Loch Lomond, the Highlands, the Kelpies and Stirling Castle

Leaving Edinburgh, the first stop on your Loch Lomond, Highlands, and Stirling Castle tour will be the Kelpies. Admire these shape-shifting aquatic creatures and learn about their origins.

We'll continue our journey west to the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest body of freshwater. There, you'll have time for a boat trip or to explore the Loch Lomond and Trossachs region. Recently designated a National Park, it's a place where the magnificent landscape has captured the imagination of writers and artists for centuries.

We'll continue on to our lunch stop in the village of Aberfoyle, the gateway to the Trossachs. With its lakes, valleys, and heather-covered mountains, this area is known as "the Highlands in Miniature" and was a favorite destination of Sir Walter Scott. The location was used as the setting for the films adapted from his books "Rob Roy" and "The Lady of the Lake."

Continuing, we pass through the town of Callander and pass Doune Castle, which appeared in the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Next, we head towards Stirling. Perched atop a volcanic rock, sits the historic Stirling Castle, where we'll stop for at least an hour so you can stroll through the gardens or perhaps enjoy a drink at the Castle's Unicorn Café. Its name comes from the many statues and other representations of unicorns that can be seen around the castle.

With stunning views of the Vale of Forth, site of William Wallace's famous victory in 1297, and, of course, the Wallace Monument—a 200-foot-tall tribute to the man immortalized in the film "Braveheart," Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's grandest castles due to its imposing position and stunning architecture. The scenery is breathtaking.

Heading south, you'll enjoy a relaxing drive home listening to Scottish music as you pass Bannockburn, the scene of Robert the Bruce's famous victory over the English in 1314, and Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.
Notes:
If you wish to visit inside Stirling Castle, tickets must be pre-booked directly with Historic Scotland*

Return Transfer: It is not possible to guarantee that the return location will be restored, but it depends on the route back to the city. Our driver will determine the most appropriate location to leave it. Returns are coordinated at convenient locations in the city center.

This tour is not recommended for young children (under 6 years old).