The Loch Lomond, Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh promises an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Departing from the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, the tour includes captivating stops at the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and the majestic Stirling Castle. Travelers can expect panoramic views, cultural insights, and a comfortable air-conditioned coach throughout the 9-hour adventure. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about the enchanting wonders of Scotland.
Key Points
- This 9-hour excursion departs from Edinburgh and explores natural landscapes, including the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs, as well as the historic Stirling Castle.
- The tour provides photo stops, free time for sightseeing and boat cruises, and a break in the town of Aberfoyle, allowing for a well-rounded experience.
- Priced at Kč 1,793 per person, the tour includes an air-conditioned luxury coach, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and all entrance fees.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 172 reviews, with high praise for the driver-guide’s knowledge and the overall transportation experience.
- Children under 6 years are not included in the tour, which focuses on showcasing Scotland’s rich heritage and natural beauty through scenic and cultural experiences.
Tour Overview
The Loch Lomond, Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh provides visitors with a comprehensive 9-hour excursion to explore the stunning natural landscapes and historic sites of the region.
Priced from Kč 1,793 per person, the tour departs from the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel at 8:30 AM. Guests can enjoy photo stops at the Kelpies, free time at Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a break in Aberfoyle, and a visit to the iconic Stirling Castle.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 172 reviews, the tour offers a scenic and cultural experience not to be missed.
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Itinerary Highlights
Beginning the tour, visitors will be picked up from the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh at 8:30 AM. The first stop is The Kelpies, where they’ll have 20 minutes to admire the largest equine sculptures in the world and learn about their mythical origins. Next, they’ll explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, with 1 hour of free time for a boat cruise or sightseeing. After a 1.5-hour break in Aberfoyle, the tour continues with a 5-minute scenic drive through the Trossachs before reaching Stirling Castle for 1.5 hours of free time to explore, shop, and take in the views.
| Itinerary Highlight | Duration | Description |
|———————|———-|————-|
| The Kelpies | 20 mins | Photo stop, learn about mythical sculptures |
| Loch Lomond | 1 hour | Free time, boat cruise, sightseeing |
| Aberfoyle | 1.5 hour | Break time, refreshments |
| The Trossachs | 5 mins | Scenic drive |
| Stirling Castle | 1.5 hour | Free time, shopping, sightseeing |
Scenic and Cultural Experiences
Visitors will be captivated by the scenic and cultural experiences offered throughout the tour.
Witnessing the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world, provides insights into Scottish mythology.
Exploring the serene Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater expanse, offers opportunities for peaceful contemplation and optional boat cruises.
The drive through the Trossachs National Park showcases landscapes that have inspired renowned writers and artists.
Finally, the tour culminates at the historic Stirling Castle, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Forth Valley and enjoy Scotland’s rich heritage.
Transportation and Amenities
Passengers are transported in an air-conditioned luxury coach with ample legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey. The tour includes pickup from central Edinburgh, a scenic tour, stops for refreshments, a driver-guide, and entrance fees. An optional Loch Lomond cruise is available for an additional cost, payable on the day.
| Included | Not Included |
| — | — |
| Pickup from central Edinburgh | Children under 6 years |
| Scenic tour | – |
| Stops for refreshments | – |
| Driver-guide | – |
| Entrance fees | – |
| Optional Loch Lomond cruise | – |
The transportation and amenities provided on this tour offer a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors exploring the Loch Lomond, Highlands, and Stirling Castle region.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
The Loch Lomond, Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 172 reviews.
Customers praise the tour’s knowledgeable driver-guide, who earned a 4.8/5 rating. The air-conditioned luxury coach‘s ample legroom and overall transportation experience scored 4.6/5.
While the value for money was rated 4.2/5, reviewers highlighted the great sights, scenic drives, and cultural insights.
Specific praise came from Neil in the UK, who called it an "excellent trip", and Zulfecar from Guernsey, who described the "very good experience" and "kind, gentlemanly driver".
Exploring the Kelpies
As the tour begins, visitors are captivated by the sight of the Kelpies – two massive sculptures of horse heads that stand over 30 meters tall.
These mythical water spirits, inspired by the equine legends of Scotland, tower over the landscape, commanding attention.
The guide explains the impressive scale and intricate design of the sculptures, which were constructed using stainless steel and took over 15 years to complete.
The sculptures were constructed from stainless steel and required over 15 years to complete, showcasing their impressive scale and intricate design.
Visitors have the opportunity to take photos and learn about the Kelpies’ cultural significance, a highlight of the tour that sets the stage for the journey ahead.
Discovering Loch Lomond
After departing the Kelpies, the tour ventures into the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Travelers are granted free time to explore the area surrounding Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest freshwater expanse. Visitors can choose to join an optional boat cruise on the serene loch, taking in the magnificent scenery.
The tour then stops in the charming town of Aberfoyle, allowing time for refreshments and a break.
The drive through the Trossachs showcases the stunning landscapes that have inspired countless writers and artists over the centuries.
Visiting Stirling Castle
Continuing the tour, the group arrives at the historic Stirling Castle, a renowned Scottish landmark. Visitors are given free time to explore the impressive 16th-century palace and its grounds.
The key highlights include:
-
Admiring the stunning Renaissance architecture and intricate details of the castle.
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Strolling through the Royal Palace, once home to Scottish monarchs.
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Enjoying panoramic views of the Forth Valley from the castle’s high vantage point.
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Browsing the gift shop for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
With ample time to soak in the history and beauty of Stirling Castle, the tour continues on its journey through the scenic Scottish Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?
No, snacks and drinks are not required. The tour includes stops for refreshments, and the driver-guide can provide recommendations for obtaining food and beverages during the trip.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
There is no minimum number of participants required for this tour. The tour operates with a maximum group size and can accommodate solo travelers as well. The tour is available on scheduled departure dates and subject to availability.
Can We Stop at Any Additional Locations Along the Way?
The tour can make additional stops along the way, but they would likely be at the discretion of the tour operator and subject to time constraints. Passengers shouldn’t expect to add unplanned stops without prior arrangement.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Layering is recommended due to the changeable Scottish weather.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator directly as they may offer such discounts, subject to availability and terms and conditions.
The Sum Up
The Loch Lomond, Highlands & Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh provides an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s remarkable landscapes and rich history. Travelers can capture stunning photos of the Kelpies, explore the tranquility of Loch Lomond, and enjoy the grandeur of Stirling Castle, all while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the essence of Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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