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.

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

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.

Islay and the Whisky Coast - Escorted Tour of Scotland

Islay and Whisky Coast - 8 Day Small Group Escorted Tour

A tour taking in two of the most famous whisky regions in the world. First you visit the beautiful island of Islay, renowned for its peaty, smoky malt whiskies. Following 2 nights in the historic city of Edinburgh, your tour continues north to Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland's malt whicky distilleries.

Your Islay and Whisky Coast Tour Highlights:

• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Seven 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


Tour Islay and the Whisky Coast 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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Orknery Explorer

A tour to treasure for a lifetime. Highlights of the tour are the magical beauty and prehistoric history of the Orkney archipelago, the rugged extremes of Scotland's northern coastline, Loch Ness and the Caledonian forests of the Cairngorm National Park.

Your Orkney 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 the Orkney Explorer Tour with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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Best of Britain

Best of Britain
Your Best of Britain Tour Includes:

• 9 Nights Accommodations
• Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*

Your Best of Britain Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival at own discretion in London. Collect your hire car and make the short trip to Cambridge. There should be some time to this charming University town with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. Overnight in the Cambridge area.

Day 2 You might want to spend some more time in the morning discovering Cambridge. Late morning though it is time to depart and head for the north of England. On your way to the North of England we suggest a stop in the Peak District. The Peak District's natural beauty and sheep-grazed crags contrast with the factories of nearby valley towns. Visit Chatsworth House and Gardens, one of Britain's most impressive stately homes. The house has beautiful gardens, landsaped in the 1760s by Capability Brown and developed by the head gardener, Joseph Paxton , in the mid-19th century. Overnight in York/Harrogate area

Day 3 In the morning we will have time to explore York, the quaint town in the North of England. The city of York has retained so much of its medieval structure that walking into its centre is like entering a living museum. Walking through the town you will see the famous York Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps. After exploring York your journey will take you to Edinburgh via Jedburgh and Melrose. Stop at picturesque Jedburgh Abbey to learn about the Augustinian monks who once lived here and Melrose Abbey, once one of the richest abbeys in Scotland. It is here that Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried. Overnight in Edinburgh, where you will be staying for 2 nights. 

Day 4 Spend the morning discovering Edinburgh with all its nooks and crannies. Scotland's capital city is really made up of 2 smaller “towns”. Edinburgh's medieval origins were in the narrow cobbled streets around the Royal Mile - a long road linking the 2 ancient royal residences. The city has been the home of great politicians, religious leaders and inventors throughout the centuries. Nearby are the university and the new Scottish Parliament while the city skyline is dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Later, in contrast, admire the elegant tree-lined crescents of the 18th century “New Town” - built by Robert Adam in the classical style of that era and representing the largest area of conserved Georgian architecture in Europe. Overnight in Edinburgh again.

Day 5 It is time to depart from Edinburgh this morning. You will be crossing the Forth Road Bridge, which offers excellent views over the famous Forth Rail Bridge, dating back to 1890. You will be heading through the ancient Kingdom of Fife on your way north. Make sure to make a stop in the charming market town of Dunkeld with its beautiful old cathedral. From here the scenery becomes more and more rugged as you enter the Highlands. Later that day you reach Aviemore, which lies in the Cairngorm National Park. Overnight in the Aviemore area.

Day 6 From Aviemore this morning, the drive to Inverness and on to Loch Ness will not be long. See if you will be able to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster or if in doubt visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition in Drumnadrochit. Follow the loch south passing the town of Fort William which lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain at 1344 metres. From here take the direct route past Loch Lomond on to Glasgow for overnight.

Day 7 Depart from Glasgow, travelling south over the natural border to England's beautiful Lake District - Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and the spectacular scenery in the surrounding areas inspired the writer and poet William Wordsworth who lived in the region. Lake Windermere will invite to a boat trip and also Sizergh Castle & Gardens is worth a visit. Originally built in the Middle Ages by the Strickland family, who still live here, this imposing house has an exceptional series of oak-panelled rooms culminating in the Inlaid Chamber. The garden includes two lakes and a superb rock garden. All this is set in a 638ha estate crossed by public footpaths, providing short walks from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. Head south to Liverpool area for overnight.

