Scottish Castles & Manor Houses
Visit Edinburgh Castle, Cawdor Castle & Loch Ness
Enjoy this 7-night self-drive vacation tour with luxurious accommodations arranged at different cities throughout Scotland.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy rental car for the duration
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Edinburgh at the Macdonald Houstoun House or similar
- 1 night in the Aberdeen area at the Norwood Hall Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Inverness area at Tulloch Castle, or similar
- 2 nights in Argyll at Loch Melfort House or similar
- 1 night in Edinburgh at Macdonald Houstoun House or similar
- Breakfast daily
- The Scottish Explorer Pass, granting free entrance to Scotland's most outstanding historic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle and much more
- Service charges and 20% VAT
Please Note: While we always do our best to ensure that at least one or more castle-style property is included in your confirmed accommodation, we unfortunately cannot guarantee this as castle hotels are limited throughout Scotland. Please note that you will have plenty of opportunities to visit various historic castles during this trip with the use of your included Explorer Pass.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Explore Scotland at your own pace with this comprehensive 7-night getaway.
- Experience the beautiful countryside, bustling city life and everything in between during your self-drive vacation.
Includes the Scottish Explorer Pass which gives you access to many of Scotland's top visitor attractions and historical sites.
-
You'll enjoy stays in traditional manor homes, castles and charming hotels along the way!
Indulge in traditional Scottish dishes such as neaps & tatties, haggis, the Arbroath Smokie, salmon, and so much more!
Arrive in Edinburgh and pick up the rental car that will be yours for the duration of your trip. Begin your Scottish tour in the capital city and see your first castle - Edinburgh Castle.
From there, drive to three diverse places: Aberdeen, Inverness, and Argyll. Visit the lake where the fabled Loch Ness monster lives and explore Scottish castles that sit atop cliffs overlooking lochs and ocean. Stroll through Aberdeen's glittering city (buildings were built with locally quarried grey granite, which can sparkle like silver) and buy an argyle sweater in its birthplace of Argyll. For the duration of your trip, use the Scottish Explorer Pass which gives you access to many of Scotland's most significant historical sites.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy rental car for the duration
- Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in Edinburgh at the Macdonald Houstoun House or similar
- 1 night in the Aberdeen area at the Norwood Hall Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in the Inverness area at Tulloch Castle, or similar
- 2 nights in Argyll at Loch Melfort House or similar
- 1 night in Edinburgh at Macdonald Houstoun House or similar
- Breakfast daily
- The Scottish Explorer Pass, granting free entrance to Scotland's most outstanding historic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle and much more
- Service charges and 20% VAT
Please Note: While we always do our best to ensure that at least one or more castle-style property is included in your confirmed accommodation, we unfortunately cannot guarantee this as castle hotels are limited throughout Scotland. Please note that you will have plenty of opportunities to visit various historic castles during this trip with the use of your included Explorer Pass.
-
Explore Scotland at your own pace with this comprehensive 7-night getaway.
- Experience the beautiful countryside, bustling city life and everything in between during your self-drive vacation.
Includes the Scottish Explorer Pass which gives you access to many of Scotland's top visitor attractions and historical sites.
-
You'll enjoy stays in traditional manor homes, castles and charming hotels along the way!
Indulge in traditional Scottish dishes such as neaps & tatties, haggis, the Arbroath Smokie, salmon, and so much more!
Arrive in Edinburgh and pick up the rental car that will be yours for the duration of your trip. Begin your Scottish tour in the capital city and see your first castle - Edinburgh Castle.
From there, drive to three diverse places: Aberdeen, Inverness, and Argyll. Visit the lake where the fabled Loch Ness monster lives and explore Scottish castles that sit atop cliffs overlooking lochs and ocean. Stroll through Aberdeen's glittering city (buildings were built with locally quarried grey granite, which can sparkle like silver) and buy an argyle sweater in its birthplace of Argyll. For the duration of your trip, use the Scottish Explorer Pass which gives you access to many of Scotland's most significant historical sites.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh!
After collecting your baggage, pick up your rental car and let your adventure begin! Your visit starts in Edinburgh; on the drive from the airport to your hotel, see the elegant Charlotte Square and the tree-lined crescents of the 18th century Georgian New Town – both fine architectural examples of the period. Leave your car at the hotel and visit Princes Street – the city’s main thoroughfare with many shops and peaceful gardens.
