Scotland 7 Day Tours

With all our tours we give you an unparalleled insight into our nation’s beauty, history and geography, we show you our dramatic scenery and warm hospitality.  There really is something for everyone in Scotland .

 

We don't do scheduled tours, all our tours are geared for groups of friends or family travelling together.  We can offer car's with dedicated driver/guides for individuals or couple's at very competative prices as well as minibuses for up to 16 passengers.  Don't put up with coach tours full of strangers join us on our tours and you will be amazed at what Scotland has contributed to the world we live in.  All our driver/guides are in Highland Dress.

 

We have a goal - to make sure you enjoy your holiday.  WE DON'T VISIT WOOLEN MILLS UNLESS YOU WANT TO!!!!

  

Call or email us with your pick-up and drop-off points and how may are travelling and we will quote for any of our tours.  Just go into contact us for our phone number or email details.

All times stated are approximate and may vary according to road conditions. 

We reserve the right to amend the published routes as required.

***SPECIAL OFFER***  Book a tour for 2009 now and pay 2008 prices.  

 

Border Express 7 Day Tours

  

TOUR 1 - Itinerary

 

0800    Depart for Melrose Abbey

0930    Arrive Melrose Abbey

Melrose Abbey is a ruin with ornate masonry. The Abbey is thought to be the place where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried. There is also a small museum housing a display of artefacts found in the abbey 

1015    Depart for Hermitage Castle

1100   Arrive Hermitage Castle

Hermitage has stood watch over miles of surrounding moorland for 5 centuries.  It has a violent past that includes murder by starvation, and boiling alive.  There is a 14^th century tower built by the Douglas family, and surrounding it there are now a further 4 towers with

connecting walls.  Mary Queen of Scots rode some 25 miles from Jedburgh to Hermitage Castle to see her wounded husband in 1566.

 

1200    Depart for Gretna

 

1300    Arrive Gretna

World famous for its romantic connections,  Gretna has been offering weddings to runaway couples for over 250 years, mainly because it was the first stop after the Scottish Border on the old stagecoach route. Its popularity grew after Lord Hardwicke introduced a parliamentary bill to stop secret marriages in England .  The bill did not affect the Scottish marriage laws, so many English couples eloped to Gretna to marry.  Many people set themselves up as priests during this time, one of the first was Joseph Paisley, a fisherman and smuggler! 

1430         Depart for Caerlaverock

1500    Arrive Caerlaverock

This castle is built to unique triangular shape, and is surrounded by a double moat and miles of marshland and willow woods.  The Castle was built to defend the south west of Scotland  from enemies intruding across the  Solway Firth . 

1600    Depart for Ayr for overnight stay

 

 

Day 2

 

0900   Depart Ayr

 

0930   Arrive Culzean Castle

 

The Kennedy Family are one of Scotland’s oldest families and can trace their ancestry back to King Robert the Bruce. Culzean Castle was their principal home from 1759.  The castle and its landscape are designed to reflect their status. Over the centuries, the Kennedys transformed a medieval tower house, built to protect its inhabitants during dangerous times, into one of the grandest country houses in Ayrshire.
 

 

1100   Depart Culzean

 

1130   Arrive Burns Cottage

 

Built by William Burns in 1757, this cottage has been restored to recreate the childhood of Robert Burns.

 

1215    Depart Burns Cottage

 

1230    Arrive Ayr for lunch

 

1345    Depart for Tam O' Shanter Experience

1400    Arrive Tam O' Shanter  Experience

1430    Depart for Largs

 

1530   Arrive Largs, and Viking Visitor Centre

 

Largs is a popular seaside town on the beautiful west coast of Scotland .  There is plenty to see and do here, including regular ferries to the nearby island of Millport , where

 

there is an annual country and western festival. for the golfer, there is a choice of two courses.  Largs is also the place where the Battle of Largs took place back in 1263.

 

We will be staying ovenight in Largs.

