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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

978 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 978 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 6 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese

Overview

Travel northwest from Edinburgh on this small-group tour for an unforgettable day of stunning mountains, lochs, and ancient Scottish castles. We will take you through historic Stirlingshire, once home to the ancient capital of Scotland, through the vast Trossachs National Park and ultimately, the West Highlands. Discover the picturesque villages of Inveraray and Luss, visit Kilchurn Castle on the glassy shores of Loch Awe, and enjoy gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands throughout.

*Winter itinerary update: Doune Castle will be a photo stop only until 31 March 2027, with an extended visit to Kilchurn Castle and an additional stop at The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculpture. Inveraray Castle is closed for the winter season from 27 October 2026 until late March 2027. Entry to Inveraray Castle is not available during this period.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Doune Castle entry ticket
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

60 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Doune Castle

We depart from Edinburgh at 8:00am and drive to historic Doune (75min drive). Choose to explore Doune Castle*, recognisable from the TV series "Outlander".*Doune Castle is not available over winter, photo stop only (Oct - March)
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Tyndrum

We continue on to the charming village of Tyndrum (70min drive), which sits at the southern edge of Rannoch Moor, where we make a comfort stop.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Kilchurn Castle

We visit the impressive ruins of Kilchurn Castle* (20min drive). Once home to the Campbells of Glenorchy, Kilchurn Castle overlooks the peaceful Loch Awe and has a rich history connected to the Jacobite rebellion. Photo stop only.*From October to March, this is an extended stop
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Inveraray

Our next stop of the day takes us to Inveraray (30min drive) where we stop at the beautiful Loch Fyne for lunch, before an optional visit to Inveraray Jail, one of the best-reserved prisons in Britain.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Rest and be Thankful

In the afternoon we begin our journey back to Edinburgh, making a quick stop at the aptly named "Rest and Be Thankful" (1hr drive) where we do exactly that. Take in the amazing views before continuing east.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Luss

Our final stop of the day is in Luss where you will feel as if you have been transported back in time. Breathe in the west highland air one last time before we return back to Edinburgh. (2hr drive)
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • There are days when Doune Castle may be closed for filming or other reasons. We will then visit Linlithgow Palace in its place. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a filming location for Outlander, requires a local entry fee.
  • If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
  • Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5211P42

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
978 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 978 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
908
4 stars
58
3 stars
8
2 stars
1
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Doune Castle entry ticket
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
  • It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
  • Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
  • There are days when Doune Castle may be closed for filming or other reasons. We will then visit Linlithgow Palace in its place. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a filming location for Outlander, requires a local entry fee.
  • If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
  • Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
  • The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
  • The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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