Travel through the Old Town, steeped in history with its cobbled streets. High Street was the center of all activity in the city in centuries gone by. Pass St. Giles Cathedral, the City Chambers and John Knox House as you wander along the Royal Mile, which extends from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House.Â
Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, Macdonald Houstoun House is the perfect country hotel and retreat. Once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, this historic building has the classic grace of a historic 16th century Tower House. As befits an elegant country retreat, it offers 70 stylish and comfortable guestrooms, which blend luxury and character. For traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, the Jeremy Wares at Houstoun House restaurant is a two AA Rosettes Award-winner for excellent local ingredients, expertly cooked in season. In the cellar, the cozy and more relaxed Vaulted Bar is the perfect spot for a drink or afternoon tea. Guests will also enjoy the hotel's Vital Health and Wellbeing Club, with fully equipped Technogym, 60-foot indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa treatment rooms, as well as the clay surface tennis court concealed in the hotel's lovely walled gardens, offered free of charge to hotel guests.
Norton House Hotel & Spa was built in 1840 as a traditional country retreat, removed from the bustle of the city yet convenient to everything Edinburgh offers. Originally owned by the Ushers, the family behind Glenlivet Whisky and The Ushers Brewery, the house still has the appearance of a private country home; connected yet secluded, traditional and modern, refined but never stuffy, it is now known as a hotel offering understated luxury, beautiful surroundings, stylish dining and 21st century comforts.
The hotel features 83 elegant guestrooms, including 36 stylish Executive Rooms, each boasting LCD televisions in the bedroom and bathroom, DVD/CD player, complimentary Wi-Fi, bathroom with underfloor heating and hand-picked Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, fridge with complimentary bottled water, and more. Norton House also offers some of the finest dining experiences and restaurants in Edinburgh.
Kildonan Lodge is located close to the heart of Edinburgh. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, complimentary toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. The onsite restaurant features home cooked dishes and fresh local ingredients. The hotel dates back to the 1870s and retains much of its Victorian beauty!
Day 2. Edinburgh - Perth - Royal Deeside
Depart Edinburgh and cross the Forth Estuary via the impressive suspension bridge on M90 to Perth. The city of Perth is the former capital of Scotland and is situated at the head of the River Tay - famous for its salmon. Near Perth is Scone Palace, the private home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. The Palace has been a private home for over 400 years. As the former crowning place of Scottish Kings, the Palace boasts a magnificent collection of antiques - in particular ivories, porcelain and tapestries.
Continue on the A93 north via Blairgowrie, the Devil's Elbow and Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar. See Crathie Church, where the Royal Family attends Sunday service when vacationing at nearby Balmoral Castle.Â
An alternate route may be used on this day, which will stop for a visit in St. Andrews.
Built in 1881 on the site of a 15th-century castle, Norwood Hall Hotel combines a rich heritage with modern amenities to create an unforgettable experience. Situated on the banks of the River Dee, the hotel is 3.3 miles from the historic Aberdeen city center and 9 miles from the airport. Rooms are traditionally furnished with rich fabrics, and all have en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities.
Wake up each morning to a full Scottish breakfast and in the evening dine at the formal restaurant serving classic Scottish food with views of the surrounding woodland. Sample some of the 80 types of whisky at the wood-panelled lounge bar. From your doorstep enjoy seven acres of private gardens!
Set on 2,400 acres of ancient grounds, Macdonald Pittodrie House boasts historic charm and an unbeatable location. Wake up to stunning views of Bennachie Mountain, breathtaking gardens and surrounding woodland and explore the marvelous Aberdeenshire landscapes, with Inverurie and Aberdeen nearby. Enjoy the luxurious comfort from each of the 27 rooms – each traditionally furnished, with a range of modern conveniences. The two AA Rosette-rated Mither Tap Restaurant features a contemporary yet classic menu, serving only the finest British cuisine and locally sourced organic products in a remarkable Scottish countryside setting. For a less formal dining experience, head to the Snug Bar to enjoy a brewed tea or coffee while you warm up by the fire. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the richly-decorated Drawing Room.Â
We are unique among Scottish Country House Hotels as the hotel was founded on the site where the Knights Templar once trained, in around 1227AD. So experience for yourself the lifestyle of the Scottish nobility in one of Scotland's finest Country House Hotels.
