Fort George, Scotland

Fort George is quite simply the finest example of 18th-century military engineering you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. This vast garrison fortress was begun in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), which crushed the final Jacobite Rising. It took over 20 years to complete and in the event it was never attacked. It remains virtually unaltered today, and still serves as an important military base.

Visit Fort George in Scotland on your next Scottish Self-Drive Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Glasgow Banter - City Stay Vacation Package

GLASGOW BANTER

A great mix of modern style and Victorian architecture. Scotland’s largest city has a fantastic variety of areas from the bohemian west end, the über cool Merchant City, and the warm-hearted east end. You are visiting a genuine hub of nightlife, food, drink, designer shopping, culture and art. Glasgow offers you the best of all worlds! And if it is a bit Scottish countryside you are after as well, you have come to the right place. Loch Lomond National Park is a mere 20 minute drive away and during a day excursion you will discover the beauty of Loch Lomond, have the chance to see Stirling Castle and taste some of the finest whisky at Glengoyne Distillery.

Package includes:

• ·      3 nights accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotel, as per category chosen;
• ·      Based on sharing twin or double room with private facilities;
• ·      Scottish or continental breakfast daily at the hotel;
• ·      Ticket for Glasgow City Tour (hop on/ off) valid for a 24 hour period;
• ·      1 day guided excursion to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and a whisky distillery;
• ·       Service charges & Tax including VAT
• ·       Note: Museums and Galleries are free of charge in Glasgow so do not miss out on a visit to the following; Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Burrell Collection, St Mungo Museum, People’s Palace, Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland Street School Museum and more;
  
  
  Travel to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Scottish Castle Experience - 6 Day Small Group Escorted Tour

Scottish Castle Experience

A truly unique experience, taking in the breathtaking beauty and charm of Scotland's Castles. Five special departures have been arranged with guaranteed departures and the small group experience, with no more than 16 passengers. This is truly the way to experience Scotland and Scottish Castles.

Your Scottish Castle Experience Tour Highlights:

• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Accomodations in Ardoe House (2 Nights), Mansfield Castle (1 Night) and 2 Nights at Edinburgh Hotel
• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival
• Private 3-course farewell group dinner at Mansfield Castle
 • Services of professional driver/guide
• Entrances at Falkland Palace, House of Dun, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Leith Hall, Brodie Castle, Culodden, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Loch Leven Castle
• Touring per your itinerary
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal

Visit our website for more information about this fabulous tour of Scotland's castles

Scotland by Train

Scotland By Train - For the Independent Traveler

A unique opportunity for the seasoned and independent traveler to see the beauty of Scotland.

Your Scotland By Train Tour Highlights:

• 7 Nights accommodation in a mixture of 3 and 4 star accommodations(hotels, inns and guesthouses) • Breakfast Daily, Scottish or Continental depending on hotel • 8 Day Freedom of Scotland Travel Pass including handling fee and postage within the UK (train tickets are delivered to the first hotel in Edinburgh). Tickets are based on standard class (valid on all trains except for travel between Glasgow - Oban/Fort William/Mallaig and Inverness - Kyle/Wick/Thurso). Not valid on the Jacobite Steam train service between Mallaig - Fort William. • Travel pack information provided via link to be downloaded by clients from the internet with code provided • Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Armadale to Mallaig • Service charge and VAT

Featured Luxury Castle Accommodations in Scotland

Vacation like royalty when you stay in a castle hotel. With so many castles to choose from, it can be hard to choose. Here are a couple of featured luxury castle accommodations in Scotland.

Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH19 3JB
A fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk. From the moment you arrive at Dalhousie Castle, one of the finest luxury hotels in Scotland, a warm Scottish welcome awaits. Whether relaxing in the The Spa, enjoying one of the library’s extensive collection of books and a drink from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire, dining in the ancient barrel vaulted dungeon on our exceptional cuisine or relaxing in your unique castle bedroom, you will always feel as welcome as the ‘Laird’. 

 Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN
Inverlochy is Scotland's finest luxury hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland.At Inverlochy you will experience one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered.

Glenapp Castle Hotel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland KA26 0NZ
Imagine a fairytale castle, hidden in 36 acres of glorious garden and woodland on the rugged and beautiful Ayrshire coast in Ballantrae, Scotland. Spectacular views across the Irish Sea to the island of Arran and the massive granite rock of Ailsa Craig. Imagine exquisite rooms, outstanding cuisine, fine wines and exceptional service ~ a world apart. Glenapp Castle Hotel is a magnificently restored Scottish Baronial Castle, now a five star Relais & Châteaux Hotel.

Plan your royal vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations, add a castle stay at one of these luxury castle hotels to your self-drive tour of Scotland.

Castle Fraser - A Grand Scottish Baronial House with a Royal Ghost

Visit Castle Fraser on your next self-drive vacation to Scotland. Castle Fraser is one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses, reminiscent of a French chateau, filled with family treasures, furniture, interesting family portraits and, according to legend, a royal ghost.

Located in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, Castle Fraser dates back to the 16th century when it was originally built for the Fraser family. Castle Fraser is a contemporary to other nearby castles such as Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Midmar Castle. What really stands out about the castle is the interesting z-plan design. This was in response to the need for more comfortable living space. Castle Fraser sticks to the basic tower house castle shape, however extends to the current z-plan castle. The result is one of the most superbly evolved and impressive tower houses in Scotland.

Like every good castle, Castle Fraser is said to have a ghost roaming the halls at night. Legend has it that a young princess was brutally murdered and dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they scrubbed, the stains remained and they were forced to cover the steps with wood paneling, which remains today. It is said that she stalks the halls of the castle at night.

Castle Fraser has changed hands several times and was renovated in the 1800’s and modernized in the classical style. Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and visitors will enjoy the atmosphere of a family home, still containing the original contents including Fraser family portraits, furniture and collections. The evocative interiors represent all periods of the castle’s history, from the Medieval stone vaulted Great Hall to the Regency Dining Room. Round off the visit to Castle Fraser with a walk through the beautiful 18th century walled garden. The estate also contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills.

Visit Castle Fraser on your next self-drive vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Scottish Castle Experience - Vacation like royalty

A truly unique experience, taking in the breathtaking beauty and charm of Scotland's Castles. Five special departures have been arranged with guaranteed departures and the small group experience, with no more than 16 passengers. This is truly the way to experience Scotland and Scottish Castles.

Your Scottish Castle Experience Tour Highlights:
• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES • Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Accomodations in Ardoe House (2 Nights) and Mansfield Castle (1 Night)• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival 
• Private 3-course farewell group dinner at Mansfield Castle• Services of professional driver/guide
• Entrances at Falkland Palace, House of Dun, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Leith Hall, Brodie Castle, Culodden, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Loch Leven Castle
• Touring per your itinerary
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal

Take this once in a lifetime vacation to Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Staffa

Named from the Old Norse name for stave or pillar island, Staffa is a must see for anyone traveling in Scotland. The uninhabited .13 square mile island lies about 6 miles off the coast of the Isle of Mull and is remarkable for its hexagonal basalt columns.

In pre-historic times Staffa was covered by the ice sheets which spread from Scotland out into the Atlantic Ocean beyond the Outer Hebrides. The basalt columns were formed entirely by volcanic activity. The slow cooling of the basalt from the volcano resulted in the extraordinary shape of the columns.Similar formations can also be found at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Over the years, Staffa has attracted the attention of many writers and influencers including Sir Walter Scott, Jules Verne, John Keats, Robert Louis Stevenson and William Wordsworth. In fact, Sir Joseph Banks, an 18th century scientist, admitted that he was, "forced to acknowledge that this piece of architecture, formed by nature, far surpasses that of the Louvre, that of St. Peter at Rome, all that remains of Palmyra and Paestum, and all that the genius, the taste and the luxury of the Greeks were capable of inventing."