Day 8 After breakfast travel via Stratford upon Avon towards London. Situated on the west bank of the River Avon, in the heart of the Midlands, is one of the most famous towns in England. Stratford-upon-Avon dates back to at least Roman times but its appearance today is that of a small Tudor market town, with mellow, half-timbered architecture and tranquil walks beside the tree-fringed Avon. This image belies its popularity as the most visited tourist attraction outside London, with eager hordes flocking to see buildings connected to William Shakespeare or his descendants. We will visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, which was almost entirely reconstructed in the 19th century, but in the style of the Tudor original. Overnight in the Bath area.

Day 9 After breakfast we will explore Bath. Bath owes its magnificent Georgian townscape to the bubbling pool of water at the heart of the Roman Baths. The Romans transformed Bath into England's first spa resort and it regained fame as a spa town in the 18th century. At this time the two brilliant John Woods, both architects, designed the city's fine Palladian-style buildings. Many houses bear plaques recording the numerous famous people who have resided here. In the afternoon you can travel to Stonehenge for an unforgettable visit. Stonehenge built in several stages from about 3000BC, is Europe's most famous prehistoric monument. We can guess at the rituals that took place here, but the alignment of the stones leaves little doubt that the circle is connected with the sun and the passing of the seasons. Overnight again in the Bath area.


Day 10 Departure day. Travel to London and the airport for departure. Please note that travelling time from Bath to London Heathrow will be at least two hours.


*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement.

Going Potter in Scotland

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

Visit Scotland your way! See the sites in the famous Harry Potter films on this fabulous self-drive vacation to Scotland


*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement.

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.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A whirling and colorful kaleidoscope of music, dance and display set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been an international favorite for over 60 years!

Against the spectacular backdrop of Scotland's top tourist attraction, performers from four continents, including participants from as far afield as South Africa and South America, together with the finest modern production technology, are set to provide an abundance of matchless entertainment at next year's Tattoo (5-27 August) on the floodlit esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

The show is always fresh, exciting and alive. Performers from over 40 countries have presented here, delivering a new and unique show every time. Types of performances range from exciting, with daredevil motorcycles at top speed and the breathtaking re-enactment of battles, to exotic, with Turkish music or Chinese dancers; or simply the best of Scottish, with Scottish Highland dancers wheeling and swirling to a fiddle orchestra. This years action packed program features exciting performances from the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Highland Dancing, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the stirring music of the world-famous Massed Pipes and Drums. An international flavor will be added by, amongst others, a Dutch Mounted Bicycle Band and South Africa’s Navy Band.

You are not going to want to miss this once in a lifetime experience. With the show generally selling out early, Celtic Tours is pleased to announce the extended availability of our Edinburgh Military Tattoo packages. With three vacation packages to choose from, we offer plenty of opportunity to explore Scotland and its famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Scotland Whisky Regions

Scotland is divided into six whisky-producing regions; Speyside, Lowlands, Highlands, Campbeltown, Islands and Islay. Although each whisky is unique, the malts produced in each region have some common characteristics which separate them from whiskies from other regions. These differences are the result of several factors as for example the use of different raw materials, climate variations and different production techniques.

Islay

Islay is a small island west of the Scottish mainland and is the home of many well-known malt whiskies. Although a few milder versions exits, Islay whisky in general is smoky, peaty and salty and has quite a bit of tang and tar thrown into the mix. The island once had 23 distilleries operating at the same time but the number of active distilleries is now down to eight. Islay is a centre of "whisky tourism", and hosts a "Festival of Malt and Music" known as Fèis Ìle each year at the end of May, with events and tastings celebrating the cultural heritage of the island. The whiskies of the distilleries along the southeastern coast of the island, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, have a smoky character derived from peat, considered a central characteristic of the Islay malts, and ascribed both to the water from which the whisky is made and to the peating levels of the barley.

Lowlands

As the name suggests, the Lowlands is a flat region without mountains. It is also the southernmost part of Scotland. Whisky from the Lowlands is single malt whisky traditionally triple distilled giving it a smooth and slightly fiery taste. It is also very light in salt, peat and smoke as opposed to many other whiskies. Any Lowland whisky is a fine aperitif.

Speyside

Speyside boasting the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland, is the undisputed center for whisky in Scotland. Speyside is geographically part of the Highlands but is considered a separate region because of its size and the different characteristics of Speyside whisky as opposed to other Highland whisky. The region has received its name from the river Spey which cuts through the area. Many of the distilleries use water straight from the river Spey in their production process. The malt is considered to be refined, sweet and elegant. If you wish to introduce a friend to the world of whisky, a Speyside is a good choice with its rich flavour, complexity and relatively mild character.

