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Edinburgh & the...
 

Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

10 days |  12 days with Edinburgh extension
10 days |  12 days with Edinburgh extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

415
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Get to know the land of lochs, glens, and legends.

From its ancient castles to its rolling landscapes and blaring bagpipes, Scotland is undeniably intriguing. With plenty of time to explore, you’ll get your dose of well-known Scottish icons. Then, head a little off the beaten path, moving farther into the untamed Highlands and over craggy hills laden with lochs and Gaelic-speaking villages.

Special departures of this itinerary

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Your tour package includes

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 liquor tasting
  • 4 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Inveraray Castle
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Loch Ness
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Glasgow today.

Glasgow2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Glasgow
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Glasgow
Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore Scotland’s “second city” today with a local as your guide.

  • Drive past The Burrell Collection museum and admire the city’s university
  • Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features everything from medieval suits of armor to a collection of work by Scottish artists
  • Discover local highlights, including George Square and the River Clyde
  • Stop outside the city’s medieval cathedral for photos

Spend a free afternoon in Glasgow or add an excursion.

Historic Scotland & Stirling Castle

From $115 per person

Scottish Highlands3 nights
Day 4: Transfer to the Scottish Highlands
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to the Scottish Highlands, admiring incredible sights as you go.

  • Pass Loch Lomond as you drive through scenic Trossachs National Park
  • Stop to explore Inveraray Castle and its gardens
  • Take in stunning scenery as you travel through the Scottish Highlands

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Please note: Entrance to Inveraray Castle is seasonal and runs from April through October only. When entrance is out of season, it will be replaced with a visit to the Ardkinglas House.

Day 5: Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness
Included meal: Breakfast

Surrounded by legend and lore, Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most mysterious sites. Today, get to know the country’s largest loch as you explore the area.

  • Pay a visit to the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle
  • Cruise along the legendary Loch Ness, a deep, freshwater lake, and dock in Clansman Harbour
  • Stop in Inverness and enjoy free time to explore the city
Day 6: Free day in the Scottish Highlands
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in the Scottish Highlands or add an excursion.

Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye

From $119 per person

Edinburgh3 nights
Day 7: Transfer to Edinburgh
Included meals: Breakfast, Liquor tasting

En route to Edinburgh, stop in Perthshire, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

  • Visit medieval Blair Castle, the former home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl
  • Explore Blair Athol Distillery with a guide and enjoy a whisky tasting

Please note: Entrance to Blair Castle is seasonal and runs from April to late October only. When entrance is out of season, it will be replaced with a visit to Black Watch Castle & Museum.

Enjoy a free evening in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Scottish Céilidh

From $129 per person

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

  • View the elegant Georgian New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Pass the King George statue, Bute House, and Sir Walter Scott monument
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Spend a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Please note: The order of today's activities are subject to change.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $109 per person

Day 9: Free day in Edinburgh & bagpipe lesson
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

This evening, head to a private room at a local restaurant and meet with a professional bagpipe player.

  • Learn about the history of the bagpipe, Scotland’s national instrument, and listen to the musician play a few songs
  • Pick up your own bagpipe and follow along as they teach the group breathing techniques and tips on how to play
  • Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner

St Andrews

From $115 per person

Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring Edinburgh.

Extension to Edinburgh
Continue your tour to keep exploring this historic, hilly city, and discover the charms waiting at the end of every close. Spend your extra time in Edinburgh however you'd like, and lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the most exciting sites.
Edinburgh2 nights
Day 10: Free day in Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Rosslyn Chapel & Royal Yacht Britannia

From $115 per person

Day 11: Free day in Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Palace of Holyroodhouse & Afternoon Tea

From $135 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 415 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    3 out of 5 stars

    Beautiful country
    6/15/23 by 8th-time traveler Anonymous

    I have taken 8 trips with Go Ahead. The Scotland tour is fast paced. I knew that going in, but it was so fast paced we never got to enjoy a lunch in a village or slow down enough to take in the sites. It was a hard tour for the older folks. Our tour guide was extra enthusiastic to show us his countr...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 2/15/24

    Hi, Thank you for taking the time to share feedba...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Exploring Scotland
    10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Ann

    This trip was all that I had hoped for. I was with a great group of people and made many friends and memories. We had the best tour director/Colin and bus driver/Allan, they made sure we saw everything we had hoped for and more. I’ve already booked my next trip and I’m sure it too will meet all expe...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent trip!
    6/29/23 by 2nd-time traveler Alice

    Throughly enjoyed the trip- Scotland is beautiful, friendly and so was our guide. Nick gave us the best of the best tour of the country! Highly recommend!

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you for your review, we are so glad to ear y...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Novotel Glasgow City Centre
    Novotel Glasgow City Centre

    This contemporary hotel is located in the Glasgow city center. Guests enjoy the fitness center, sauna, and bar. Nearby, you'll find the Burrell Collec...

    Read more +
    Alexandra Hotel
    Alexandra Hotel

    This charming hotel is located in downtown Fort William. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant options, and a lounge. Nearby you’ll find the West Highland Mu...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre
    Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre

    This modern hotel is located in the New Town of Edinburgh. Guests enjoy the lounge bar, the relaxing Great Room, and convenient location. Nearby, you’...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ

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