A visit to Staffa is a must on your next tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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Scottish Islands - Small Group Escorted Tour of Scotland

The tour of dreams - with 9 days to enjoy 5 fantastic west coast islands and the prehistoric beauty and history of the northern Orkney islands. Enjoy the rolling splendor of the island of Mull, the peace and spirituality of Columba's Iona, followed by the dramatic beauty of our most famous island, the Isle of Skye.


Your Scottish Islands Tour Highlights:

• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Eight nights accommodations at your choice of B&B or Hotel
• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival
• Services of professional driver/guide
• Touring per your itinerary
• All ferry crossings, except for optional trip to Staffa
• Local taxes
• Discount card to restaurants, attractions and shopping
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal


Visit the Scottish Islands with Celtic Tours World Vacations

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Stirling Castle, Scotland

Stirling Castle was the center of art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to the Royal Court at Stirling Castle to revel in the castle's grandeur. A place of power, beauty and history, discover the favored residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens! Today, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence and a source of national pride.

Step into a world of plots, passion, intrigue and high fashion. The Castle's long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past such as William Wallace & Mary Queen of Scots.

There's more than ever to see and do at Stirling Castle. With splendour, colour and glorious craftsmanship, enter the world of Scotland's Renaissance Kings & Queens. From the Royal Palace to the Great Kitchens, visitors will get a chance to experience the grandeur of life in the 16th century.

While visiting Scotland's Stirling Castle it is a must to check out the Queen Anne Garden. These attractive terraced gardens occupy a peaceful and colourful spot on the sunny south side of the castle. A royal garden was probably formed here in the 1400s.

As the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, it is not surprising that she was crowned at Stirling Castle. The ceremony took place in September 1543 in the old Chapel Royal, which is no longer standing. The queen was only nine months old and cried throughout the ceremony. It is also said that Stirling Castle is where she fell in love with her cousin and future husband, Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley.

Some say a lion was kept at Stirling Castle. James V’s Palace is built around an open rectangular courtyard known as the Lion’s Den. James did own at least one lion (heraldic symbol of the king of Scots) and it has been suggested that the Lion’s Den was where it was housed.

Stirling Castle has something for everyone, visit the castle on your next tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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Discover the cliff-fringed harbor of Portree, Scotland

With a harbor fringed by cliffs, Portree is the largest town on Scotland’s most famous of islands, the Isle of Skye. Built around its harbor, Portree is a bustling port town, thriving cultural center and popular destination for travelers.

Portree boasts excellent leisure facilities, including the award-winning Aros Centre, which runs regular theatre, concerts and film screenings, pony-trekking and boat cruises plus plenty of shopping opportunities. The town is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island. Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north: this is wild country dominated by weird and wonderful rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quiraing.

Imagine sitting on one of the loveliest terraces in Portree overlooking one of the most historical and scenic harbors on Scotland’s enchanting Isle of Skye. Discover the idyllic beauty of Portree on your next tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours. Portree is a featured stop on our new Highland’s Explorer vacation to Scotland.

Highland's Explorer

Highlands Explorer

5 days of Scotland at its breathtaking best. Visit the dramatic mountain scenery of Assynt and experience the remote white sandy beaches of the Northern Highlands, walk through the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorm National Park and soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Further highlights include Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scotland's highest road out to the remote village of Applecross, giving you a tour unrivalled for the best views of Scotland.
Your Highlands Explorer Tour Highlights:
• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES • Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Four nights accommodations at your choice of B&B or Hotel
• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival
• Services of professional driver/guide
• Touring per your itinerary
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Discount card to restaurants, attractions and shopping
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal


Take a tour of Scotland's Highlands on your next tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours.

Glamis Castle, Scotland

Childhood home to Queen Elizabeth, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years, the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis Castle is living monument to Scottish history. Visit Glamis Castle on your Celtic Tours Historic Scotland self-drive vacation.