 

Day 3

0900    Depart for Loch Lomond ,

1000    Arrive Loch Lomond,  take a boat trip from Balloch and lunch

 

We will take you to the ‘Bonnie Banks’ of Loch Lomond where you can take a boat trip round the islands of the loch, learning more about the wildlife and marine life, as well as

clan history from the skipper.  For the more energetic amongst you, why not sample one of the nature trails.  There are always beautiful views to be enjoyed too.

 

1330    Depart for Inveraray 

 

1430   Arrive Inveraray

 

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll this picturesque town is known as the gateway to Argyll.  There is much to see and plenty of attractions to visit, including Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll; The Inveraray Maritime Museum, which houses the ‘Arctic Penguin’  a  3 masted schooner built around 1911.  Why not visit the bell tower of St Mary ’s Episcopal Church, which has spectacular views across Loch Fyne, as well as some of Scotland ’s finest bells.

 

1700    Depart for Oban for overnight stay.

 

Day 4 

 

0900    Depart for Kilchurn Castle 

 

0930    Arrive Kilchurn Castle

 

The Castle was historically a Campbell stronghold but was built on an earlier McGregor of Glenstrae site. The McGregors were the dominant clan in the area until being eclipsed by the Campbells . The Castle was held by the Campbells for 400 years and became a government stronghold in Jacobean times.

 

1130    Arrive Glencoe and Fort William including lunch. 

Glencoe is one of Scotland ’s most famous glens, popular with visitors from all over the world.  Parts of the third Harry Potter film were filmed in Glencoe during May and June 2007.  Why not go for a gentle stroll and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, or perhaps try out the Harry Potter safari? There are nearby beaches to be enjoyed year round, remember to wrap up warmly in winter though!

 

Only 14 miles from Glencoe,  Fort William  has many shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.  Nestled amid awe inspiring scenery, this gateway to the Highlands is a must see in any tour of Scotland .  Ben Nevis is close by, and if you are visiting in July you may catch the world famous Highland Games, which have evolved from our Clan chiefs arranging contests to select the fittest men for their armies. 

 

 

1345    Depart Fort William

1530   Arrive Eileen Donan 

Eilean Donan Castle is recognised all around the world as one of the most iconic images of Scotland .   Situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by amazing scenery, it is hardly surprising  that the castle is now one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands. 

 

1700   Depart for Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight stay

 

 Day 5 

0830   Depart for Loch Ness

 

1000  Arrive Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

 

This has to be one of the most famous ruined castles in the world.  Built on a rocky outcrop on the fringes of Loch Ness and commanding stunning views across the Loch , this is another must-see on your tour.  Learn about the history of the castle in the visitor centre, look out for Nessie in the waters of the loch.  Loch Ness is the largest freshwater loch in Britain and is so large, it never freezes.  The area around the Loch is the heartland of historic clans, and you could be walking in your ancestors footsteps.  Discover the Loch Ness tartan, or your own tartan.

 

1200   Arrive Inverness for lunch

 

The most northerly city in Scotland is surprisingly metropolitan.  All the big name shops are here, as well as lots of  independent retailers.  There are place s to eat to suit every budget.

 

1400   Depart Inverness 

1515   Arrive Corrieshalloch Gorge

This beautiful mile-long gorge is over 60 m (200 ft) deep. The river drops 46 m (150 ft) over the Falls of Measach . There is also a suspension bridge over the gorge, built by John Fowler who was also a joint designer of the Forth Railway Bridge . There is a  viewing platform  looking up towards the spectacular falls.

 

1615    Depart for Ullapool for overnight stay

 

Day 6

0800    Depart for Smoocave

1000    Arrive Smoocave

Smoocave is the largest and most dramatic coastline cave in Britain.  Witchcraft was practised here as recently as 1956!   

1300    Arrive Helmsdale to visit the Timespan Heritage Centre and have lunch

 

The Timespan Heritage Centre will provide much information on the history of the area, including the clans that were removed during the clearances.  Helmsdale was the site of sever highland clearances.  Large areas of upper Kildonan had been entirely cleared, and the people offered tiny allotments of poor land on the cliff tops near Helmsdale, or sent into exile in Canada - the choice of many of the younger people. In June of the year they sailed from Stromness in Orkney, bound for the Red River in Manitoba and now runs through the great city of Winnipeg which was founded by the Kildonan settlers.

