Castles and Lochs

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, pick up your rental car at the airport and make your way to your hotel, where you can settle in and start to enjoy the sights and sounds of this historic city. The capital of Scotland has something for everyone, from a gentle introduction to famous whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Experience to the Royal Mile or The Georgian House (National Trust for Scotland, entrance $). 

Spend an overnight in the Edinburgh area.

Start the day getting up close and personal with the city. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the unmistakable fortress in the heart of the city. (entrance included)

Edinburgh is the dynamic capital city of Scotland, located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Known for its dramatic skyline, historic and literary heritage and cultural festivals, Edinburgh blends the ancient and the contemporary like few other cities.

Spend an overnight in the Edinburgh area.

Today, you’ll depart the city and head for Loch Leven Castle in Fife. You’ll hop aboard a small boat and recreate the journey taken by both King Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots to visit this Castle in the middle of the Loch. Witness the tower rooms, where the latter was eventually held captive. You’ll continue onwards to Perthshire for your overnight (entrances $)

Spend an overnight in the Perthshire area.

(approximately 60 km)

Today, you will set off for Glamis Castle, a fairytale Castle in every sense of the word. The former childhood home of the late Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret, you’ll be able to wander its rooms, steeped in royal history. You’ll also visit the nearby Forfar Loch for a leisurely off-the-beaten path stroll, before continuing to your hotel in the Aberdeenshire area (entrance included).

Spend an overnight in the Aberdeenshire area.

(approximately 90 km)

Aberdeenshire is home to a number of significant Castles. You will be spoilt for choice with the likes of Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. Another great choice is Craigievar Castle, thought to be the inspiration for classic movie castles. At Fyvie Castle, you can enjoy a private tour with the head gardener (entrances $).

Spend an overnight in the Aberdeenshire area.

On your way to Inverness, you can stop at Brodie Castle in Speyside, which contains an abundance of antiques. The nearby Cawdor Castle is another fine example of a living Castle (entrances $).

Spend an overnight in the Inverness Area.

(approximately 95 km)

Today, you’ll stop by the newly restored Inverness Castle before visiting one of the most famous lochs in Scotland, Loch Ness. Have a go at spotting Nessie as you enjoy a cruise on the loch and a visit to Urquhart Castle. You’ll then continue south via Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal (cruise included, entrances $).

Spend an overnight in the Fort William area.

(approximately 75 km)

Today, you’ll head back towards the lowlands. Your journey will take you through the stunning Glencoe landscape before reaching Loch Lomond, a beautiful recreational area north of Glasgow. You’ll spend some time at the loch, perhaps enjoying a champagne cruise before reaching Stirling for your last evening in Scotland (entrances $).

Spend an overnight in Stirlingshire or the Edinburgh Airport area.

(approximately 150 km)

After breakfast, you’ll return your car to the Edinburgh Airport, before boarding your return flight home to Canada. As most flights depart early, please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental.