Standing Stones, Castles & The Highlands of Scotland Private Tour from Glasgow

Private Tour Itinerary

Your journey begins as we depart from Glasgow, crossing the River Clyde, the city’s historic lifeline. As you travel west, enjoy sweeping views over the Clyde Estuary, where freshwater meets saltwater.

On clear days, you may even spot where Viking longboats once anchored over 1,300 years ago. Your guide will point out Dumbarton Castle in the distance, an ancient stronghold with ties to William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots, believed to have been held in its dungeons.

Entering Loch Lomond

You’ll then enter Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, where the landscape dramatically shifts from Lowlands to Highlands. Here, we’ll pause to take in breathtaking views over Loch Lomond and the Highland Fault Line, a geological wonder created over 400 million years ago.

Explore Inveraray Castle

Continuing west, we arrive at Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. Situated on the banks of Loch Fyne, this impressive castle dates back to 1746, though a fortress has stood here since the 1400s.

During your private tour, you’ll learn about the Campbells' significant role in Scottish history, including their involvement in the Wars of Independence. Discover weapons used in battles against Jacobite forces, traditional Scottish artifacts, and stories of Queen Victoria’s connection to the family. Your guide will share insights into the Campbells’ influence in shaping Canada’s history as well.

After touring Inveraray Castle, we’ll journey along the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest saltwater loch. Keep your eyes on the water – seals and other marine wildlife are often spotted here. As we travel, we’ll pause for you to take in the serene beauty of the loch’s surrounding landscape.

Kilmartin Glen

Next, we venture into the historic Kilmartin Glen, home to over 350 ancient monuments, making it one of Scotland’s most significant archaeological sites. You’ll have the opportunity to explore ancient rock carvings, known as Cup and Ring marks, dating back thousands of years.

Outlander fans, this stop is for you. Imagine stepping into a scene as you visit an impressive collection of ancient standing stones, stone circles, and burial cairns, dating back over 5,000 years. Your guide will share the mysteries and stories behind these ancient structures, making it easy to imagine the past lives they’ve witnessed.

Kilchurn Castle

From Kilmartin Glen, we travel along the scenic shores of Loch Awe toward the ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Set at the head of the loch, this 15th-century fortress was once home to the Campbells of Glenorchy and later to government soldiers during the Jacobite uprisings. Take a walk to explore the castle in its stunning, ruined state and hear tales of its storied past, including its eventual abandonment after a lightning strike in 1760.

Our journey continues further into the Highlands as we travel through the rugged Trossachs region, known for its breathtaking mountains, glens, and lochs. We’ll stop along the way to enjoy the stunning Highland scenery, where you can capture lasting memories of these majestic landscapes.

Return Along Loch Lomond

As we make our way back south, we’ll follow the scenic shores of Loch Lomond, pausing at select points to enjoy more magnificent views. Your guide will share local history and point out areas of significance as you soak in the enchanting surroundings.

This private tour through Scotland’s historic standing stones, ancient castles, and Highland landscapes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Crafted just for you, this immersive journey is tailored to highlight the best of Scotland’s natural beauty and rich history, ensuring you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.