Scotland: Castles and Palaces of the Highlands - 4 days 9571

Scotland: Castles and Palaces of the Highlands - 4 days 9571

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4 Days From

$1255

Scotland: Castles and Palaces of the Highlands - 4 days 9571

4 Days Starting and ending in Scotland

Visiting: Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Dunrobin Castle, Perth

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BHCP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Gentle

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1255

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through the majestic Highlands of Scotland, exploring its iconic castles and palaces. Begin your adventure at Blair Castle, nestled in the serene hills of Blair Atholl, and witness its transformation from a medieval fortress to a Victorian marvel. Discover the historic Cawdor Castle, famously linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth, and wander through its enchanting gardens. Experience the grandeur of Dunrobin Castle, with its Loire-inspired architecture and stunning formal gardens, complete with a thrilling falconry display. Conclude your tour at the regal Scone Palace, steeped in Scottish history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy comfortable coach travel and a relaxing stay at the 3-star Carrbridge Hotel, with dinner, bed, and breakfast included, all under the guidance of a professional tour manager.

Highlights

  • Blair Castle, nestled in the hills of Blair Atholl, offers some of the finest views in Scotland.

  • Explore the vibrant city of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

  • Visit Cawdor Castle, famously associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth, and its magnificent gardens.

  • Discover Dunrobin Castle, a chateau-style ancestral home with stunning formal gardens.

  • Enjoy a falconry display at Dunrobin Castle, providing excellent photo opportunities.

  • Explore Scone Palace, the historic crowning place of the Kings of Scots, with its fine collection of antiques and paintings.

  • Admire the dramatic backdrop of the Grampian Mountains from Scone Palace.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Cairngorms National Park

Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart northwards to the village of Blair Atholl at the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. Nestled in the hills and surrounded by tranquil countryside, Blair Castle is home to some of the finest views in Scotland. Throughout the ages the castle has been transformed from its cold and austere beginnings in the Middle Ages to a delightful Georgian mansion and then to a Baronial Victorian castle.  Each of these influences can still be seen in the Castle as it appears today. We later continue to our accommodation.

Day 2

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we head into the centre of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands where we enjoy some free time.
This afternoon we head to Cawdor Castle, near Nairn. William Shakespeare immortalised Cawdor in Macbeth as the scene of Duncan’s murder, however, both the castle and its history are colourful enough without the aid of myth.  A turreted 14th century tower, protected on one side by a gully and on the other by a dry moat, rises majestically from the woods of the Nairn Valley.  The magnificent gardens include vast herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a peony walk and a kitchen garden – there is also a fascinating holly maze and a romantic bluebell woodland walk.

Day 3

Location: Dunrobin Castle

Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we travel north and visit Dunrobin Castle – the château-style ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland.  The Castle is a wonderful early 19th-century fantasy Castle with a touch of the Loire and a dash of Bavaria.  Below the castle is a magnificent example of a formal nineteenth century garden. The gardens are laid out on terraces which descend to the sea. We have a full day to explore all the highlights of the estate as well as time to enjoy a display of falconry which is included here, offering some excellent photo opportunities of superb birds of prey.

Day 4

Location: Perth

Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we depart the Highlands, returning south to Scone Palace, perched above the River Tay in Perthshire. Its enviable location overlooks the routes northwards to the Highlands and eastwards through Strathmore to the coast. The Grampian Mountains make a dramatic backdrop and across the river you can gaze upon the city of Perth. Scone Palace throughout its history has been the seat of parliaments as well as the crowning place of the Kings of Scots including both Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Here we can spend time in the gardens as well as exploring the palace that is home to a fine collection of antiques, painting and extraordinary artefacts. Later, we continue south to our original departure points.

What's Included

  • Three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 3-star Carrbridge Hotel

    Enjoy a comfortable stay at the 3-star Carrbridge Hotel, where you'll be treated to three nights of dinner, bed, and breakfast, ensuring a relaxing and delightful experience during your tour of Scotland's Highlands.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits to the attractions and locations mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Travel in comfort throughout the tour with our comfortable coach service, providing seamless transportation to all the outlined visits in the itinerary, ensuring a hassle-free journey through the stunning landscapes of Scotland.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The tour includes the services of a professional tour manager to guide and assist you throughout the journey.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, or activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the tour manager, driver, and other service staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort throughout the tour with our comfortable coach service, providing seamless transportation to all the outlined visits in the itinerary, ensuring a hassle-free journey through the stunning landscapes of Scotland.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay at the 3-star Carrbridge Hotel, where you'll be treated to three nights of dinner, bed, and breakfast, ensuring a relaxing and delightful experience during your tour of Scotland's Highlands.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring seamless transportation to all the outlined visits in the itinerary.

  • Where will we be staying during the tour?

    You will be staying at the 3-star Carrbridge Hotel for three nights, where dinner, bed, and breakfast are included.

  • Is there a tour manager available during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • What can we expect to see at Dunrobin Castle?

    At Dunrobin Castle, you can explore the chateau-style ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland, enjoy the formal nineteenth-century gardens laid out on terraces descending to the sea, and watch a falconry display featuring superb birds of prey.

  • What historical significance does Scone Palace hold?

    Scone Palace has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. It also houses a fine collection of antiques, paintings, and extraordinary artefacts.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1255
Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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