 

1730    Arrive Inverness for overnight stay

 

Day 7 

 

0830    Depart Inverness

 

0900    Arrive Culloden

 

Culloden is the site for the last land battle on British soil, where Bonny Prince Charlie stood his ground against the Government forces. 

1100         Arrive Dallas Dhu Distillery

The now disused distillery of Dallas Dhu was built in 1898 to produce malt whisky for Glasgow firm Wright and Greig’s popular ‘Roderick Dhu’ blend.
Visitors to Dallas Dhu can see and hear how whisky was made here – there is an audio-visual presentation and free audio guide. You can also sample a free dram.  Although the distillery is no longer in use, this allows you to see far more of the whisky making process than you would in a working distillery.  

1245    Arrive Elgin for lunch

Elgin in Moray (Scottish Gaelic: Eilginn) is a royal burgh and a former parliamentary burgh in Moray. The origin of the name is obscure, but may be derived from Eilgín, "Little Ireland".  One of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, Elgin Cathedral is a magnificent ruin, much of which dates back to the 13th century.

Its many outstanding architectural features include the country’s finest octagonal chapter house.

1415    Depart Elgin 

1515    Arrive Aviemore

This small town hs plenty for the visitor to see and do, including some unique shops and eating places.  Dont miss the river Gardens, close to the main street.

1545    Depart Aviemore

1700    Arrive Pitlochry

Surrounded by stunning countryside, Pitlochry has lots to offer the visitor. There are a wide selection of shops and places to eat and drink.  Visit Edradour, the smallest distillery in the world.   Check out the ‘ Pass of Killiecrankie ’ a site of historic importance and impressive views.

1800    Depart for Edinburgh

 

TOUR 2 - Itinerary 

 

Day 1

0830    Depart Edinburgh

1000    Arrive Balloch, ( Loch Lomond ) including boat trip and lunch.

The area around Loch Lomond is renowned for its beauty and tranquility.  It is some 24 miles long and over 600 feet deep in places.  The loch has around 38 islands, some of which are inhabited and one island even has a hotel! There are a wide selection of eating places around  the Loch , whether you want a quick snack or a full three course meal.

1400    Depart Loch Lomond

1500    Arrive Inveraray 

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll this picturesque town is known as the gateway to Argyll.  There is much to see and plenty of attractions to visit, including Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll; The Inveraray Maritime Museum, which houses the ‘Arctic Penguin’  a  3 masted schooner built around 1911.  Why not visit the belltower of St Mary’s Episcopal church, which has spectacular views across Loch Fyne, as well as some of Scotland ’s finest bells.

1700    Depart Inveraray

1800    Arrive Oban for overnight stay.

 

Day 2

0900    Depart for Kilchurn Castle

0930    Arrive Kilchurn Castle

The Castle was historically a Campbell stronghold but was built on an earlier McGregor of Glenstrae site. The McGregors were the dominant clan in the area until being eclipsed by the Campbells.The Castle was held by the Campbells for 400 years and became a government stronghold in Jacobean times.

 

1200    Arrive Glencoe

 

 Glencoe is one of Scotland ’s most famous glens, popular with visitors from all over the world.  Parts of the third Harry Potter film were filmed in Glencoe during May and June 2007.  Why not go for a gentle stroll and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, or perhaps try out the Harry Potter safari? There are nearby beaches to be enjoyed year round, remember to wrap up warmly in winter though!

1245    Depart Glencoe

1300    Arrive Fort William for lunch

Only 14 miles from Glencoe, this attractive town has many shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.  Nestled amid awe inspiring scenery, this gateway to the Highlands is a must see in any tour of Scotland .  Ben Nevis is close by, and if you are visiting in July you may catch the world famous Highland Games, which have evolved from our Clan chiefs arranging contests to find the strongest and fittest men for their armies!  

1430    Depart Fort William

1600    Arrive Eileen Donan Castle 

Eilean Donan Castle is recognised all around the world as one of the most iconic images of Scotland .   Situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by amazing scenery, it is hardly surprising  that the castle is now one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands. 