Day 3. Royal Deeside - Inverness
Traveling through the Cairngorm Mountains you will leave the area on the A941 to Dufftown and the Spey Valley. Many of the famous malt whiskeys are produced in this region - Cardhu, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Tamdhu to name but a few.
Later in the day, you will reach Elgin, an elegant city with the ruins of a magnificent medieval cathedral. Elgin is also well known for its cashmere with its visitor center and restored old mills. In nearby Forres, you can stop to visit Brodie Castle, before continuing to your overnight accommodation in the Inverness area.
Tulloch Castle dates from the 12th century, when the Bains and later the Clan Davidson laid claim to its lands. Like its lively history, the castle’s fortunes have changed many times. Now, it stands as a magnificent hotel, with a ready welcome for leisure and business travellers.
The castle retains many of its period features, including the 250-year old panelled Great Hall, and painstakingly restored original fireplaces and ceilings.
In days of old, only the Laird or the Chief of the Clan could enjoy a relaxing stay in a Scottish highland castle. Thankfully, times have changed. Today, Tulloch Castle has 22 well-appointed en suite bedrooms, each with their own unique character and charm. Guests are given a warm welcome, and can expect splendid hospitality, comfortable surroundings and superb food.
Tulloch Castle is pet friendly and welcomes dogs at the hotel. However, guests should note that they are not permitted in the Restaurant or Bar areas.
Kincraig Castle is located just 20 minutes from Inverness. Guest rooms are furnished with free WiFi, television, and coffee/tea making facilities. The onsite restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea daily. The hotel also features a Whisky Snug where cocktails can be enjoyed by the fire in Winter, or outdoors in Summer. The hotel is set within ten acres of gorgeous Highland countryside!
Golf View Hotel is located in the city of Nairn, near Inverness. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, and hair dryer. Award-winning restaurant Hickory serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The spa offers a variety of luxurious treatments designed to melt your stresses away! The hotel's gardens lead straight to the shores of the Moray Firth!
Stay in an authentic 1812 stone house in a cozy family-run hotel 1.4 miles from Forres town center and four miles from 16th-century Brodie Castle. Individually decorated rooms have TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some rooms feature 4-poster beds or patio doors leading out to a garden. There's also a grill restaurant serving afternoon tea, plus a whisky bar where guests can unwind with a drink. A complimentary full Scottish breakfast is offered each morning. An Internet point is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Day 4. Inverness
Spend your day at leisure in the area - there are endless opportunities to explore! Do some sightseeing in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, which combines some rich and romantic history with the present. Travel further into the Highlands to Gairloch with its turquoise waters and sandy beaches along the west coast. Or, along the east coast to the stunning Dunrobin Castle.
Special suggestion: Approximately 12 miles west of Inverness is the quiet village of Muir of Ord, near the western boundary of the Black Isle; in addition to the well-known Glen Ord Distillery it is home to Black Isle Brewing - a small, independent organic brewery producing some extraordinary beer - and offering daily tours Monday through Saturday year-round.
Day 5. Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort William - Argyll
From Inverness, follow the A82 south along Loch Ness, the most famous of all Scottish Lochs. It is approximately 800 feet deep and is famous for its monster, "Nessie." Loch Ness forms part of the Caledonian Canal which runs through the Great Glen.
Continue via Invermoriston and to the next lochs in the canal - Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. You will arrive in Fort William situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at almost 4,500 feet. Continue the route along the coastal road A 828 into Argyll.Â
Step into the warmth and tranquility of this country family home, set on 17 acres of landscaped gardens and beach overlooking Loch Melfort on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands. Dating back to the 19th century, the hotel features airy, individually decorated rooms and suites with sea views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Dine in the formal AA 2 Rosette Asknish Bay Restaurant or, for a more relaxed meal, the Chartroom Bistro offers light meals and snacks. For a truly special dining experience, choose your own menu in the tasteful wood panelled library and enjoy private dining for 2-18 people. Afternoon tea (fee) is available in the bistro and in a guest lounge with a fireplace. There’s a cozy bar and welcoming sitting rooms with perfect curl-up-and-read-a-book sofas next to our roaring log fire.
