From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip

Setting out on a captivating 10-hour adventure, the "From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip" promises to immerse visitors in the stunning landscapes and rich history of Scotland. Priced from $67.72 per person, this tour features visits to medieval Doune Castle, picturesque Kilchurn Castle, and the grand Inveraray Castle, all while enjoying scenic views of Loch Lomond. With free cancellation available and luxury transportation, this day trip offers an opportunity to discover the beauty and charm of the West Highlands. What awaits those who join this journey?

Key Points

• Explore medieval castles, including Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and Inveraray Castle, on a 10-hour day trip from Edinburgh.
• Enjoy scenic views of the West Highland Lochs, including Loch Lomond, during the tour.
• Travel in a luxury, air-conditioned bus with live commentary from a knowledgeable driver-guide.
• Experience small group sizes for a more personalized adventure, with up to 10% savings on the starting price of $67.72 per person.
• Take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and accessibility options, such as collapsible wheelchairs with assistance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip from Edinburgh is a 10-hour adventure that saves travelers up to 10% on the regular price, now starting from $67.72 per person.

A 10-hour adventure that saves travelers up to 10% on the regular price, now starting from $67.72 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility. Visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The trip takes guests to Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray Castle, and scenic viewpoints like Rest and Be Thankful and Loch Lomond.

Traveling by luxury air-conditioned bus, guests enjoy live commentary from a driver-guide. On-board restrooms and snacks are available, though the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, the West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip takes guests on a captivating journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic destinations.

Along the way, highlights include exploring the medieval Doune Castle, admiring the picturesque Kilchurn Castle, and visiting the grand Inveraray Castle – if it’s open.

Travelers will also marvel at the stunning views from the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint and the scenic shores of Loch Lomond.

The trip also passes by historic landmarks like Stirling Castle and traverses scenic routes through the Highlands, offering a well-rounded experience.

Transportation and Amenities

Travelers on the West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip are transported in a luxury, air-conditioned bus.

Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable driver-guide provides live commentary, enhancing the experience. The bus is equipped with restrooms, and written translations are available digitally for those who need them.

Snacks can be purchased on board, ensuring travelers are well-cared for. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, but collapsible wheelchairs are allowed with assistance.

With these amenities and transportation options, guests can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and historic attractions along the way.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly, travelers praise the West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip, awarding it an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 529 reviews.

Guests commend the knowledgeable and friendly guides, rating them 4.7 out of 5. The comfortable transportation also earns high marks, scoring 4.7 out of 5.

Reviewers highlight the small group size, which enhances the overall experience. Many feel the tour offers excellent value for money, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

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Important Information

To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years, but collapsible wheelchairs are allowed with assistance. Pets, aside from assistance dogs, aren’t permitted on the tour.

While the itinerary is generally fixed, there may be occasional changes, such as the temporary closure of Doune Castle from March 3rd to 7th, during which time Stirling Castle will be visited instead.

Starting December 3rd, 2024, tours will depart from the NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW, rather than the current location.

Exploring Doune Castle

| Castle Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Architecture | Largely intact courtyard-style castle with a large round tower |

| History | Former seat of the Earls of Menteith and Dukes of Albany |

| Filming Locations | Scenes from "Monty Python" and "Outlander" were shot here |

| Views | Panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside and River Teith |

Visitors interested in the castle’s history and pop culture connections will find the additional fee well worth the experience.

Discovering Kilchurn Castle

As the tour bus winds its way along the scenic roads, the group catches a glimpse of the picturesque Kilchurn Castle, perched on a rocky peninsula at the head of Loch Awe.

The 15th-century ruin commands attention with its dramatic setting:

• Towering over the serene loch, the castle’s imposing stone walls and crumbling towers evoke a sense of medieval grandeur.

• Visitors can explore the castle’s courtyards, towers, and chapel, imagining the lives of its former inhabitants.

• The surrounding natural beauty, with the majestic mountains in the distance, provides a breathtaking backdrop for this historic site.

Visiting Inveraray Castle

The group next journeys to Inveraray Castle, the historic seat of the Clan Campbell.

They’ve the option to pay an additional fee to explore the castle’s interior. However, visitors should note that Inveraray Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If the castle is open, guests can admire its impressive architecture and learn about the family’s history. The guide provides commentary on the castle’s significance and points out notable features.

After the visit, the group continues on, heading towards the scenic Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint for another photo opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The bus has on-board restrooms, and snacks are also available for purchase during the trip.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Customers can book a private tour, which provides a more personalized experience with a driver-guide dedicated to the group. This option allows for more flexibility in the itinerary.

Do You Provide Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

This tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors, but the company does provide up to a 10% savings on the regular ticket price. Customers can also reserve their spot now and pay later.

How Early Should I Arrive at the Meeting Point?

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This ensures a smooth check-in process and allows the tour to depart on schedule. Being punctual is recommended to get the most out of the day’s activities.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Interests?

While the standard itinerary is set, the tour operator may accommodate guests’ interests within reason. Travelers can discuss any customization requests with the guide upon arrival or during the booking process to see what’s possible.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Scotland’s West Highlands on this day trip from Edinburgh. Explore iconic medieval castles, marvel at the serene beauty of lochs, and gain insights from a knowledgeable driver-guide. With flexible cancellation and convenient transportation, this tour provides an unforgettable experience to discover the region’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: