In a land of Scottish castles and country estates, what could be more perfect than a holiday based in two different Scottish castle hotels?

Day One - The Scottish Borders

You start in the Scottish Borders, around 45 minutes south of Edinburgh and easily reached from the north of England.

Your Hotel 

Framed by four acres of glorious Borders woodland, this magnificent Baronial castle overlooks the attractive riverside town of Peebles, whose lively centre you can reach on foot via a country footpath. The house has been tastefully refurbished throughout with impeccable attention to detail and a thoughtful nod to Scottish tradition. Each of the 12 spacious bedrooms is named after a malt whisky, with a miniature of the appropriate malt in a plaque in the door. Award-winning cuisine is served in the elegant Adam-style dining room.

What to see and do

Renowned for its glorious rolling countryside and for a colourful, often turbulent history, the Borders boast an abundance of attractive towns and villages, many within convenient touring distance of one another. Nestling between the fertile hills which overlook the Tweed and Teviot Valleys, towns such as Peebles and Selkirk are bursting with character and charm, their streets lined with family-run shops and cosy inns. Great walking country surrounds you in every direction ' St Mary's Loch is a particuarly beautiful and remote spot ' and be sure to visit some of the region's castles, abbeys and country houses, including Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, Floors Castle and Abbotsford House ' home of Sir Walter Scott. If city life appeals, then Edinburgh is easily accessible by car for an afternoon's sightseeing.

Day Three - The Highlands

Your route takes you north through the highlands, passing Stirling, Pitlochry and on towards Inverness, with your destination just a few miles from the Highland capital.

Your Hotel

If you are looking for a real Scottish castle, search no further. As you arrive at your hotel and catch the first magical glimpse of its romantic turrets, stone towers and ancient battlements you will be transformed back into a distant time. Overlooking the Moray Firth, and standing close to Culloden Moor this 400 year old castle has been fully restored to its former glory and stands as a proud monument to its Scottish heritage.
If outside is impressive, inside is just as captivating. Large oak panelled halls hide secret doorways and spiral staircases, and alcoves and priest holes invite exploration. Shiny suits of armour stand silently beside roaring log fires, and dramatic paintings detail battles from a bygone era. Renovated to an atmospheric Jacobean elegance, the hotel is luxurious, warm and truly welcoming, and the service impeccable.
Your genial hosts are distant descendants of the original owners and are delighted to share the castle’s history with you. The 8 bedrooms, situated in either the East or West Tower, are named after the clans who fought and died for ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ at Culloden and are decorated in the rich colours of each clan’s tartan to the very highest standards of comfort.

What to see and do

As well as Inverness, Loch Ness and Culloden, you are close to the famous Malt Whisky Trail and not far from Brodie Castle, Cawdor Castle and Urquhart Castle. From here you can also drive up to the lovely historic village of Cromarty to take a dolphin-watching trip and explore the Black Isle. Or head east to explore the Moray coast, including the stretches of wonderful sandy beach at Lossiemouth and Cullen, or the precarious fishing villages of Crovie and Pennan, nestling at the bottom of hazardous cliffs.

Day Five

Return home

With our suggestions to explore as you travel

From £610 per person , based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights in  February - March 2008 on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis, from £630 per person for April, from £650 per person in May, June, September & October, and from £670 per person for holidays in July & August.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.

All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.