CASTLEROCK TOURS INTERNATIONAL
"a minimum of 6 people is required for these tours"
Few countries in the world can boast a life span as rich or diverse as Scotland. The true story of the people, the battles, the nobility and its kings and queens, is more thrilling than any novel, and has more love stories than all the Hollywood movies. In one way or another Scots have made our lives different. From the inventor Alexander Graham Bell, to philosopher David Hume, to industrialist Andrew Carnegie, Scotland's influence on the world is impressive relative to its small geographical stature.
A HIGHLAND FLING Trossachs, Inverness, Aberdeenshire & Fife
8-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
SCOTLAND'S HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS inc. Iona, Mull, Lewis, Skye & Orkney
13-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
LITERARY SCOTLAND & THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL Scotland & Festival Highlights
8-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
THE BORDERS Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Scotland Lowlands
12- day tour inc. arrival/departure days
A HIGHLAND FLING Trossachs, Inverness, Aberdeenshire & Fife
8-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
$2250
What your tour price includes:
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
You will land at Glasgow Airport where you will be met by your escort and transferred to our local base. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore this interesting city with its famed art galleries and parks. Dinner is not included tonight.
DAY TWO
Departing from our Glasgow hotel, we head to the royal city of Stirling. From the esplanade of Stirling Castle we can admire the surrounding countryside. For centuries this has been the gateway to the Highlands. No wonder numerous battles have been fought in this area, not least the great victory at Bannockburn, where the Scots trounced the English. We then continue our journey north into 'Braveheart' country passing through the picturesque market town of Crieff, long the site of one of Scotland great cattle 'Trysts'. We then head into the heart of the Trossachs and Rob Roy country around Callander.
DAY THREE
Grab your binoculars and telephoto lenses because today's the day we go monster hunting! Not just any monster either but the most famous wee beastie in the whole world! Loch Ness is a long, deep, dark and mysterious body of water. On our way there, we'll encounter the Caledonian Canal again. It is at Fort Augustus that the Canal enters Loch Ness via six locks. On Loch Ness itself is Urquhart Castle, a ruin that has become a favorite place for Nessie spotting - some folk believe she lives underneath the structure itself. In Drumnadrochit there's a chance to take in the documented evidence of one of the Loch Ness monster exhibitions. Maybe after this the doubters will be more convinced! Onward to Inverness, the busy 'capital' of the Highlands and our base for the next two nights.
DAY FOUR
The day begins at Clava Cairns burial site. Lying close to Inverness, these circles of stones from the dawn of human civilization sit in a quiet sheltered spot of the Scottish countryside. Close by is Culloden Moor, site of the great battle of 1746 when the forces of King George II defeated the Jacobite rebels of Bonnie Prince Charlie. There is a fine exhibition and a stroll around the battlefield, with its memorial stones, provides a lasting memory. Heading north from Inverness to the Falls of Rogie, we are assured of fine pine forests, rushing rivers and, if our timing is right, the sight of the Atlantic salmon jumping impossible waterfalls. On our way home, we ponder the question of the location of Macbeth's castle. Was it in the modern town of Inverness or perhaps nearby at Cawdor?
DAY FIVE
As we start our journey south, we pick up the famous whisky trail. You can be sure of a visit to one of the many distilleries that can be found in the area. We'll pass through Grantown-on-Spey, a popular ski resort on our way to Braemar, scene of that most famous of Highland games attended by the Royals. If we have time, we'll visit Braemar Castle, built in 1628 and largely rebuilt as a residence in the 18th century. The Scottish home of the royal family can be found at nearby Balmoral. There's a chance to view the grounds and exhibition for departures in May, June or July. Finally, we wind our way to one of the attractive towns of Ballater or Banchory, our base for the night.
DAY SIX
This morning we pick up the coastal route south. We visit Dunnottar Castle ruins, said to be in the most romantic setting in Scotland. Cromwell's troops captured this Royalist stronghold after months of siege in 1652. As we continue south, we pass through the fishing town of Arbroath, home of the 'smokie' (a tasty smoked fish) and the site of an outstandingly beautiful 12th century abbey ruin. Dundee is our next port of call. Here we'll find Scott's 'Discovery' and the frigate 'Unicorn', the oldest British-built ship still afloat, now a museum for the Royal Navy. Rounding off our visit will be St Andrews. No time for a round of golf, we're sorry to say! (But at least we'll save you some golf balls!). At the end of a full day, we cross the Firth of Tay to the Kingdom of Fife and our night stop.
