Taste of Scotland Tour
Welcome to Catswhiskers Scotland!
The following short, escorted tours have been specially designed to provide visitors to Glasgow or Edinburgh with an introduction to Scotland's scenery, heritage and related experiences. These tour schedules can be varied to suit individual requirements.
Illustrative Itinerary for Day Tour from Glasgow-1
Collect about 0915 then to either Auchentoshan Distillery or Glengoyne Distillery to learn how Scotland's national drink is made, from malting and mashing through to distillation and maturation. In addition to the standard distillery tour (about 1 hour) there are optional blending and tasting experiences available under guidance of whisky experts.
We then move on to the Trossachs and 'Rob Roy' country. A short stop for shopping at Aberfoyle and then to nearby Loch Katrine for a scenic boat trip.
Next destination is Lake of Menteith where we avail of a spot of lunch at the lakeside restaurant with option afterwards of a short boat trip to an island in the centre of the Lake to visit the 13th century Inchmahome Priory where Mary Queen of Scots took refuge in 1547.
We the move on to visit the combined military fortress and former Royal Palace at Stirling which also offers stunning views over the local countryside.Other options in this locality include Doune Castle ('Monty Python' fame) and the Wallace Monument ('Braveheart').
Return to Glasgow in time for dinner.
Illustrative Itinerary for Day Tour from Glasgow-2
Collect about 0915 then to Auchentoshan Distillery to learn the secrets of whisky making. Optional tasting experiences for the connoissuer.
We then drive south through Ayrshire's rolling countryside to Burns Cottage, the small house where Scotland's national poet was born in 1760. After a tour of the museum we move on to Culzean Castle, a superb, Robert Adam designed 18th century mansion set in a large country park with deer and picnic facilities. The house contains a fascinating collection of historic paintings, furniture and armour together with a room dedicated to General Eisenhower.There is also a fascinating formal garden.
On the return to Glasgow we stop at the imposing 14th century Dundonald Castle which is set high near the coast and offers wonderful views.
Back to Glasgow in the evening in time for dinner.
Illustrative Itinerary for Day Tour from Edinburgh
Collect about 0915 and then travel to Rosslyn Chapel, about 7 miles/12K south of Edinburgh..The Chapel dates from the 15th century and is famous for (a) its intensively carved interior and (b) link with the Da Vinci Code. Just a short, ten minute walk from the Chapel are the ruins of Rosslyn Castle.
Next we move on to Glenkinchie Distillery to join a guided tour and learn how Scotch Whisky is made and then sample the product at end of the tour. Whisky is Scotland's national drink and manufacture is a fascinating process dating back at least 600 years.
We move on to Dirleton, a village on the east coast to visit Dirleton Castle and Gardens.The castle is a robust structure and one of the oldest in Scotland. The stunning formal gardens include the world's longest herbaceous border.
Lunch can be taken locally, either prior to or after visiting the Castle.
In the afternoon, we return via the coast to Edinburgh and visit the historic Calton Hill, otherwise known as the 'Athens of the North' where it is possible to benefit from the superb views of both Edinburgh City and the Fife Coast opposite.
Illustrative Two Day Scotland Tour-Departing Edinburgh or Glasgow
Day 1
Collect about 0915 and then to Bannockburn (site of famous battle with English in 1314) and Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle is a combined former miltary fortress and royal palace which is very popular with visitors. Guided tours last about 1 hour. Elevated position offers superb veiws over the local countryside. Nearby is the Wallace Mounument of 'Braveheart' fame.
Next, we travel to Pitlochry for lunch and a visit to Edradour Distillery, Scotland's smallest whisky distillery. Free tours are available, describing the whisky making process from malting through to distillation and maturation.
Then to Killiecrankie,a heritage site with a very scenic steep gorge.Site of a famous battle in 1689.
Next, we drive on North into the Highlands passing Aviemore to arrive at Inverness where we avail of an overnight stay.
Day 2
Visit various sites in and around Inverness including Culloden (site of last major battle on British soil), Cawdor Castle (Macbeth connection) and the prehistoric Clava Cairns.
Next we drive south, tracking Loch Ness with optional stop at Castle Urquhart. This castle is of interest in its own right but also benefits from a superb location from which to view the famous Loch.
After Loch Ness, we continue south to visit the spectacularly beautiful Glencoe with towering mountains and a wealth of wildlife. This was also the site of an infamous massacre in 1692.
We continue south, across Rannoch Moor, returning to Glasgow or Edinburgh via the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond.
For more information contact Nigel-
T: 44 (0) 141 638 5500
E: ncole67@googlemail.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
For more information and help contact Nigel-
T 44 (0) 141 638 5500
E ncole67@googlemail.com
Or info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!
