Castles and Manors of Scotland

Landing in Glasgow or Edinburgh collect your vehicle and travel north towards the nearby town of Stirling. On route enjoy possible stops at Falkirk home of engineering masterpiece the Falkirk Wheel or the magnificent sculpture of the Kelpies. Arriving in historic Stirling you can visit the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero Braveheart William Wallace or see the infamous battlefield at Bannockburn. Then to explore the cobbled town itself, climb to Stirling Castle which rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty.

Overnight: Airth Castle (or similar), near Stirling

Today pass west in to the raw natural beauty of the Highlands to the famous Mull of Kintyre. Pass around the southern edge of Loch Lomond and along her "Bonny Banks" before stopping in the historic town of Inveraray; stop to visit the town’s opulent castle which featured as Duneagle Castle in television's Downton Abbey. Arriving in the remote landscapes of the Kintyre Peninsula explore stunning land and seascapes including deserted sandy coves and rugged cliffs battered by the North Atlantic Ocean. By evening, retire to your Baronial Manor hotel.

Overnight: Stonefield Castle Hotel (or similar), Tarbert, Mull of Kintyre

Meals: Breakfast included

Today pass north along the scenic West coast of Scotland; first stop will be the charming port town of Oban known as the "Gateway to the Isles". Here you can you can explore the pretty harbour town including Mccaig's Tower overlooking the docks and the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery. You may stop at Dunstaffnage Castle on route to the lively port town of Fort William on the shores of Loch Linhe. Explore this coastal port or hike in the foothills of the magnificent Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. By evening continue to your overnight accommodation located in the Great Glen.

Overnight: Glencoe House Hotel, near Fort William

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning, take the "Road to the Isles" stopping to see the Glenfinnan Monument dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express. Then take the ferry to the stunning Isle of Skye; you may choose to stop at Armadale Castle and the Clan Donald Centre in the South of the island before passing the beautiful peaks of the Cuillin Hills on route to the island main town at Portree, and its bustling harbour of pastel fisherman's cottages.

Overnight: Skeabost Country House Hotel, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Dedicate day five to exploring the breath-taking natural beauty of this peaceful island; from the quaint port town of Portree, tour the north of the island and the Trotternish Peninsula with its natural features such as “Kilt Rock” and “the Old Man of Storr” or visit the famous Fairy Pools. Wildlife is in abundance, in the coastal waters you can spot seabirds, dolphins and seals. Possible cultural visits include Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan, the Museum of Island Life and nearby Flora Macdonald's Grave or the distillery of famed malt whisky Talisker.

Overnight: Skeabost Country House Hotel (or similar), Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Cross back to the mainland via Skye Bridge and visit one of Scotland’s icons at Eilean Donan Castle which stands at the point where three lochs meet. Then pass over the wild Highlands and in to the Great Glen. Passing along the windswept banks of the eerie Loch Ness keep an eye out for the renowned monster Nessie; perhaps take a boat ride on the loch to uncover the mysteries of the waters or make a visit to the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched overlooking the loch it offers the perfect look-out. Arriving in Inverness, capital of the Highlands, explore the city and its hilltop castle and museum.

Overnight: Tulloch Castle (or similar), Dingwall near Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included

Spend today to exploring the outlying Highlands surrounding Inverness; here you will find the eerie Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the ancient battlefield where the Jacobites rose against the English. Also nearby are the intriguing standing stones of the Clava Cairns which inspired the Outlander series. Cultural sites you can visit include the contrasting castles of Cawdor Castle and Fort George; the former is a turreted, fairy-tale mansion romantically connected to Shakespeare's Macbeth whilst the latter demonstrates 18th century military engineering at its best.

Overnight: Tulloch Castle (or similar), Dingwall near Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included

Departing Inverness head East through the Grampian Highlands where you can visit the elegant Spynie Palace and nearby Elgin Cathedral. Passing through the renowned Whisky country you can enjoy a tour of once or more of Speyside's famous single malt distilleries before arriving Aberdeenshire which is home to a host of beautiful castles and baronial manor houses such as Fyvie Castle or Leith Hall and Gardens. BY evening, see Aberdeen itself; known the granite city Aberdeen displays a unique granite architecture and is home to much of Scotland's rich maritime heritage.

Overnight: Ardoe House Hotel / Norwood Hall Hotel (or similar), Aberdeenshire

Meals: Breakfast included

From Aberdeen follow the coastline south; interesting stops include Dunottar Castle dramatically perched on a cliff-top overlooking the North Sea or the elegant Glamis Castle setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth and the favoured residence of the late Queen Mother. Then cross the Tay bridge in to the Kingdom of Fife to the historic town of St Andrews the charming university town, where Prince William met his future wife Kate Middleton. Visit the beautiful ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral and of course be sure to visit the famous “Old Course” and the golfing museum. By evening continue to the Edinburgh area for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Dalhousie Castle or Melville Castle (or similar), near Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

The final day of your trip can be spent discovering the magnificent city of Edinburgh. From the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian Edinburgh holds a unique atmosphere. Visit Royal sites such as the Palace of Holyrood House or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building. The highlight of your day will be climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Dalhousie Castle or Melville Castle (or similar), near Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Time permitting you may spend today continuing to explore Edinburgh and its magnificent surrounding sites or make your way to the airport, return your vehicle and check-in for your home-bound flight.

Meals: Breakfast included