DAY SEVEN
A relaxing day as we explore the charming coastline of the Kingdom of Fife. Anstruther itself is still a working fishing port and many of its neighbors continue to ply a similar trade. Winding our way up the coast we examine in detail the timeless beauty of Crail, another fishing village, once the center of a major trading partnership with continental Europe. Next, the Royal Stewart Castle at Falkland before making our way to the fascinating town of Culross. This is the most complete example of a Scottish burgh of the 16th and 17th centuries. We'll take time to explore the visitor center before driving through Dunfermline and south over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. NOTE: dinner is not included tonight to give more flexibility to explore Edinburgh.
DAY EIGHT
You have a number of options from today. You can elect to extend your stay and spend some time in this 'Athens of the North' .You can fly home. Please note, if not joining the regular morning transfer from Edinburgh to Glasgow airport (which is timed to reach Glasgow airport for 10.00) private transfers at other times attract a cost supplement of £35 per person. A less expensive, but totally reliable way, is to take the public coach of which there are regular departures.
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SCOTLAND'S HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS inc. Iona, Mull, Lewis, Skye & Orkney
13-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
$3640
What your tour price includes
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
You will land at Glasgow Airport where you will be met by your escort and transferred to our local base. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore this interesting city with its famed art galleries and parks. Dinner is not included tonight.
DAY TWO
Departing from our Glasgow hotel, we head north to immediately breathe in the atmosphere by the shores of the celebrated Loch Lomond. We'll visit Kilchurn Castle or Inveraray gaol/jail before continuing west. This afternoon's itinerary includes a visit to one of Argyll's woodland gardens. We'll have time to explore Dunstaffnage Castle before reaching our base for the next three nights.
DAY THREE
This morning is spent at leisure exploring Oban, the mainland port for the Hebridean Isles and full of local color. After taking in a classic elevated view over the town, we make the short winding drive to Easdale Island. On the way we cross the only bridge over the Atlantic Ocean and pass the fascinatingly named Inn 'Tigh Na Troos' (House of the Trousers!). Once on Easdale Island we visit the local folk museum, where we learn about the life of the former slate mining community. This is probably one of the most photogenic fishing villages you'll find anywhere in the world.
DAY FOUR
Time to take to the water, crossing the Firth of Lorne to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull. The ferry journey itself is a delight with fine views of mainland and island vistas. Before reaching Craignure, our first port of call, there's a grand view of Duart Castle, ancestral home of the McClean clan. Once on dry land we head across the open, untouched landscape to Fionnphort in the south. From here we take a very short ferry ride, as foot passengers, to the revered Island of Iona, home to St. Columba and early Christian missionaries 1400 years ago. Within the shadow of the cathedral, Scots kings until Macbeth's time were buried. There is a special atmosphere here aided by the almost total lack of motor cars. Returning to Mull we follow, time permitting, the rugged coastline to the west, with the possibility (depending on weather) of breathtaking views of the Outer Hebridean Islands offshore.
DAY FIVE
A day of glorious mountain scenery awaits us as we head north through the Grampian and North West Highland ranges. As we enter the splendid isolation of the pass of Glen Coe there's a real sense of majesty in the scenery. A visit to the Glencoe Visitor Centre gives us a chance to discover the real truth behind the tragic massacre of the MacDonalds. Arriving at the busy highland town of Fort William, there's an opportunity for the 'essentials' of life - eating, banking and shopping! Continuing our full day, we take in the Caledonian Canal - maybe there'll be yachts traversing the locking system to begin their voyage through Scotland's inland waterways. As we follow the canal, there are views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, a haven for skiers and climbers alike. As we leave the canal, we encounter the imposing Glen Finnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel. Winding around loch, brae and mountain, we cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye.
DAY SIX
It's time to take a look around the misty Isle of Skye. Nowhere on this island is it possible to ignore the sea as it eats away at the coastline. It was from islands like this that thousands left in 'coffin' ships crossing the Atlantic to a new life. Amongst today's highlights are the island's 'capital', Portree, the 17th century ruined Duntulm Castle built by the MacDonalds on the site of a Celtic fort, the Old Man of Storr, a black basalt column 160ft tall and 40ft in diameter and the unique landscape of the 'quirang'. We'll also visit the memorial to Flora MacDonald, famed accomplice of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Close by lies a fine folk museum where a peat fire burns and heather lines the roof. We board an early evening ferry and enjoy a memorable 90 or so minutes crossing to the Western Isles. Uig to Tarbert evening ferry 18.00 arr. 19.40 h.
