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A 5-hour private tour from Edinburgh offers an engaging journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic sights, including Highland Cows, Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelpies, and Midhope Castle. Priced at $565 per group up to 4 people, this experience combines cultural landmarks, stunning sculptures, and charming farm visits, making it a great choice for those wanting a personalized Scottish adventure. The tour is operated by E2G Tours Ltd and includes hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, and entry to several key attractions.
While Midhope Castle is closed from December through March, the tour still offers impressive views of its exterior. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of historic sites, scenic sculptures, and relaxed farm visits, all led by an experienced guide. The length and exclusivity of the tour make it suitable for those looking for a flexible, intimate experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
Key Points
- Private tour for up to 4 people ensures a personalized experience led by a seasoned guide.
- Visit the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral that has survived the reformation.
- Meet, feed, and interact with Highland Cows at a farm outside Edinburgh.
- See the Kelpies, the world’s tallest horse statues, and learn about their significance.
- Explore Midhope Castle, known as ‘Lallybroch’ from Outlander, from the outside during off-season.
- Includes entry to Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, St Mungo’s Museum, and Necropolis, at no extra charge.
Private Group Experience with Flexible Pickup Locations
This tour departs from three pickup points: Queensferry, Edinburgh, or Stirling, allowing travelers to choose the most convenient location. The private guide ensures a tailored pace and personal attention throughout the 5-hour journey. After the tour, travelers can be dropped off at any of these locations or at their accommodation, adding flexibility to the day.
Pickup is included, with the guide contacting travelers when outside. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of needs. Booking is flexible, with reserve now and pay later options, and the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Visiting the 12th-Century Glasgow Cathedral and Other Historic Sites
The Glasgow Cathedral, a highlight of this tour, dates back to the 12th century and has survived many centuries, including the reformation. The guide shares insights about its history and architecture during the visit. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Glasgow Necropolis offers scenic views over the city and a chance to see the 19th-century cemetery.
The tour also includes visits to the museum of religious art and Provand’s Lordship, the oldest surviving house in Glasgow, built in the 15th century. These sites together create a comprehensive look into Glasgow’s religious and architectural history. The Glasgow Murals—large, vibrant paintings scattered around the city center—are also part of the exploration, showcasing Scotland’s urban art scene.
Highland Cows: A Farm Visit Outside Edinburgh
The tour begins with a visit to a farm outside Edinburgh where Highland Cows, affectionately called ‘Hairy Coos’, are waiting. Visitors can meet and feed these iconic shaggy-haired animals using provided snacks. This farm visit offers a relaxed, up-close experience with Scotland’s famous livestock, perfect for animal lovers.
This stop is a highlight because it combines hands-on interactions with the chance to capture memorable photos of these charming creatures. The farm visit provides a welcome break from city sightseeing and allows for some slow, enjoyable moments amid rolling Scottish countryside.
The Kelpies: Scotland’s Largest Horse Sculptures
After exploring Glasgow, the tour proceeds to the Kelpies, towering horse sculptures that are the largest in the world. These impressive structures symbolize Scotland’s horse-powered heritage and stand at 30 meters tall. The guide explains their significance and design, giving visitors a deeper understanding of their cultural importance.
The Kelpies are a favored photo stop, offering great views of the sculptures set against the surrounding landscape. This site is accessible year-round, and no additional entry fee is required, making it a convenient yet striking highlight of the day.
More Great Tours NearbyVisiting Midhope Castle (‘Lallybroch’) in Outlander
The final highlight is Midhope Castle, famously known as ‘Lallybroch’ from the TV series Outlander. During the months the castle is open (April through November), visitors can explore the exterior and enjoy the picturesque setting. When Midhope Castle is closed (December to March), the tour still takes visitors to see the exterior from a distance, ensuring the Outlander fans still get a taste of this iconic location.
This 15th-century castle is a beloved filming site, and its historic ruins provide fantastic photo opportunities. The visit to Midhope offers a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval architecture amid scenic surroundings, rounding out the tour with a touch of fiction and history.
Logistics, Pacing, and Accessibility
This private tour ensures a relaxed pace, balancing visits to city landmarks, farm animals, sculptures, and castles. The 5-hour duration allows enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Pickup and drop-off are included, with options for various locations in Edinburgh, Queensferry, or Stirling.
Every effort is made to accommodate guests, as the tour is wheelchair accessible and led by guides fluent in English, Punjabi, Urdu, Portuguese, French, and Spanish. The vehicle is air-conditioned, adding comfort for the journey between stops.
The tour’s schedule is flexible, with availability depending on the day, and reservations can be made with pay later options, providing peace of mind for booking.
The Strengths and the Few Limitations
The personalized nature of this tour shines through its private guiding and customized stops. The inclusion of Highland Cows, Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelpies, and Midhope Castle offers a diverse look at Scottish culture, history, and scenery in just 5 hours.
A notable strength is the expert guide who shares detailed insights, making the experience informative and engaging. The cost per group offers good value for a private tour, especially given the number of key sites visited.
A potential limitation is Midhope Castle’s seasonal closure from December to March, which might disappoint Outlander fans during winter months. However, the tour still provides external views and nearby scenery that evoke the series’ atmosphere.
Highland Cows Glasgow Cathedral Kelpies Tour: An Engaging Scottish Highlights Journey
This tour combines countryside charm, urban landmarks, and scenic sculptures into a compact, private experience. It caters well to travelers wanting an intimate, flexible, and culturally rich day in Scotland. The expert guidance and thoughtfully chosen stops make it a memorable way to explore highlights outside Edinburgh.
The ability to customize pickup locations and cancel easily adds to the appeal. While it doesn’t include meals or entry to Midhope Castle, the inclusions like the Glasgow Cathedral and Kelpie visits ensure visitors see some of Scotland’s most iconic sights.
For those interested in Scottish history, natural beauty, and pop culture, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable introduction without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips.
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Highland Cows Glasgow Cathedral Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh
“Shak was amazing & had great information to share. Great driver and knowledgeable. Our family of 3 had an excellent experience. It was perfect for …”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Highland Cows Glasgow Cathedral Kelpies Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, offering a comfortable pace to enjoy each stop.
What are the pickup options?
Pickup is available at Queensferry, Edinburgh, or Stirling, with the guide contacting travelers when outside.
Is the tour private?
Yes, the tour is exclusively for your group of up to 4 people, ensuring personalized attention.
What attractions are included in the price?
Includes entry to Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, St Mungo’s Museum, and the Necropolis.
Are the Highland Cows friendly?
Yes, the farm visit allows you to meet and feed the Highland Cows using provided snacks.
Can I see Midhope Castle during winter?
During December to March, Midhope Castle is closed, but the tour still takes you to see the exterior from a distance.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the vehicle and stops are accessible for wheelchairs.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Punjabi, Urdu, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
What is not included in the tour?
Meals are not included, and entry to Midhope Castle costs £7 per person if you choose to go inside when open.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is food provided during the tour?
Scottish snacks are included, and snacks for Highland Cows are provided, but meals are not included.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of personalized guidance, diverse stops, and the chance to see some of Scotland’s most photogenic sites makes it a popular choice for a compact Scottish adventure.
