Valerie Reilly Tour – Scotland Tour – October 2025

Day Two – Sunday October 12th

Arrive in Scotland and meet your coach driver and guide.
We head straight for the Highlands via the Gourock – Dunoon ferry.

13.00hrs Arrive Gourock
We take the Gourock – Dunoon ferry – 20 minutes
14.00hrs Arrive Dunoon
15.00hrs Arrive Inverary Castle Inverary

An Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, although the impressive castle we know today was inspired by a sketch by Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard in the 1700s. Vanbrugh died soon afterwards, but the great architect’s gem of an idea became the base of the house which the 3rd Duke was eventually to build. The foundation stone was laid in 1746 and what followed was the construction – to a design by the architects Roger Morris and William Adam – of a truly modern, baroque, Palladian and Gothic-style castle, architecturally before its time.

17.00hrs – Depart Inverary Castle
18.20hrs – Arrive Loch Melfort Hotel x 2 nights

This romantic 4-star country house hotel offers views from each bedroom. It offers a Scottish dining and local seafood in the property’s restaurant with a choice of menus. Special dietary requirements is offer. Outdoor seating directly on the sea is also available. Loch Melfort Hotel is close to the Arduaine Gardens and south of Oban.

Dinner in your hotel this evening.

Day Three – Monday October 13th

08.30hrs – Depart hotel – must depart on time
09.15hrs – Arrive ferry terminal Oban
09.55hrs – Depart Oban
10.45hrs – Arrive Craignure, Isle of Mull
35 miles of single track road
12.15hrs – Arrive Fionnphort
The group will have some time at leisure to enjoy lunch in Fionnphort
13.15hrs – Board ferry as foot passengers for the short journey over to Iona. On arrival on the
island we walk to the Abbey (10 – 15 minutes). Only residents vehicles are allowed on the island.

Iona Abbey is an abbey located on the island of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the oldest Christian religious centres in Western Europe. The abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic community by St. Columba, when Iona was part of the Kingdom of Dál Riata. Saint Aidan served as a monk at Iona, before helping to reestablish Christianity in Northumberland,on the island of Lindisfarne. Iona Abbey is the spiritual home of the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian religious order, whose headquarters are in Glasgow. The Abbey remains a popular site of Christian pilgrimage today.

15.30hrs  –  Return ferry to Fionnphort
16.00hrs  –  Board coach at Fionnphort
17.30hrs  –  Arrive Craignure
18.45hrs  –  Depart Craignure
19.45hrs  –  Arrive Oban
20.30hrs  – Arrive at your hotel

Dinner is in your hotel this evening.

Day Four – Tuesday October 14th

09.00hrs Check-out and depart your hotel
We travel to Glencoe via Tyndrum and the Bridge of Orchy.
Glencoe Visitor Centre

Dramatic mountains, rare beauty and haunting history in the heart of the Highlands Don’t miss our eco-friendly visitor centre, your gateway to exploring Glencoe. Follow in the footsteps of the Clan MacDonald and the tragic Massacre of 1692. Uncover a long-lost way of life in our reconstruction of a 300-year-old turf and creel house.

From Glencoe we head to the Ben Nevis Distillery just north of Fort William with a lunch stop in Fort William.

Ben Nevis Distillery has been crafting Scottish whisky at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain since 1825. We invite you to take a distillery tour and sample our selection of whiskies.

After the tour we head to our hotel in Fort William.

16.00hrs  –  Arrive Alexandra Hotel Fort William x 2 nights

Just a 5-minute drive from the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, the Alexandra Hotel offers free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil are 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel. An open-fire features in the hotel’s lounge where guests can relax with a drink. Local, Scottish produce is served in the Alexandra’s traditionally decorated restaurant. The Jacobite Steam Rail Station is less than a 5- minute walk away. Steam trains travel from Fort William to Mallaig, offering beautiful views across the Scottish countryside. Glen Coe, a popular walking and climbing destination, is less than a 30-minute from the hotel. Rooms are spacious and have a private bathroom with a selection of toiletries. A TV, work desk and tea and coffee facilities are included in all rooms.

