Scotland’s Finest Castles & Gardens Tour – Fully Booked

Sunday 10th September Our tour starts in the early afternoon at our base for the first four nights of the tour, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile in the heart of the city. From here we’ll take a panoramic coach tour followed by a short walking tour of Edinburgh. There will be time at the end of the tour to visit Edinburgh Castle (independent). Dinner at the hotel (included). Monday 11th September Today we take a scenic drive south of Edinburgh into the beautiful Scottish Borders to Floors Castle, the seat of the Duke of Roxburgh and Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. Here we meet the Head Gardener for a private guided tour of the walled gardens followed by free time to visit the castle. In the afternoon we visit Stobshiel House, a beautiful private garden made up of two contrasting parts: a formal, walled section on the north side of the house and a wilder, less formal one to the south, which surrounds the driveway as it winds through the grounds. We return to Edinburgh for dinner (included) at the legendary ‘The Witchery by the Castle’ – a lavish gothic restaurant at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Tuesday 12th September We venture today into Dumfriesshire – the south-west corner of Scotland. We begin with a visit to The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, the unique, private sculpture garden of Charles Jencks – landscape architect and theorist. This 30 acre garden is like no other – undulating landforms, lakes, kitchen garden of six senses, universe cascade and comet bridge. Following a light lunch (included) we make a private visit to Portmore Gardens near Peebles. Created by the current owners over the last 20 years, these extensive formal gardens feature a large walled garden, Victorian glass-house with shell-grotto, water garden and woodland walks. We’ll enjoy afternoon tea at Portmore House (included). Your evening is at leisure in Edinburgh – an opportunity to explore the many cafes and restaurants on our hotel’s doorstep. Wednesday 13th September This morning we make a private visit to Broadwoodside – one of Scotland’s finest contemporary gardens planted around a farmstead, rescued from dereliction. We meet the owner of this splendid garden that displays excellent structure, imaginative use of objects and eye-catching planting. We proceed onto Greywalls for lunch (included). This impressive Edwardian house was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901. The 6 acre formal gardens are attributed to Gertrude Jekyll and are today beautifully maintained. Now a luxury hotel, Greywalls overlooks Muirfield Golf Course with stunning views over the Firth of Forth. We return to Edinburgh mid-afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Scottish capital. Your evening is at leisure. Thursday 14th September We check-out of our hotel in Edinburgh and head to Perthshire where we visit Drummond Castle. We’ll enjoy a private garden tour of these impressive gardens, originally laid out in 1630. This formal garden is said to be one of the finest in Europe and the largest of its type in Scotland. We continue into The Trossachs National Park – Scotland’s first National Park – for lunch (included) and a scenic drive. You’ll see rocky peaks, sprawling glens and placid lochs. We check-in to our luxury 5-star hotel, Gleneagles surrounded by stunning grounds and two championship golf courses. There is also a fabulous spa to enjoy. Dinner in the hotel’s Strathearn restaurant (included). Friday 15th September Today we venture into the Scottish Highlands, beginning with a beautiful drive. We make a coffee stop at The House of Bruar – the home of Scottish Country clothing. There is also an excellent country living department, gifts, books, food hall and rural art – a shoppers heaven, Scottish luxury style! We continue onto Blair Castle, the 300 year-old seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. We will be taken on a guided tour of the castle, then have a private lunch (included) and a chance to visit the recently restored Georgian walled garden – the Hercules Garden. We return to Gleneagles for our final night dinner (included). Saturday 16th September We leave Gleneagles mid-morning and return to Edinburgh, making drop-offs in Edinburgh city centre and at Edinburgh Airport. We can advise on departure planning. .

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh is designed to blend into the surrounding medieval architectural with its own 16th-century style façade. is hotel is situated in the very heart of the city and o ers all modern facilities within, including indoor pool.

Gleneagles Hotel & Spa

Gleneagles is a 5-star luxury resort set within its own estate in Perthshire, offering the highest levels of comfort and style. When Gleneagles opened in 1924 it was described as ‘a Riviera in the Highlands’ – today it remains dedicated to excellence, just as it was in its earliest days. Some of the many facilities available to guests include the luxury spa with three pools, tennis courts, pitch & putt and falconry.

TOUR PRICES:

Prices are per person, based on twin/double room share, with single supplement shown separately. Prices are payable in £GBP.

Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room)	Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room)
£2,550 (GBP)	£575 (GBP)

In the USA, our tours can be booked in $USD through Worldwide Traveler (see ‘Book a Tour’)

Tour cost per person (sharing twin or double room)	Single Supplement (for single occupancy of a double room)
$3,900 (USD)	$850 (USD)

PRICES INCLUDE:

Accommodation at 4-star and 5-star hotels with en-suite facilities based on twin/double room share; buffet breakfast daily; lunch and/or dinner daily; admissions to castles and gardens ; deluxe coach travel with professional driver; guided tours and speakers as described in an information pack provided at the start of the tour; services of your Sisley tour director throughout.

PRICES EXCLUDE:

Airfares; passport and/or visa fees; beverages; laundry; telephone calls; lunches and dinners (except where included in the itinerary); gratuities; souvenirs and items of a personal nature. Transfers to and from Edinburgh at the beginning and end of the tour. 

If you would like to book a place on this tour directly with Sisley Garden Tours or through one of our on-territory agents in USA and Canada, please click the Book Now button.

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