Glamis Castle is no stranger to royalty. Not only was it the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, it was also visited by other notable royals such as Mary Queen of Scots. Glamis Castle is also home to many a Scottish Legend and Ghost story including one story of how a there is said to be a secret room where a nobleman played cards with the devil himself. Considered to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland, known for the haunting of “The White Lady” who glides swiftly passed visitors. It is reported that over a 100 people claim to have seen the ghost on one occasion.

Glamis castle as witnessed more than 600 years of history and you will be delighted to hear the many stories, secrets and intriguing tales that surround it. Visit Glamis Castle on your Celtic Tours Historic Scotland self-drive vacation.

Scottish Dream - 10-Day Option!

Enjoy an Edinburgh Twilight Tour with dinner, Highland Entertainment, Loch Lomond Scenic Cruise, Culloden Moor, Edinburgh Castle, and Speyside Distillery.

If you would like to arrive in Glasgow a night or two before the tour begins, Celtic Tours will be happy to arrange a pre-night for you. Please call our reservations department at 800-833-4373.

Your Scottish Dream 10-Day tour includes:

* Group transfers on arrival and departure
* Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
* Edinburgh open-top bus tour
* Services of a professional Scottish tour director
* Superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 8 nights
* Full Scottish breakfast daily, except for day of arrival
* Six (6) dinners including
Dinner at Prezzo Italian Restaurant in Leith, near Edinburgh
5 table d'hote dinners
* Welcome get-together drink
* Sightseeing tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh
* Scenic cruise of Loch Lomond
* Ferry to the Isle of Skye
* Sheepdog trials at Leault Farm
* Ceilidh in Inverness hotel with singers, piper and dancers
* Whisky tasting and tour at Glenfiddich Distillery
* Scottish afternoon tea and scones at Falls of Feugh
* Twilight tour of Edinburgh
* Reserved seats for Edinburgh Military Tattoo on July 30 to August 20 departures
* Visits and admissions to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Inveraray Castle, Clan Donald Centre, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Kiltmaker Visitor Centre, St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle
* Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
* All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Take the Scottish Dream Tour with Celtic Tours. Contact us today!

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is a must see for anyone visiting Edinburgh. Steeped in dramatic history, amazing shopping, eclectic bars and full of literary greats, there is something for everyone. Visit Edinburgh’s Grassmarket on your next self-drive tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours. Going Potter in Scotland, is a great self-drive vacation where you discover some of the filming locations from the popular Harry Potter movies.

The Grassmarket boasts a wonderfully eclectic range of shops. A paradise of Scottish designers, artisans and independent merchants selling everything from gourmet food and drink and luxurious knitwear to cutting edge fashions, antique books and unique gifts. Most shops are owner operated; adding to the feeling that your shopping experience is truly special.

From Willie Wordsworth and Robert Burns to J K Rowling, visitors will find themselves immersed in Edinburgh’s rich literary scene. Many of the cafés in the area provided JK Rowling with the perfect atmosphere to write her first Harry Potter book, stop in for a rest in between shopping and sightseeing in Scotland’s capital city. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, travelers will enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, well preserved cobble stone streets and medieval architecture. Try to take some time to investigate the historic Grassmarket, one of the most vibrant, picturesque and convivial areas of the city.

Historically, the Grassmarket was a site for hangings and revelry. A popular story in Edinburgh is that of Maggie Dickson, a fishwife from Musselburgh who was hanged in the Grassmarket in 1728 for murdering her own baby. After the hanging, her body was taken back to Musselburgh in a coffin. However, on the way there she awoke. Under Scots Law she had served her punishment. Only later were the words "until dead" added to the sentence of hanging. It was also to some extent seen as divine intervention, and so she was allowed to go free. In later life (and legend) she was thereafter referred to as Half-Hangit Maggie. There is now a pub named after Maggie situated on the Grassmarket.

Try visiting Edinburgh’s Grassmarket on Celtic Tours Going Potter in Scotland self-drive tour. On this tour you will discover the filming locations from the famous Harry Potter movies, ride on the Jacobite Steam Train and dive into the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Going Potter in Scotland - Self-Drive Vacation

Join this fabulous Harry Potter themed tour and get much more than a day in a crowded theme park or an abbreviated mini-tour! This fantastic exploration of Scotland is perfect for the budget-minded traveler.