DAY SEVEN
The Isle of Lewis is not actually an island, rather it is the northern two-thirds of the largest of the Western Isles, sharing a mountainous land border with Harris to its south. Lewis's best known visitor attractions include the superb Arnol which brings you the sights, sounds and smells of Lewis's traditional way of life. Other possibilities for our day include the tweed mill at Bragar and the Norse mill at Siabost before reaching the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan. Just beyond is Carlabhagh, with the nearby iron age broch of Dun Carloway. Further on, the road brings you to the amazing collection of standing stones at Calanais. The capital of Lewis and the only town in the Western Isles is where we'll stay the night.
DAY EIGHT
This morning we must arise early to catch our 07.30 ferry back to mainland. Your journey from the Isle of Lewis finishes at the picturesque village of Ullapool. The 2 hour 40 minute crossing takes you from the Minch through a scattering of islets called The Summer Isles and Loch Broom. Remember to watch out for dolphins and porpoises during the crossing, as they are regular visitors. We'll enjoy some time at Ullapool before continuing your journey through the mind-blowing scenery of these wild highlands. This is Europe's last great wilderness and the stark beauty of it all is quite simply astounding. We'll arrive at Scotland's northern most tip, near John O'Groats, to catch our second ferry of the day to the Orkney Islands. Stornoway to Stromness Northlink Ferries ex. Scrabster at 19.00 arr. 20.30 h.
DAYS NINE & TEN
We'll have a relaxed start to the morning following our late night before beginning our Orkneys explorations. These Isles will provide some of the most memorable sightseeing of the tour. This archipelago comprises of some 70 islands, and although it seduces with it's natural beauty, it is the Neolithic history that grips one. This is a World Heritage Site. For five millennia there has been human inhabitation on these islands. A storm in 1850 uncovered the remarkable Skara Brae where an intricate maze of 500-year-old dwellings, largely intact, was discovered. And the discoveries have continued since with the islands now boasting over 3000 such Neolithic sites!But there's also history of a more modern time too. Evocative relics of two world wars lie in the Scapa Flow. And in the 5000 intervening years many other inhabitants have left their spoor so that there are castles, churches (including one built by Italian POWs), museums, craft centers, Martello Towers, preserved fishing villages, Victorian gardens and naturally a whisky distillery for us to visit. We'll also be visiting the outer islands of Hoy, South Ronaldsay and smaller, more remote ones where the sea and bird life are of particular interest.
DAY ELEVEN 
We leave the isle of Orkney (Northlink Ferries 09.00) and cross to the northern tip of Scotland and explore the region of Caithness. There are not too many places in the world that one can honestly write are unspoilt, or undiscovered but Caithness is surely one of them. You'll choose how to spend our time available from visiting literally hundreds of castle ruins precariously hugging wind-swept cliffs, the northerly town of Wick where the Heritage Centre demonstrates how people have survived in this incredible terrain of peat bog and over the centuries. Then there's Dunnet Head. This most northerly point on mainland Britain rises some 100 meters above sea level. The Dunnet Head lighthouse was built in 1831 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the author Robert Louis Stevenson. We can also visit a traditional Caithness cottage, hardly altered since it was built 150 years ago. The Caithness Heritage Trust has restored Mrs. Mary-Ann Calder's former home. This crofthouse features a wealth of family history. We might also see a Caithness Glass center, seeing it made and perhaps buy a souvenir or two! Then there's Dornoch cathedral, in use for 700 years but in the news more recently as the venue for the pop star Madonna having a child christened.
DAY TWELVE
Departing Inverness, we'll first stop at Culloden, site of one of the most famous battles in Scottish history. The visitor center tells the story of the great battle of 1746 when the forces of King George II defeated the Jacobite rebels of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Then we'll take the high road south to Edinburgh. En route we'll stop at Pitlochry. This town, right in the center of Scotland is famed for its salmon 'ladder'. Depending on the time of year, we'll see the incredible sight of salmon leaping up a waterfall!! We continue our journey south and depending on time and group interests we'll complete our tour with stops at Stirling or Callander. Dinner is not included tonight.
