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Activity Edinburgh, Scotland

4 Day Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour from Edinburgh

4 days Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

4 Day Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour from Edinburgh

About this activity

The Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour is literally that.

We visit the best Castles and Palaces, meet Highland Cows, drink the best whisky, see the most beautiful scenery, hunt for monsters on the best boat cruise, taste superb local food, visit the best Scottish shop, and hopefully see lots of wildlife.

This private tour (for your group only) is unique opportunity to discover Scotland whilst being expertly curated by your driver/guide.

The itinerary/locations can be changed to suit and please let us know your preferences and we will be happy to create your own tour.

We pick you up from the airport or hotel and then will take you on a true Scottish experience and we will have everything booked in advance for you.

Some attractions are subject to seasonal opening.

Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration
4 days
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–7
Guide
English
Operated by
Time Exposure Travel

Ages: Adults (1–100 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Some castles are fee to see from outside but charge for internal tours.
  • Included: Pick up and drop off
  • Included: Lunch
  • Included: Tour and lunch at Highland Cow Farm
  • Included: Balmoral Castle entrance
  • Included: Transport in Minivan and Guide
  • Included: Loch Ness Cruise
  • Included: Private Tour for your group only

Not included

  • Not included: Meals other than stated
  • Not included: Internal Castle Entrance Fees unless stated
  • Not included: Accommodation - We can advise and we have a hotel booking service. Please contact us.

Itinerary

Day 1 · Edinburgh to Aberdeen via St Andrews, Glamis Castle and Dunnottar Castle.

  1. St. Andrews

    2 hours

    After pick up from your Edinburgh hotel we head to lovely St Andrews.

    We have a walk around this charming town and visit the famous Cathedral (this 12th Century building is Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church), the Castle, the University Chapel (founded in 1450) and the very famous Old (golf) Course.

  2. Glamis Castle

    2 hours Admission not included

    After lunch we head to Glamis Castle. This amazing masterpiece dates back to the 14th Century and is the birthplace of the Queen Mother. Entrance is chargeable - £17.50pp

  3. Dunnottar Castle

    one hour

    One of Scotland's and the world's most spectacular ruined castles, Dunnottar is an ancient medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland near Stonehaven. The surviving buildings date from the 13th to the 16th centuries but was originally fortified in the Early Middle Ages. You can enjoy this wonder for free from the top of the cliff. To visit the interior there is a small charge - £12.00pp.

  4. Aberdeen

    5 min

    Drop off at your Aberdeen Hotel.

Day 2 · Aberdeen to Inverness via Crathes Castle, Highland Cow Farm, Balmoral Castle and The Cairngorms.

  1. Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

    one hour

    Fascinating 16th Century Castle with turrets, gargoyles, 16th-century painted ceilings and ancient, great yew hedges and amazing walled gardens set in magnificent surroundings. Free to see from the outside. £15pp to go inside.

  2. Aberdeenshire Highland Beef

    2 hours Admission included

    A unique opportunity to meet the famous "Highland Cow". on a private working farm tour. You learn about and meet up close, our native breed of cattle and have succulent Highland Beef lunch.

  3. Balmoral Castle

    2 hours Admission included

    This iconic castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. A must on all visitors to see list. Please note castle is usually closed mid August to end of October.

  4. Inverness

    5 min

    We take the scenic drive through The Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness (the lovely capital of The Highlands) and drop you off at your hotel.

Lunch is included with the Highland Cow Farm Tour

Day 3 · Loch Ness Cruise to Pitlochry via The Dalwhinnie Distillery and the House of Bruar

  1. Loch Ness

    2 hours Admission included

    Take a cruise down the impressive Loch Ness. You might spot the famous monster “Nessie” and you will be able to explore centuries of history at Castle Urquhart, which sits on its banks.

  2. Dalwhinnie Distillery

    2 hours

    Dalwhinnie distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the village of Dalwhinnie and offer fantastic tasting tours.

  3. House of Bruar

    2 hours

    House of Bruar is a department store like no other and is located in the heart of beautiful Perthshire. It stocks an amazing range of Scottish Country Clothes (masterfully crafted luxury textiles including cashmere, merino, and lambswool), gifts, art, and many other selected products.

  4. Pitlochry

    15 min

    Drop off at your hotel in this charming picturesque village in the heart of Perthshire, famous for its dam and Salmon Leap.

Day 4 · Pitlochry to Edinburgh via Blair Castle and Scone Palace

  1. Blair Castle & Gardens

    2 hours Admission not included

    Blair Castle and Gardens are extremely impressive and steeped in history. It has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries and has been enlarged and adapted over that time, while being witness to tumultuous periods of history. It is also the garrison for Europe’s only legal private army. The gardens feature a nine-acre walled garden, an extensive wooded grove, a ruined Kirk, a red deer park, and a gothic folly. Highland cattle graze in fields, the native red squirrel can often be spotted amongst the branches of some of the garden’s (very tall) trees, and peacocks roam freely. £18pp payable at the gate.

  2. Scone Palace

    2 hours Admission not included

    Scone Palace is a stunning site in Perthshire, Scotland, with over 1,000 years of history. The original home of the Stone of Destiny and the crowning place of many a king over the centuries. £15pp payable at the gate.

  3. Edinburgh

    15 min

    Drop off at your hotel in Edinburgh.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

  • The Inn on the Mile
  • Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Waverley) hotel
  • The Abbey Hotel
  • voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG
  • Rabble Rooms
  • Ten Hill Place Hotel
  • The Balmoral Hotel
  • Hotel Indigo Edinburgh by IHG
  • Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place
  • Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street
  • Stay Central Hotel

and 67 more pickup points

We will pick you up from your Edinburgh hotel, accommodation, airport, train station or cruise liner. The location may adjust the tour route.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel You get back
At least 6 days before 100%
At least 2 days before 50%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

4 Day Best of Scotland Private Guided Tour from Edinburgh

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