Your Going Potter in Scotland Tour Includes:

* 6 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Jacobite Steam Train return ticket between Fort William and Mallaig (subject to availability at time of booking)
* Going Potter in Scotland Road Book with full itinerary and additional Scotland/sightseeing information
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*
* Carbon offsetting contribution donated to the National Trust for Scotland

Learn more about this fantastic Harry Potter Vacation in Scotland

Discover the Tale Behind Edinburgh's Famous Wizard

Around Edinburgh, especially its Old Town, a lot of mysterious stories are to be found. For example Major Weir, a wizard who lived near the Grassmarket. He used to send his walking stick on errands! Some say he was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Discover the story and mystery behind the famous wizard on your Tales and Mysteries Tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours.

Weir was a Scottish Covenanter who professed a particularly strict form of Presbyterianism, and whose spoken prayers were popular and attracted visitors to his home in Edinburgh. He lived on West Bow with his sister Jean, who is also known as Grizel. There are many stories on how his secret life of witchcraft and sorcery got out. One story is that he took ill and spilled the story on his sick bed. He was convicted in a hugely talked-about trial in April of 1670, and sentenced to be strangled then burned at the stake. Weir was burned to death at Gallowlee. He was the last man to be burned for witchcraft in Scotland.

Weir's staff was said to have a life of its own, carrying out Weir's evil orders as well as his errands. Made of black thornwood and carved with satyr heads, Weir's staff was said to be the source of his powers.


Discover the story and mystery behind the famous wizard on your Tales and Mysteries Tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours.

Scotland's Tales and Mysteries Tour

Scotland is renowned for its ghostly sightings and for its history - steeped in unexplained happenings. Here there is a wealth of wonderfully mysterious castles for you to explore. This tour starts in Edinburgh where you can learn of the wizard, Major Weir; travel on to Glamis Castle reputed to be the most haunted castle in Scotland; and visit the famed Loch Ness.

Your Scotland's Tales and Mysteries Tour Includes:

* 9 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Ferry one way from Armadale to Mallaig for car and 2 passengers
* Scotland's Tales and Mysteries Tour road book with full itinerary and additional Scotland/sightseeing information
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*
* Carbon offsetting contribution donated to the National Trust for Scotland



*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement

Discover the Tales and Mysteries of Scotland on this unique self-drive vacation.

Scone Palace

Immortalized in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, once the capital of the Pictish kingdom, today Scone Palace attracts visitors from all over the world. There is so much to see and enjoy at Scone Palace, the history, the art and antiques, the superb landscape and architecture, fun for the children, shopping and exploring that one visit is never enough. Scone Palace is an optional visit on Celtic Tours self-drive tour of Scotland, Glimpse of Scotland.

Built of red sandstone, Scone Palace is a classic example of late Georgian Gothic style lending way to its colorful and exciting history. Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland.

Poised over the River Tay with the Grampian Mountains as a backdrop, the Scone Palace beckons with an amazing scenic location. A visit to Scone Palace would be incomplete without enjoying the Palace grounds. They are as splendid as the Palace itself.

Whatever your age or interests Scone Palace is waiting for you to uncover its riches. Visit Scone Palace on your Glimpse of Scotland, self-drive vacation of Scotland.

Glimpse of Scotland Tour

Glimpse of Scotland

Experience the Highlights of Scotland on this leisurely 5-day tour, which includes a comfortable stay by the banks of Loch Ness, a woodland walk, time to explore awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

Your Glimpse of Scotland Tour Includes:

* 4 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Glimpse of Scotland Tour Road Book with full itinerary and additional Scotland/sightseeing information
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*
* Carbon offsetting contribution donated to the National Trust for Scotland

Visit Scotland with Celtic Tours on this wonderful self-drive tour.