With original furnishings, wood paneling, ornate ceilings and marble fireplaces, Stonefield Castle is a fine example of 19th-century Scottish baronial architecture. Beyond its splendid interiors, the castle is set on 60 acres of rolling green woodland gardens. The castle is located in Argyll just two miles from the idyllic fishing village of Tarbert, one of the most attractive villages on the Mull of Kintyre peninsula. The castle grounds lead down to the shores of Loch Fyne, where guests can try their hand at sea and fly-fishing, as well as find moorings for up to four vessels.
The hotel has 36 individually and tastefully decorated en suite bedrooms, with views over the gardens and Loch Fyne itself. estaurant provides guests with the chance to sample the best of all that is Scottish. The restaurant is renowned for its locally sourced beef and seafood. Â
Loch Fyne is an award-winning hotel with gorgeous views! Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, and complimentary welcome tray. The hotel features multiple dining options including a restaurant serving quality local seafood, a lounge bar with views of the Loch, and afternoon tea in the lounge. The onsite spa offers a variety of services, perfect for letting your stresses melt away!
Day 6. Argyll & Surroundings
Today is free to discover this beautiful area. Perhaps pay a visit to Campbeltown, set on a deep bay sheltered by Davaar Island and the surrounding hills. Enjoy a guided tour and find out the secrets of whisky making in Kintyre at the Springbank Distillery, founded in 1828 by the Mitchell family - and still in their hands today. It retains the old distilling methods to make Longrow whisky, and welcomes visitors, provided you phone beforehand.
Close by, Glenbarr Abbey is an 18th century Gothic mansion and visitor center, offering a fascinating glimpse of family life in years gone by. The Heritage Center is a treasure-trove of interesting information, artifacts and exhibits, with a comfortable tea room too. At the mouth of Campbeltown Loch is Davaar Island, reached by foot at low tide, with its cave paintings depicting the crucifixion. Far from ancient, they were painted in 1887 by Archibald MacKinnon, inspired by a dream.Â
Day 7. Argyll - Stirling - Edinburgh
You have the choice this morning to take the A85 or A83 towards Crianlarich. From here you can take a small detour to Killin to see the Falls of Dochart, the dramatic waterfalls rushing through the center of the picturesque village. Drive along Loch Lubnaig through the beautiful Strathyre Forest towards the charming market town of Callander where you may wish to stop.
The city of Stirling is also worth a visit. The historic Royal Burgh stands on a bend on the River Forth and is known as the Gateway to the Highlands, due to its strategic position. The imposing castle towers above the town on a 250 foot rock overlooking the nearby battlefield of Bannockburn. Around the town are various monuments commemorating famous Scottish patriots such as Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, Macdonald Houstoun House is the perfect country hotel and retreat. Once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, this historic building has the classic grace of a historic 16th century Tower House. As befits an elegant country retreat, it offers 70 stylish and comfortable guestrooms, which blend luxury and character. For traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, the Jeremy Wares at Houstoun House restaurant is a two AA Rosettes Award-winner for excellent local ingredients, expertly cooked in season. In the cellar, the cozy and more relaxed Vaulted Bar is the perfect spot for a drink or afternoon tea. Guests will also enjoy the hotel's Vital Health and Wellbeing Club, with fully equipped Technogym, 60-foot indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa treatment rooms, as well as the clay surface tennis court concealed in the hotel's lovely walled gardens, offered free of charge to hotel guests.
Norton House Hotel & Spa was built in 1840 as a traditional country retreat, removed from the bustle of the city yet convenient to everything Edinburgh offers. Originally owned by the Ushers, the family behind Glenlivet Whisky and The Ushers Brewery, the house still has the appearance of a private country home; connected yet secluded, traditional and modern, refined but never stuffy, it is now known as a hotel offering understated luxury, beautiful surroundings, stylish dining and 21st century comforts.
The hotel features 83 elegant guestrooms, including 36 stylish Executive Rooms, each boasting LCD televisions in the bedroom and bathroom, DVD/CD player, complimentary Wi-Fi, bathroom with underfloor heating and hand-picked Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, fridge with complimentary bottled water, and more. Norton House also offers some of the finest dining experiences and restaurants in Edinburgh.
Kildonan Lodge is located close to the heart of Edinburgh. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, complimentary toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. The onsite restaurant features home cooked dishes and fresh local ingredients. The hotel dates back to the 1870s and retains much of its Victorian beauty!
Day 8. Depart Scotland
It's time to bid Scotland farewell today; following breakfast (or depending on the time of your return flight), make your way back to the airport to return your rental car and begin your journey home.