1730    Arrive Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight stay

 

Day 3 

0900    Depart for Skye

1030    Arrive Musuem of Island Life (Skye)

1200    Arrive Portree for lunch

1415    Arrive Talisker Distillery

1515    Depart Talisker

1600    Arrive Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the Chiefs of MacLeod for almost  800 years and it is still their home. Built on a Rock once surrounded entirely by salt water, it is unique in Scotland as the only house of such antiquity to have retained its family and its roof throughout the centuries, surviving both feast and famine, and intermittent periods of warring with neighbouring clans.

1645    Depart Dunvegan

1730    Arrive Portree for overnight stay.

 

Day 4 

0800     Depart Portree

1030    Arrive Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

This has to be one of the most famous ruined castles in the world.  Built on a rocky outcrop on the fringes of Loch Ness and commanding stunning views across the Loch , this is another must-see on your tour.  Learn about the history of the castle in the visitor centre, look out for Nessie in the waters of the loch.  Loch Ness is the largest freshwater loch in Britain and is so large, it never freezes.  The area around the Loch is the heartland of historic clans, and you could be walking in your ancestors footsteps.  Discover the Loch Ness tartan, or your own tartan.

1200    Depart Loch Ness

1230    Arrive Inverness for lunch

1430    Depart for Culloden

1500    Arrive Culloden

Culloden is the site for the last land battle on British soil, where Bonny Prince Charlie stood his ground against the Government forces. 

1630    Depart for Elgin for overnight stay

 

Day 5  

0815    Depart Elgin

1030    Arrive Kingussie and Highland Folk Museum

1115    Depart Kingussie

1200    Arrive Blair Atholl

Situated in the unspoilt heart of Scotland , dominated by the magnificent Blair Castle , there is plenty to see and do on your visit.  Why not visit the castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, or visit the Atholl Country Life Museum . Find out more about your Clan, in the clan shop in Pitlochry.  Visit a working water mill and take a break in the tearooms.  Or for the more creative, why not visit the artists studio in Calvine.

1315    Arrive Pitlochry for lunch

1430    Depart Pitlochry

1515    Arrive Crieff

The second largest town in Perthshire and a tourist resort since Victorian times.  Visit the Glenturret Distillery, which claims to be Scotland ’s oldest, Crieff was also once an ancient cattle market, and cattle would be driven here from the North of Scotland by the Highlanders.

1635    Depart Crieff

1730    Arrive Stirling for overnight stay

 

Day 6 

0915    Depart for Stirling Castle

0930    Arrive Stirling Castle

The powerhouse of Scotland , this great fortress was the key to Scotland , as whoever held Stirling could control the country.  The castle contains the recently restored Great Hall and the Gatehouse of James IV, the marvellous palace of James V , and the Chapel Royal remodelled by James VI.  Artillery fortifications dating from the 16^th - 18^th centuries can also be seen.  Stirling Castle is a sight not to be

 

missed on any tour.

 

1130    Depart Stirling

 

1200    Arrive Falkirk for lunch and Wheel

 

1400    Depart Falkirk

 

1540    Arrive Linlithgow Palace

 

Linlithgow was the favoured residence of the Stewart dynasty (1406 – 1437) and the birthplace of James V in 1512, as well, in 1542 the birthplace of ‘Mary Queen of Scots’. 

 

Works commissioned by James I, III, IV, V and VI.  The Great Hall and Chapel must be seen, as well as the recently restored fountain.

 

1630     Depart Linlithgow

1800     Arrive Edinburgh for overnight stay.

 

 

Day 7 

0900     Depart Edinburgh 

1015     Arrive Scotts View

This was Sir Walter Scotts favourite vantage point from which to view the Borders

1030    Arrive Dryburgh Abbey

Medieval ruined abbey, resting place of Sir Walter Scott. Once inhabited by monks who observed a rule of silence, many visitors comment on how peaceful it is today.