DAY THIRTEEN
Alas, it's time to fly home and you'll be transferred to the airport. Of course, you may wish to spend some time in Edinburgh, or join our 'Tartan Tour' to the east of Scotland. In which case we'll be happy to assist in organizing your onward arrangements.
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LITERARY SCOTLAND & THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL Scotland & Festival Highlights
8-day tour inc. arrival/departure days
$2250
What your tour price includes
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Morning arrival in Edinburgh. Today, we’ll be giving you a general orientation tour of this city dubbed the ‘Athens of the North’. It will give us time to get acquainted with festival schedules and venues as well as seeing some of the primary tourist sites. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.
DAY TWO
Edinburgh Day. We start this stupendous week’s entertainment with a walking tour of old Edinburgh with particular focus on the city’s literary monuments, museums and inspirations. You’ll see where Robert Louis Stevenson lived, where Boswell first met Dr Johnson and be introduced (figuratively!) to some new contemporary writers through local points of interest.Tonight, we attend our first show, a main festival performance.
DAY THREE
Robbie Burns Day. We’ll take Robbie Burns as today’s writer and explore the area most associated with this giant amongst Scotland’s literary lions. The county of Ayrshire and the town of Ayr itself are the setting for the Robbie Burns trail. We’ll visit his birthplace museum cottage, the famed Brigadoon and several other sites connected with the 18th century poetic genius. We’ll also visit Ecclefechan, home of Thomas Carlyle, arguably Scotland’s finest historian.Tonight, naturally, dinner will include haggis and Burns’ ode will be said over the dish! Later, we’ll visit a fringe event.
DAY FOUR
Walter Scott Day. That terrific novelist Walter Scott is today’s literary figure. Scott's novels, ‘Ivanhoe’ and ‘Rob Roy’, still stand the test of time. Although Scott found inspiration across the length and breadth of Scotland, particularly for his 'Waverly' novels, it is the ‘Border’ region that we’ll concentrate on today.Abbotsford was Scott’s home. It is a fascinating visit, not only because there are a great number of his own possessions, art and artifacts, for his presence can be sensed in every room.We’ll visit various castles and abbeys throughout the Borders, linking each to moments in Scott’s works. Tonight a quiet evening in Edinburgh with the chance to simply stroll and absorb the energy of the city.
DAY FIVE
A Literary Highlands day. The Highland region of the Trossachs call us today. This is ‘Rob Roy’ country and we’ll certainly visit his tomb and loch-side village. This is a day of stunning scenery. We’ll also be visiting Stirling and its mighty fortress. Our final main Festival performance tonight will feature music and/or dance.
DAY SIX
The Royal Kingdom of Fife. Across the Forth lie the ancient Stuart ancestral lands of Fife. Dunfermline, Falkland Palace and St Andrews have featured in many a tale of history and romance. More modern authors of historical romance, such as Jean Plaidy and Nigel Trantner, have made extensive use of the tempestuous history of the region. At Lower Leven, on the Fife coast, lived a certain Andrew Selkirk. This 17th century sailor was marooned on a deserted island and his story provided Daniel Defoe with the inspiration for ‘Robinson Crusoe’.
DAY SEVEN
Edinburgh: free day. Time to revisit the castle or perhaps the Scottish National Museum to see literary manuscripts.Maybe, you’ll prefer to simply ‘hang-out’, take in another fringe event, watch street performers, tour the whiskey center, buy a kilt (!) or just some souvenirs.Tonight we have our finale to a memorable week, the unforgettable Edinburgh Tattoo. There can be no finer spectacle than the sight of precision marching to the swirl of bagpipes set in Edinburgh’s majestic and historic castle. You're free to eat independently before we meet for the Tattoo.
DAY EIGHT
Our week is at an end. Today you’ll be either transferred to your embarkation point or, perhaps, you’ll want to extend your stay in Edinburgh. When you do finally leave, you’ll be taking home treasured memories of one of the world’s greatest festivals, of sites evoking the works of some of Scotland’s greatest writers and - or we won’t have done our job well - a new knowledge of contemporary writers to read and explore during the months ahead.
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THE BORDERS Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Scotland Lowlands
12- day tour inc. arrival/departure days
$3375
What your tour price includes
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
You will land at Glasgow Airport where you will be met by your escort and transferred to our local base. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore this interesting city with its famed art galleries and parks.