Dinner is under your own arrangement tonight.

Day Five – Wednesday October 15th

09..00hrs  –  Depart your hotel

This morning we drive to Mallaig via Glencoe and Fort William. The Fort Willaim / Mallaig road runs parallel with the railway line featuring in the “Harry Potter” series of movies.

10.30hrs  –  Depart Mallaig
11.00hrs  –  Arrive Armadale, Isle of Skye
From Armadale we travel up Skye to the Islands’ capital, Portree.
12.15hrs  –  Arrive Portree – time at leisure to avail of lunch
13.45hrs  –  Depart Portree – travelling to Dornie via the Skye Bridge
15.00hrs  –  Arrive Eilean Donan Castle.

The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan, is most probably called after the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. There are several churches dedicated to Donan in the area and it is likely that he formed a small cell or community on the island during the late 7th century. The first fortified structure was not built on the island until the early 13th century as a defensive measure, protecting the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who raided, settled and controlled much of the North of Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266. From the mid 13th century, this area was the quite seperate “Sea Kingdom” of the Lord of the Isles where the sea was the main highway and the power of feuding clan chiefs was counted by the number of men and galleys or “birlinns” at their disposal. Eilean Donan offered the perfect defensive position. Over the centuries, the castle itself has expanded and contracted in size. The medieval castle was probably the largest, with towers and a curtain wall that encompassed nearly the entire island. The main keep stood on the island’s highest point. Around the end of the 14th century the area of the castle was reduced to about a fifth of its original size and, although the reason is unclear, it probably relates to the number of men required to defend the structure. By the 16th century a hornwork was added to the east wall to offer a firing platform for the newly introduced cannons.

16.45hrs  –  Depart Castle
18.30hrs  –  Arrive Fort William

Dinner is in your hotel this evening.

Day Six – Thursday October 16th

08.30hrs  –  Check-out and depart your hotels
We travel North to Fort Augustus stopping at the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge.

The Commando Memorial stands some 17ft or 5.2m high, and comprises a group of three bronze commandos dressed in typical World War Two uniforms and equipment including cap comforters, ammunition pouches and weapons. They are looking south towards Ben Nevis. A large inscription on the plinth just beneath their feet reads “United We Conquer”, while the plaque on the front of the plinth reads: “In memory of the officers and men of the commandos who died in the Second World War 1939– 1945. This country was their training ground.”

10.30hrs  –  Arrive Fort Augustus for our Loch Ness Cruise

Fort Augustus is in the historic and scenic Highland region of Scotland, situated between Fort William and Inverness on the shores of Loch Ness. Although the town only boasts a modest population of around 400 people it is a popular and busy tourist destination and with a wide range of activities to keep you occupied during your stay.

11.00hrs  –  Depart on the cruise

Loch Ness is brimming with history, and tales of the world’s shyest monster. You might just spot Nessie. But the real stars of the Loch are its castles, monuments, and scenery. So all-aboard one of our cruises for a seat to one of the greatest shows on earth. You have to sail it to believe.

After the cruise we have time at leisure in Fort Augustus to avail of lunch.

14.00hrs  –  Depart Fort Augustus
Continuing our journey North to Inverness along the shores of Loch Ness, stopping at Urquhart Castle – in ruins – enroute.

Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centered on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. The power struggles continued, as the Lords of the Isles regularly raided both castle and glen up until the 1500s. The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left. Urquhart’s iconic ruins remain, offering glimpses into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.

16.30hrs  –  Arrive Mercure Hotel Inverness x 2 nights

Set in the heart of Inverness city centre and overlooking the River Ness, Mercure Inverness has a free high-speed WiFi. Inverness Rail Station is 200 metres from the hotel. A selection of shops and nightlife can be found in the surrounding area. Each en suite room at Mercure Inverness has a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour room service. Brasserie Restaurant serves modern bistro food, and has views across the river. There is a friendly bar and a lounge area.

