Private 1 Day Tour - Highland Lochs and Mountains - The Best of Scotland in a Day

Now in its 18th year, our classic Heart of Scotland tour combines castles, mountains, lochs, photo opportunities, a riverside walk, a battlefield, history, heroes and highland cows. Enjoy lots of time off the bus, perfect for those who want to experience Highland scenery and nature at a relaxing pace.

Our route to the Highlands takes us past Loch Leven and the fair city of Perth before arriving at the picturesque village of Dunkeld.

Here you can stroll through quaint narrow streets and/or visit Dunkeld Cathedral (free of charge). Dedicated to St Columba and beautifully located beside the River Tay, a visit to this historic church is a delightful way to start the day.

We continue to Blair Castle, a famous Highland fortress with a 700 year history incorporating the Jacobite Rebellions, the disaster at Culloden and Mary Queen of Scots. Hear about Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her role in creating the only legally recognised private army in Europe - the Atholl Highlanders.

As well as a fascinating castle tour the beautiful gardens include a herd of highland cattle, red squirrels and St Bride’s Kirk - final resting place of ‘Bonnie’ Dundee, one of Scotland’s great heroes.

Lunch is available in the castle restaurant.

A scenic drive takes us to the beauty spot and battlefield of Killiecrankie Gorge. Here the Jacobite army, commanded by John Graham of Claverhouse (‘Bonnie’ Dundee), used the famous ‘Highland Charge’ to inflict a heavy defeat on the British Redcoat army in 1689.

Our next stop is Queen’s View, the much-admired Highland vista along Loch Tummel towards the distant peaks of Glen Coe.

We continue through some of the oldest inhabited areas of prehistoric Scotland on a beautiful drive amidst classic Highland Perthshire scenery. Here in the ‘Heart of Scotland’ there are wonderful photo opportunities as we travel though Tummel Bridge, traverse the mountain shoulder of Schiehallion, drive past Castle Menzies and cross the River Tay via the famous General Wade Bridge into the quaint village of Aberfeldy.

We follow the River Tay, Scotland’s longest, past the Dewar's whisky distillery to finish our day at The Hermitage.

This lovely riverside walk takes us past some of the tallest trees in Britain to a spectacular waterfall and viewpoint where salmon can often be seen leaping the falls. A lovely way to finish the day.