-minute changes without financial penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include a scheduled lunch stop, but there’s free time in Stirling where visitors can buy their own food. Travelers can also bring a packed lunch to eat during the breaks or at their own discretion.
Is There Any Free Time at Loch Lomond?
According to the tour overview, there is a 1-hour break time in Balmaha for sightseeing and a woodland walk. This allows for free time to explore the Loch Lomond area during the tour.
Does the Tour Include Entrance to the Kelpies?
The tour includes a 30-minute photo stop at the Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures. Though entry to the Kelpies themselves isn’t included, visitors can explore the sculptures and take photos during this stop.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?
Passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour package doesn’t include any food or beverages, so having personal provisions is allowed and recommended to enjoy during the stops and breaks along the way.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price of €61.26 per person is the same regardless of age or student status. The tour is priced as a flat rate for all participants.
Recap
The Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh offers an enriching and flexible day trip through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. Travelers can explore the iconic Kelpies sculptures, picturesque Balmaha, and the historic Stirling Castle, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation. With a convenient departure time and reasonable pricing, this tour provides a memorable experience for those seeking to discover the beauty and history of central Scotland.
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