 

1130    Depart Dryburgh

1200    Arrive Jedburgh for lunch and visit to Abbey

 

Jedburgh Abbey was built in 1138 by Canons (Augustine Monks) under the rule of King David I who was responsible for the building of all the Border Abbeys, (Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, Dryburgh)

 

1430    Jedburgh Castle Jail

The jail is built on the site of the original Jedburgh Castle and is reknowned for being haunted!

 

1530    Mary Queen of Scots House (Jedburgh)

 

One of her many places of residence in the Borders, this place is also reputed to be haunted by Mary herself.

 

1630    Depart for Edinburgh

 

 

TOUR 3 - Itinerary

Day 1

0900     Depart Edinburgh

1030     Arrive Pittenweem
Pittenweems history dates back to the 7th century, its name is of Pictish origins and means place by or of the cave.  Pittenweem now boasts a plethora of galleries, antique and craft shops.  A walk  around the towns winding streets will reveal many treasures.
 
1130     Depart Pittenweem 
 
1145     Arrive Anstruther and lunch
Visit the Scottish Fisheries Museum telling of the towns history going back to the Balmerino monks who owned most of the land and rented space out to the fishermen to dry their nets, the fishermen paid rents in the form of salted herring which were in abundance here.  You can also see the sailing drifter, ‘Reaper’ a zulu class fishing vessel conserved by the museum and viewed by specially built viewing galleries.Why not sample the award winning fish and chips for lunch, either to sit in or take away.  This is no ordinary fish and chip shop, lobster and crab are on the menu here.
 

1330     Depart Anstruther

1345     Arrive St. Andrews
St Andrews has the oldest university in Scotland, with many royal connections, including Prince William.  The castle and the cathedral are both looked after by Historic Scotland.  The castle ruins date back to the 13th Century, and its notable features are the dungeon and the mine.  The remains of the Cathedral are also worth seeing.
Golf 
The clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club was built in 1854.  Known as ‘The Ruling House’, it is also the HQ of the World Golf Association.  The club itself was founded in 1754 and the rules of the modern game were first drawn up here.  Many of golf’s finest competitors have played on the course.
 
1615     Depart St. Andrews
 
1700     Arrive Stirling for overnight stay
 
Day 2

 
0845     Depart for Stirling Castle 

0900    Arrive Stirling Castle
 The powerhouse of Scotland, this great fortress was the key to Scotland, as whoever held Stirling could control the country.  The castle contains the recently restored Great Hall and the Gatehouse of James IV, the marvellous palace of James V, and the Chapel Royal remodelled by James VI.  Artillery fortifications dating from the 16th  - 18th centuries can also be seen.  Stirling Castle is a sight not to be missed on any tour.
1100    Depart Stirling Castle
1145   Arrive Callendar for lunch

This town is busy year round.  Visit the plethora of independent shops, galleries potteries, craft centre, or woollen mill shops.   

1330     Depart Callendar for a short tour of the Trossachs (approx 2 hours including forest walk)

The Trossachs are an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ , especially in autumn, when the colours are incredible.  You may also see your first sighting of a Highland Cow, a small long haired breed with distinctive long horns.  You will also learn of another infamous Scotsman ‘Rob Roy’ (Mc Gregor).

1600     Arrive Aberfoyle for overnight stay.   
 
Day 3

 
0900     Depart Aberfoyle 

1000    Arrive Killin
 This attractive village sits at the west of Loch Tay. You will find plenty of shops and eating places.  Why not visit the ruins of Finlarig Castle or go to the Breadalbane Folklore Centre.
 1100    Depart Killin
 1200    Bridge of Orchie OR Crianlarich for lunch
This small village boasts a wealth of accommodation to suit all budgets.  It sits at the junction of two major road routes north and is also the meeting place of two long distance walking routes, the West Highland Way and the Coast to Coast walk.
 1330    Depart for Glencoe
 1400    Arrive Glencoe
 Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most famous glens, popular with visitors from all over the world.  Parts of the third Harry Potter film were filmed in Glencoe during May and June 2007.  Why not go for a gentle stroll and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, or perhaps try out the Harry Potter safari? There are nearby beaches to be enjoyed year round, remember to wrap up warmly in winter though!
 1530    Depart Glencoe
 1600    Arrive Fort William for overnight stay
 