Highlands

The Highlands is the largest of the whisky producing regions in Scotland. The whisky is often powerful, has a rich flavor and is quite smoky although slightly less so than whisky from the Islands. Compared to the Lowlands, Highland whiskies often taste very different from each other. This is partly due to the size of the region which allows for greater differences in the microclimate, but variations in raw materials and productions techniques also play an important part. The word ‘glen’ is commonly used in the name of both Highland and Speyside distilleries and means ‘valley’.

Campbeltown

The region Campbeltown was once a flourishing whisky region and the city of Campbeltown was considered to be the whisky capital of Scotland. In 1886 there were no less than 21 distilleries in and surrounding the city. Today only three distilleries remain. Campbeltown is still referred to as a separate whisky producing region, but today the reason is mostly historical.

Islands

It is not uncommon for this region to be confused with Islay but Islands is in fact a separate production region which consists of the islands Mull, Orkney, Jura, Arran, Shetlands and Skye. It is a source of constant debate whether Orkney belongs to the Islands or in fact should be counted as part of the Highlands region. Whisky from the Islands may be described as a milder version of Islay whisky and is often appreciated by those who have enjoyed whisky for a few years. The well-known whisky Talisker is produced on the beautiful Island of Skye. The Blackwood Distillery is the most recent addition to Scotland’s family of distilleries and is currently being built on one of the Shetland Islands.

Learn more about Scotch Whisky on your Celtic Tours Whisky Tour of Scotland

Inverewe Garden

Inverewe Gardens

On Scotland’s western, rugged, wind-driven coast, on a similar latitude to Hudson Bay in Canada in an unforgettable tropical delight. Inverewe Gardens is one of the best-known of Scotland’s ‘sub-tropical’ gardens. It was created in 1862 by Sir Osgood Mackenzie and is well worth a visit, particularly in April, May and June.

Scotland is not usually associated with lush exotic flowers and tropical greenery, which is exactly what makes it so surprising. This is thanks to a natural phenomenon called the North Atlantic Drift which brings the warm currents from the Caribbean, to this fifty acre garden.

Built on a craggy hillside with a majestic setting on the water’s edge of Loch Ewe, Inverewe Garden has a famous Walled Garden with plants from around the world including Chinese rhododendrons, Tasmanian eucalypts and New Zealand daisy bushes as well as Woodland containing a canopy of Scots Pine trees - a unique feature - which are underplanted with many unusual woodland plants such as Meconopsis and Primula and including our own Primula Inverewe. Extensive views from both low and high vantage points of Loch Ewe, the surrounding Highlands and out to sea offering wind sheltered vistas.

Visit Inverewe Gardens on your next Celtic Tours vacation to Scotland. You can stop to Inverewe Gardens on our new self-drive tour of Scotland, Historic Scotland.

Historic Scotland

Historic Scotland

Celtic Tour's new self-drive tour exploring a selection of the Scotland's finest historic landmarks, castles, and battlegrounds. Your vacation begins in Edinburgh, Scotland's majestic Capital and explores the many historical highlights of this beautiful city.

Your Historic Scotland Tour Includes:

* 7 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Historic 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

Learn more about this exciting tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours

*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement.

Discover Scotland's Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster, also known as “Nessie”, is one of the best known mysteries of Scotland. The Loch Ness Monster is often described as a plesiosaur-like creature, with a long, thick neck and is named after the Loch it is said to inhabit.

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil. Loch Ness is the second largest Scottish Loch by surface area after Loch Lomond, but is the largest in depth. With its depth, murkiness and reported underground caverns, it is easy to see how the mythical Loch Ness Monster could hide.

The Loch Ness Monster is considered to be a cryptid, any creature that may or may not exist. Sightings of various cryptids have been reported, but their reality has not been proved. Many cryptids are also lake monsters, but can be anything from humanoid creatures to blue tigers.

Though there have been many sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, since as early as 500 AD: the scientific community regards the Loch Ness Monster as a modern-day myth, and explains sightings as a mix of hoaxes and wishful thinking.

See for yourself when you visit Scotland on your next vacation. Visit The Loch Ness Exhibition Centre and learn about the history, the possible sightings and the scientific experiments of this famed creature. Visitors to the exhibition have rave reviews. Loch Ness is just one of the stops on Celtic Tours new tour of Scotland: Scotland’s Tales and Mysteries Tour. Learn More!

Celtic Tours is proud to offer many Scotland themed tours, from Scotland’s Tales and Mysteries Tour to Historic Scotland. Click here to browse our Scotland and England Tours.