Private 1 Day Tour - The Best of Scotland in a Day

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

Dunkeld Cathedral

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.

Blair Castle

As well as a fascinating castle tour the beautiful gardens include 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. Admission prices (Heart of Scotland Tours discount): castle and gardens – adult £14.00, under 17s £9.50; gardens only – adult £8.00, under 17s £5.00.

Queen's View

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 Schiehallion mountain and the distant peaks of Glen Coe.

Highland cows

We return to the charming Highland village of Pitlochry with its elegant main street packed with shops and restaurants. During our break here options include a late lunch, souvenir shopping or a short stroll to the famous hydro electric dam and salmon ladder.

Experience Highland scenery and nature

We continue to the Hermitage woodland walk. This lovely riverside stroll 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.

The Hermitage woodland and waterfall walk

We finish the day at Taste of Perthshire for a face-to-face meeting with their hairy Highlands cows – everyone’s favourite photo stop. A great way to finish the day!