Dinner in under your own arrangement tonight

Day Seven – Friday October 17th

10.00hrs  –  Depart hotel

This morning we take the short journey to Culloden

Fought near Inverness in Scotland on 16 April 1746, the Battle of Culloden was the climax of the Jacobite Rising (1745-46). The forces of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, attempting to reclaim the throne for his family, met a British army led by the Duke of Cumberland, son of the Hanoverian King George II. The battle finally settled a contest for the monarchy that had lasted almost 60 years.

Your visit includes admission to the visitor centre.

Less than an hour’s drive away we visit the Highland Folk Museum (this featured in season 1 of Outlander)

Discover how Highland people lived, worked, and played at this award-winning museum. Experience life portrayed from the early 1700s to the mid-1900s. Find the difference between a “cruck” and a “croman”, smell the “reek” of a peat fire, relive early school days and life on the farm, or just enjoy a “blether” and reminisce with our friendly staff. Extensive play area, shops, café, and picnic sites throughout grounds.

Mid-afternoon we return to Inverness.

Dinner is under your own arrangement this evening.

Day eight – Saturday October 18th

08.00hrs  –  Check-out and depart your hotel
12.00hrs  –  Arrive Aberdeen, – comfort stop en-route

Aberdeen is a port city in northeast Scotland, where the Dee and Don rivers meet the North Sea. With an offshore petroleum industry, the city is home to an international population. It’s also known as the ‘Granite City’ for its many enduring grey-stone buildings. The 19th-century Marischal College is typical – a monumental Victorian landmark that’s now headquarters of the City Council

Time at leisure in Aberdeen

14.00hrs  –  Depart Aberdeen
14.35hrs  –  Arrive Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar is much more than just a topographical curiosity. This rock and the magnificent buildings on it have borne witness to much of the rich and tragic tapestry of Scotland’s history. Visit to create your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many secrets of this country’s colourful past.

Due to its isolated position, there are a large number of steps (in excess of 200) leading down and back up into the Castle which may prove challenging. Unfortunately the positioning of the Castle also means that wheelchair access is not possible. From the car park, the Castle is reached by walking approx. 300m along an earth path to the headland, there are then over 200 concrete steps from the cliff top to the entrance kiosk which is located within the Castle.

17.00hrs  –  Depart Dunnotter
18.20hrs  –  Arrive Dundee x 1 night – Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa.

In the centre of Dundee’s City Quay sits the luxury 4-star Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa. With free Wi-Fi, a luxury spa and a boujee restaurant and bar. Find yourself lounging in a room or suite while you stay clean in your en suite where you can find Antipodes organic toiletries. Some rooms even feature a Nespresso Coffee machine. A mini fridge is provided. Cots and highchairs are available on request. You can visit the contemporary Quayside Bar & Grill to try dishes from the land, field, and sea plus sip on some cocktails, shaken or stirred overlooking the City Quay.

Dinner is in your hotel tonight

Day nine – Sunday October 19 th

10.00hrs  –  Check-out and depart our hotel
11.30hrs  –  Arrive Stirling Castle , comfort stop en-route

Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – an icon integral to how we understand the nation’s story. The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times. Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace’s lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.

13.30hrs  –  Depart the Stirling Castle
14.00hrs  –  Arrive The Kelpies

The Kelpies are 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies (shape-shifting water spirits), standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal, and near River Carron, in The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect 16 communities in the Falkirk Council Area, the sculptures were designed by sculptor Andy Scott and were completed in October 2013. The sculptures form a gateway at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, and the new canal extension was built as part of The Helix land transformation project. The Kelpies are a monument to horse powered heritage across Scotland

15.00hrs  –  Depart The Kelpies
16.30hrs  –  Arrive at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh x 2 nights

Built in 1892, this historic hotel is at the heart of the city, 10 minutes from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The Hotel is within a half-mile of Princess Street shopping, Usher Hall events, the Grass market, and Edinburgh Old Town. Take in scenic castle views and enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and a warm DoubleTree cookie upon arrival. Bread Street Brasserie is located on the ground floor of the hotel and is the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast. Our other restaurant offers all-day dining, afternoon tea, and cocktails.

Dinner in under your own arrangement this evening