Day 4

0910    Depart Fort William
0930    Visit Glenfinnan Monument, this is the place that Bonnie Prince Charlie landed and raised his standard, which brought about the last Jacobite rebellion, which ended at Culloden in 1746. 
1000    Depart Glenfinnan
1100    Arrive Fort Augustus, Loch Ness for boat trip and lunch. 
1330    Depart Fort Augustus
1400    Arrive Urquhart Castle
This has to be one of the most famous ruined castles in the world.  Built on a rocky outcrop on the fringes of Loch Ness and commanding stunning views across the Loch, this is another must-see on your tour.  Learn about the history of the castle in the visitor centre, look out for Nessie in the waters of the loch.  Loch Ness is the largest freshwater loch in Britain and is so large, it never freezes.  The area around the Loch is the heartland of historic clans, and you could be walking in your ancestors footsteps.  Discover the Loch Ness tartan, or your own tartan.
1520    Depart Urquhart Castle 
1600    Arrive Inverness for overnight stay
 
Day 5
 
0915    Depart Inverness

0930    Arrive Culloden
Culloden is the site for the last land battle on British soil, where Bonny Prince Charlie stood his ground against the Government forces.

1100    Depart Culloden

1115    Arrive Fort George
Fort George was created after Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated at Culloden in 1746, and is thought to be the best military fortification in Europe.

1230    Depart Fort George
1245    Arrive Nairn for lunch
1430    Depart Nairn
1445    Arrive Dallas Dhu Distillery
The now disused distillery of Dallas Dhu was built in 1898 to produce malt whisky for Glasgow firm Wright and Greig’s popular ‘Roderick Dhu’ blend.
Visitors to Dallas Dhu can see and hear how whisky was made here – there is an audio-visual presentation and free audio guide – and sample a free dram.  Although the distillery is no longer in use, this allows you to see far more of the whisky making process than you would in a working distillery.
1630    Depart Dallas Dhu
1700    Arrive Granton on Spey for overnight stay
 
 
Day 6

0930    Depart Granton on Spey

Located one mile downstream from the present bridge. The old bridge carried the military road from the Lecht to Nairn and Fort George. Constructed in 1754 by a detachment of men from Lord Charles Hay's Regiment, under the direction of Major William Caulfield, a former assistant of General Wade.

1000    Arrive Aviemore

1100    Depart Aviemore

1200    Arrive Calvine, Falls of Bruar

1245    Depart Calvine

1300    Arrive Blair Atholl for lunch and visit to Castle
Situated in the unspoilt heart of Scotland, dominated by the magnificent Blair Castle, there is plenty to see and do on your visit.  Why not visit the castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, or visit the Atholl Country Life Museum. Find out more about your Clan, in the clan shop in Pitlochry.  Visit a working water mill and take a break in the tearooms.  Or for the more creative, why not visit the artists studio in Calvine.
1500    Depart Blair Atholl
1515    Arrive Pass of Killiecrankie
1630    Depart for Pitlochry for overnight stay

Day 7

0900     Depart Pitlochry

0930    Arrive Castle Menzies 
1030    Depart Castle Menzies
1100    Arrive Crieff for lunch
The second largest town in Perthshire and a tourist resort since Victorian times.  Visit the Glenturret Distillery, which claims to be Scotland’s oldest, Crieff was also once an ancient cattle market, and cattle would be driven here from the North of Scotland by the Highlanders
1330    Depart Crieff
1400    Arrive Wallace Monument, Stirling
1445    Depart Stirling
1515    Arrive Lintlithgow Palace
Linlithgow was the favoured residence of the Stewart dynasty (1406 – 1437) and the birthplace of James V in 1512, as well as, in 1542, the birthplace of ‘Mary Queen of Scots’.  Works commissioned by James I, III, IV, V and VI.  The Great Hall and Chapel must be seen, as well as the recently restored fountain.
1615    Depart Linlithgow
1730    Arrive Edinburgh  

Remember your camera and enjoy your stay...

Haste ye back!

Tours can be tailor made to cater for your needs... Simply call us with your start and finish times and we will do the rest at Border Express.

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