DAY TWO
Following a morning city tour of Glasgow, we depart this former European city of culture. Our first port of call is at New Lanark, the best example in Scotland of an industrial village, the product of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, now the subject of a major conservation program. We’ll have time to explore at leisure before making our way to the seaside resort of Troon, a name familiar to golfers.
DAY THREE
Today we take a ferry to the Isle of Arran. Dramatic and mountainous, Arran offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities including the 14th century Brodick Castle, which has associations with Robert the Bruce, prehistoric stone circles and tombs, quaint fishing villages and, needless to say, breathtaking scenery of mountain forests and rugged coastline.
DAY FOUR
Today is a full day in which the great poet Robbie Burns will play a major part. This morning we’ll follow the ‘Burns trail’ south. This will take us to his birthplace museum and if we have time, we’ll also visit Souter Johnnie’s cottage. The nearby Culzean Castle and Gardens are also included today. Here we’ll find the Eisenhower room, which traces the General’s career and his close association with Culzean. Further south again, we’ll discover one of Britain’s most important early Christian sites at Whithorn.
DAY FIVE
As we journey east, our first port of call is at Kirkcudbright, on the Dee estuary. There’ll be time to wander around the old town before we continue, this time to the birthplace of John Paul Johns, father of the American Navy. A short distance to the north, we find Dumfries. Robbie Burns lived here from 1791 until his death in 1796. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous songs including ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ We take time to explore this ancient Royal Burgh before we head for Gretna Green (home of the famed blacksmith’s shop where traditionally, young elopers took their marriage vow). From here, it is a short drive to our farmhouse base on the Cumbrian border.
DAY SIX
Our first port of call today is at Alston, England’s highest market town. We’ll enjoy the fabulous view across the Pennines and the South Tyne Valley before journeying through Richard III’s Penrith to the fabulous Lake District. This area has been an inspiration for poets, writers and artists throughout the generations. The more famous names associated with the area are Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. We’ll visit Wordsworth’s birthplace at Cockermouth, see prehistoric stone circles and some unbelievable scenery.
DAY SEVEN
The ruin of the 12th century Augustan Priory of Lanecost is where we make our first stop of the day. A short distance away is part of the remains of Hadrian’s wall, begun in AD122 by Emperor Hadrian to keep the barbarians from the North at bay. We’ll also visit one of the many Roman museums and display centers to see what life was like for the 2nd century soldier stationed here. This is James Herriot country (although Yorkshire also has some claim to the title). We’ll explore the country lanes and villages as we take the long route to the market town of Hexham with its unique abbey.
DAY EIGHT
Today’s itinerary includes a visit to medieval Durham and an unusual award-winning museum. In Durham, the mighty cathedral will impress and astound and you may enjoy a rowing boat ride on the river surrounding this city. We’ll spend this afternoon at the Beamish Industrial museum, which has won many awards, and you’ll see why on our visit here. Not only do they display many fascinating reminders of our industrial past, including working steam-powered machines, but also they interpret our past with clever and inventive displays and role-plays.
DAY NINE
We begin today with a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where we’ll spend time at the Sunday market on the quayside before visiting George Washington’s ancestral home nearby. Our day’s explorations continue as we take in Whitley bay and Captain Cook country. We’ll drive up the Northumberland coastline visiting local fishing villages facing the North Sea.
DAY TEN
Lying just off the coast, and reachable only at low tide, is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Here we’ll discover an ancient monastery, a seat of learning from the 7th century onwards. We’ll also visit the stunning Bamburgh Castle, which sits inviolably on a cliff top. Our day also includes Berwick-on-Tweed; an old seaport that changed hands between England and Scotland no less than 13 times between 1127 and 1482 alone! Needless to say, it has splendid fortifications! If the weather allows, we’ll end our day with a boat trip around the Farne Islands.
DAY ELEVEN
Our final day takes us back into Scotland. Among the highlights will be Melrose Abbey, burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, Traquair House, one of the oldest inhabited castles in the United Kingdom, a woollen mill and Flodden Field-scene in 1513 of the most emotive of all battles between Scot and Englishman. Our final call of the day is at the David Livingstone Centre on the outskirts of Glasgow.
DAY TWELVE
Airport transfers.
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“Itinerary note: please note, the order of attractions visited may change depending on opening times and seasons.”
