5-Day Private Castle Tour – Highlights of the Highlands
This 5-day private tour takes you from Edinburgh through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting some of the country's most famous and photogenic castles. With a relaxed daily pace, this tour is ideal if you want to experience the best of the Highlands without feeling rushed.
The Schedule
Day by Day
Day 1
Edinburgh to Pitlochry
We leave Edinburgh and head north, visiting Falkland Palace and its beautiful gardens, followed by St Andrews Castle and Cathedral with time to explore the town. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Glamis Castle. We overnight in Pitlochry, staying at Fonab Castle Hotel or Pine Trees Hotel.
Day 2
Pitlochry to Dufftown
We continue into the Highlands, visiting Braemar Castle and the royal Balmoral Castle. We also stop at Ballater before reaching the Dufftown area for the night. Recommended stay at The Dowans Hotel.
Day 3
Dufftown to Fort Augustus
Today we visit Elgin Cathedral, the beautiful Cawdor Castle and gardens, and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. We overnight near Fort Augustus at Glengarry Castle Hotel or The Lovat.
Day 4
Fort Augustus to Fort William (with Isle of Skye option)
We visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, followed by Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye. We take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig and continue via the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Overnight in Fort William at Inverlochy Castle Hotel, or return to the Fort Augustus area.
Day 5
Fort William to Edinburgh / Glasgow
On our final day we travel through Glencoe, revisit Doune Castle and Stirling Castle, and stop at the National Wallace Monument. We return you to Edinburgh or Glasgow in the afternoon. Note: This tour can easily be extended by one day to include a full Isle of Skye day tour.
Where You'll Stay
Sample Hotels
Night 1
Fonab Castle Hotel or Pine Trees Hotel (Pitlochry)
Night 2
The Dowans Hotel (Dufftown)
Night 3
Glengarry Castle Hotel or The Lovat (Fort Augustus)
Night 4
Inverlochy Castle Hotel (Fort William)
What You'll Experience
Highlights
- Excellent balance of famous castles and beautiful scenery
- Relaxed pacing with flexibility each day
- Option to add an Isle of Skye day
- Strong mix of history, photography, and Highland landscapes
- Works very well for couples and small groups
In The Package
What's Included
- Private luxury vehicle and dedicated driver-guide throughout
- Four nights of curated Highland castle and country house accommodation
- Daily breakfast and selected evening dinners
- Private castle visits at Eilean Donan, Urquhart, and Cawdor
- All entrance fees, parking, and route planning handled
- Personalised itinerary document and pre-departure briefing
Is This You?
Who It Suits
First-time visitors to the Scottish Highlands and anyone who wants a well-balanced, scenic castle tour with excellent pacing.
Ready to Go?
Want to experience the best of the Scottish Highlands at a comfortable pace?
Every itinerary is a starting point. Tell us your group, your dates, and your dreams — we'll craft the rest.
Request Your Custom 5-Day Quote