See the village of Inveraray, Doune Castle, West Highlands and Loch Lomond.
A splendid introduction to Scotland. This tour fuses the remarkable beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with the majestic sight of the Kelpies and the savage history of Stirling Castle. On this trip there is plenty of time to examine amazing architecture and ponder over breath-taking natural and man-made wonders while immersing yourself in myths, legends, and stories.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's impressive and historically important castles, playing a crucial strategic role throughout the centuries. Once the residence of Scottish royalty, including the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, the castle has witnessed numerous bloody sieges and political intrigue.
Balmaha
Balhama is a picturesque village on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, with views out to the island of Inchcailloch. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs is Scotland’s most popular national park; when you sample the scenery, you’ll understand why.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an area of rich history and vast, natural beauty. Here you will find Scotland’s wild scenery at its best; from soaring peaks and serene lochs, to gorgeous glens and lush forests.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Kelpies
The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
The Kelpies
Foreign Language Audio Guide Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
What Other Explorers Say
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
In total, your Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh spans approximately 9 hours*. With a perfect balance between driving and time spent off the coach, you will have ample time in Stirling, plenty photo opportunities, and the chance to take a leisurely woodland walk with stunning views of Ben Lomond.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
What are the Kelpies?
The Kelpies are colossal horse-head sculptures located in the Scottish town of Falkirk. Standing at 30 meters tall, they are a tribute to the horse-powered heritage of Scotland. The Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies tour offers you the opportunity to get up close and experience the Kelpies first-hand - after all, who can resist a selfie with two gigantic horse heads?
Are there any additional fees for visiting the Kelpies on tour?
No, visiting the Kelpies on your tour is completely free of charge. You will have the chance to experience these impressive sculptures up close and learn about their cultural and artistic significance.
How much time do I have in Stirling?
During your tour, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore the city of Stirling at your own pace. For those interested in delving deeper into Scotland's rich history, we offer the option to reserve a ticket to Stirling Castle at the time of booking, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Apart from Stirling Castle, there are several other activities worth considering in Stirling. You might want to stroll through the beautiful King's Park, or visit the Church of the Holy Rude, which boasts its own fascinating history.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
