Scottish Castles and Kingdoms Small Group Journey

Depart from the World Heritage City of Edinburgh and travel north, crossing the Forth Road Bridge into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Your first visit of the day will be Falkland Palace, where during a guided tour you will be able to discover more of this pretty royal palace. Built between 1502 and 1541, it is set in the heart of the unique medieval village of Falkland and has been the residence and hunting lodge of 8 Stuart monarchs. The highlight of the visit will be to see the real tennis court, built in 1539! Continue to St Andrews and during a town walk, your guide will tell you more about its past and more recent history. In the afternoon, visit the House of Dun near Montrose. This beautiful Georgian house, overlooking Montrose Basin, was built in 1730. It features superb plaster work and now houses the Hutchison collection of Scottish colorists and the Stirling collection of furniture, ranging from the 18th century to the 1960's. On route to Aberdeen, you will make a photo stop at Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress in a truly stunning setting. Dunnottar is where Hamlets' Macbeth was filmed and provided inspiration for Disney Pixar’s movie “Brave”.

Today will be spent in the Royal Deeside area, famous for its many castles. Your first visit will be Castle Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses. Begun in 1575, the present castle contains an evocative great hall, fine furniture, and many Fraser family portraits. You can round the visit off with a walk through the beautiful 18th century walled garden. The tour continues to Banchory where you might be able to see salmon jumping at the Falls of Feugh. We suggest you take a short nature walk in Glen Tanar or the Burn o’ Vat. You will stop for lunch at Ballater before continuing with your afternoon program. Crathes Castle provides the highlight for the afternoon. Turrets, gargoyles, and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of this historic castle. You are free to explore the house and the stunning gardens at your own pace. The gardens stay green irrespective of the time of year. Wandering through the outstanding, world-renowned June Borders, beautiful vistas of the castle can be seen through the fusion of colorful flowers. (B)

Head further north today and start the day with a visit to Fyvie Castle near Turriff. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has a fine collection of arms and armor as well as 17th century tapestries and opulent Edwardian interiors. Continue to Nairn, travelling through beautiful scenery, and enjoy lunch at nearby Brodie Castle. After lunch, you will have time to explore the castle further. Dating from the 16th century, this imposing castle stands in rich Morayshire parkland. It has unusual plaster work and a major art collection and tells the fascinating story of the Brodie family. In the afternoon, take a walk at the Culloden Visitor Center. The Clan Stone Walkway is designed to commemorate the Scottish Clans and their clansmen who fought at the battle of Culloden with a special Insignia Stone. The Clans are represented with their individual Crest and personal inscription. (B)

Today sees you travelling south again through some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer. You will travel to Kingussie for a photo stop at the Ruthven Barracks. From here, continue to Dalwhinnie Distillery. Dalwhinnie is the highest distillery in Scotland and takes its waters right from the source of the River Spey. A tour of the distillery is included and you will also have the chance to taste the ‘Water of Life’. After a lunch stop in Pitlochry, head to Loch Leven by Kinross. In the middle of the Loch, you will find Loch Leven Castle, a late 14th century tower, which was the setting for the most traumatic year in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. It was in 1567 that she was imprisoned and forced to abdicate her throne before her dramatic escape a year later. Enjoy a short boat ride over to the castle, following in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots. Explore at your leisure the island and tower house, before returning to Edinburgh. (B)