Scotland · SCOTTISH CASTLES & PALACES
54 reviewed
There are more than a thousand castles here and perhaps a dozen worth a full day of a trip. These are the tours that reach them, from Edinburgh on its rock to Eilean Donan where three lochs meet, with entry fees, walking distances, and what counts as a stop rather than a visit.
Guided Edinburgh Castle walking tour with entry ticket, 90 minutes. Mary Queen of Scots stories, views, family-friendly exploring.
“We had a great experience! Our guide Ross was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour!”
Skip the line to Edinburgh Castle on a 90-minute English Royal Mile walking tour with expert guides, then explore on your own.
“This was the best tour of the castle. I’ve taken three in my lifetime and this was the best by far. All because of our guide Graeme. He was so good.”
Inverness to Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle in one long day, with photo stops, Portree lunch, and guide-led Highland stories.
“It was a wonderful way to see so many sights and the beautiful island of Skye. Our guide, Lyle was incredibly knowledgeable.”
Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle on a small-group walk with skip-the-line access, storytelling stops, and time to explore inside.
“Great overview of the city and its rich history. Charles was a great guide and made the walk very enjoyable.”
Glasgow to Scotland’s West Highlands in a small group: Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Oban, Loch Awe castles, and photo stops with expert stories.
“I can’t put into words how awesome this tour was! Graeme was a fantastic tour guide! I highly recommend this tour if you’re in Scotland looking to explore outside of Glasgow.”
Loch Ness cruise, Outlander film spots and Urquhart Castle from Inverness. A guided Highlands day with comfort, timing, and big history.
“Iain gave a great overview of history during our travels and kept to our schedule. I would recommend this tour to get a taste of this part of Scotland.”
Loch Lomond, The Kelpies, and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh in a small group, with Stirling admission included and plenty of photo time.
“Great tour! If you get carsick, bring your meds as there are some winding roads. It was great to learn more about Scotland.”
Skip the castle line with a 90-minute Edinburgh Castle walking tour: Crown Square, War Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel, then explore.
“We tried to contact them for our driver from the Hotel was running late Sandemans Tours was the Company I messaged and called them about 20 times I tried calling even before the appointed time All l got back was don’t worry if your running late Just Text or Call I did no response So No Tour Finally got onto them to at least get a entry into the Castle But not happy at all”
Small-group day tour from Inverness to Skye, hitting Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree lunch, and Storr, Quiraing, Kilt Rock.
“Good scenery. Driver telling stories only. He didn’t guide us properly. We were asked to see ourselves. Not even informed about the location of Storr. Disappointed”
Guided Edinburgh Castle tour with tickets included, skip lines, 90 minutes of sights like Honours of Scotland, then explore on your own.
“James was great, I highly recommend him. Very knowledgeable and told us lots of stories. He was very respectful and patient with few members of the group who were walking slow.”
Edinburgh day tour to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and The Kelpies, with coach comfort, live commentary, and extra ticket options.
“We had a brilliant day. It was a comfortable coach and John our tour guide was very good. His historical knowledge was great, also his choice of music and humour. I would recommend this tour as you see so much. 😃”
A small-group West Highlands day tour from Edinburgh with Doune Castle, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe ruins, and Inveraray, plus movie-set fame.
“It was an interesting experience for us as it’s our first trip to Scotland and the highland glens and lochs were stunning. Kieran our tour guide was engaging and drove well on the narrow countryside roads. He also played a good mix of Celtic music. Doune Castle was the highlight being an Outlander fan and all. Meeting Harry Coos was also a plus point. Will recommend”
1-hour Loch Ness cruise from Clansman Harbour with indoor and outdoor seating, sonar Nessie search, and Urquhart Castle views.
“I enjoyed the cruise. Could've spent longer. Worth it just to be on the water. Scottish hot chocolate, yummy”
Walk the Royal Mile landmarks and get guided **Edinburgh Castle** entry, with views for the One O’Clock Gun and Old Town history.
“James was extremely knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic. He packed a lot of history into enjoyable and informative stories. He was also good at making everyone in the group feel welcome and friendly.”
Edinburgh to West Highlands and Loch Lomond in one day, with Doune and Kilchurn castles, Inveraray, and a Loch Lomond village stop.
“We had an amazing young lady named Charlie as our tour guide. I true treat to have spent time with her.”
