Castles & Gardens of Scotland
Scotland
From Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens to the wild north and west, to Inverness and Inverewe and the Isles of Skye, Arran, Bute and Jura, where some of Scotland’s most magical gardens and impressive castles are to be found.
Itinerary
If your arrival time permits you will then enjoy a short orientation sightseeing tour with your driver guide in Edinburgh, famous for its castle, Princes’ Street and its shops, the Royal Botanic Gardens and St Giles’ Cathedral with its famed crown spire. Overnight central Edinburgh.
After breakfast enjoy a walking city sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny, the ancient crowning seat of the Scottish monarchs. Continue along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens made the Palace of Holyroodhouse the premier royal residence in Scotland. In the afternoon head along a beautifully scenic route towards Stirling, with a chance to visit one of the grandest Scottish castles – Stirling Castle – as well asthe Wallace Monument. Overnight Stirling area.
This morning visit Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, which enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire and is famous for one of Europe’s few remaining private armies which has its headquarters at the castle. Each May the Atholl Highlanders assemble for a full parade under the inspection of their Colonel in Chief, the Duke of Atholl. Next, travel north to visit the fairy-tale 14th century Cawdor Castle with its three beautiful gardens, the oldest dating from around 1600. Continue north and time permitting make a visit to the legendary Fort George near Inverness. Overnight Inverness area.
Today is a day of contrasts through the ages. First travel north-west to visit perhaps the most famous of Scotland’s gardens Inverewe Gardens, laid out in the 19th century in their setting of great natural beauty. This area is warmed by the Gulf Stream so is able to sustain plants from many of the world’s climate zones despite being as far north as icy St Petersburg! Next visit a different kind of garden – The Hydroponicum at Achiltibuie, the premier hydroponics centre for the demonstration of soil-less growing in the UK. Time permitting you will also visit Abriachan Gardens, one of a new generation of Scottish gardens located on a steep hillside overlooking Loch Ness. Overnight Inverness area
Today travel to Skye to see all that this unique, mountainous island has to offer. En route see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world and a truly wonderful sight. Reaching Skye enjoy a visit to Armadale Castle and Gardens, the home of the largest Scottish clan, the MacDonalds, then set sail for the small mainland port of Mallaig. Overnight Oban/Fort William area.
Time in Scotland’s second city Glasgow to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city followed by a visit to the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. The Palace was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I on, and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Arrive back in Edinburgh during the late afternoon to enjoy some free time to explore more. Overnight central Edinburgh.
Free time for shopping and sightseeing in Edinburgh before transfer back to the airport for your return flight.
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