Private Tours

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YOUR TOUR, YOUR WAY

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? No problem.

Our private tours can be tailored around your interests and available time. Whether you want to visit castles, discover Scotland’s stunning scenery, meet and feed the Highland coos, explore Scottish history or simply enjoy a scenic drive through the Highlands, we can create an itinerary to suit you.

Travelling from a cruise ship? We’ll plan your excursion around your ship’s schedule and allow sufficient time for you to return to port.

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Loch Lomond & Luss

Travel through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery to the shores of Loch Lomond and the picturesque village of Luss. Enjoy stunning views across the loch, explore the charming village and take in the surrounding mountains and countryside.

The picturesque village of Luss sits on the western shore of Loch Lomond and has a history stretching back more than 1,500 years. The area has strong connections with St Kessog, an early Christian missionary, and the village churchyard contains ancient stones, including an 11th-century Viking hogback grave.

Much of the beautiful village seen today was developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, with many cottages originally built for workers from the local slate quarries. Today, Luss is famous for its picturesque cottages, lochside views and spectacular views towards Ben Lomond.

Good passenger fact: Luss is thought to come from the Gaelic lus, meaning "herb", connected with the legend of St Kessog.

Depending on time, the route can also include stops through the beautiful Trossachs countryside.

Highlights
  • Luss village
  • Loch Lomond
  • Lochside views and scenic photo stops
  • Trossachs countryside (optional)
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Kilmahog Highland Coos & The Trossachs

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs and get up close to Scotland's famous Highland coos at Kilmahog. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic experience of feeding and petting the Highland coos, as well as getting some great photographs.

Kilmahog, near Callander and the gateway to the Trossachs, is a popular stop for visitors wanting to see Scotland's famous Highland cattle up close. Highland cattle are one of Scotland's oldest cattle breeds, with evidence of the breed dating back to the 6th century. Their distinctive long hair and horns developed to help them cope with the harsh weather of the Highlands and Islands. They are known for being hardy but generally gentle animals.

The Highland cows at the Trossachs Visitor Centre have become a favourite attraction for visitors, with the resident cattle including Honey, Holly and Hamish Dubh.

That's a great little stop on your tour, especially for American and other overseas visitors because they absolutely love getting photographs of the "Highland Coos."

Highlights
  • Highland coos โ€“ feeding and petting
  • Trossachs scenery
  • Lochs, mountains and scenic viewpoints
  • Fantastic for families and overseas visitors
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Doune Castle

Visit the impressive medieval Doune Castle, one of Scotland's best-preserved castles and a fascinating destination for history and film fans. The castle has strong connections with Scottish history and has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones.

Doune Castle is a magnificent medieval castle dating largely from the late 14th century. It was the home of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, a powerful figure who became known as "Scotland's uncrowned king."

The castle later became a royal residence and hunting retreat and has a fascinating connection with Scotland's royal history. In more recent times, Doune became famous around the world as a filming location.

The journey can also be combined with stops in the Trossachs or at other nearby attractions.

Highlights
  • Doune Castle
  • Scottish countryside
  • Castle history and famous filming locations
  • Combined with Trossachs stops
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Stirling Castle

Discover one of Scotland's most important historic castles. Stirling Castle was once a major royal residence and played an important role in Scotland's history. Visitors can explore the magnificent castle buildings, enjoy spectacular views and learn about Scottish royalty, including Mary Queen of Scots.

Stirling Castle is dramatically positioned on a volcanic rock overlooking the surrounding countryside. It has been associated with Scottish royalty for centuries, with the earliest known reference dating to around 1110.

The castle played an important role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was closely connected with figures including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. It later became one of the favourite residences of Scotland's Stewart monarchs.

Mary Queen of Scots spent part of her childhood here and was crowned at Stirling in 1543. The magnificent Renaissance buildings visitors see today were largely developed during the reigns of James IV and James V.

The tour can also be combined with Doune Castle or other attractions depending on the time available.

Highlights
  • Stirling Castle
  • Historic Stirling and Old Town
  • Scenic views
  • Can combine with Doune Castle
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The Falkirk Wheel

Visit the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, an incredible feat of modern engineering and the world's only rotating boat lift. The Wheel connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal and lifts boats approximately 35 metres between the two waterways.

Opened in 2002 as part of the Millennium Link project, the Wheel replaced a flight of 11 locks that previously connected the two canals. What once took many hours of hard work can now be completed in just a few minutes.

The Wheel weighs around 1,800 tonnes and uses surprisingly little energy to complete each rotation.

That's a fantastic one for you to explain to passengers because you can say "Imagine lifting a boat 35 metres into the air using a giant rotating wheel!"

This can also be combined with a visit to the nearby Kelpies.

Highlights
  • Falkirk Wheel
  • Canals and boat lift
  • Surrounding countryside
  • Can combine with Kelpies
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The Kelpies

See the magnificent Kelpies, two enormous 30โ€‘metreโ€‘high horseโ€‘head sculptures which have become one of Scotland's most recognisable modern landmarks. Inspired by Scotland's working horses and named after the mythical Scottish water horses known as kelpies, the sculptures are an impressive sight and make a fantastic photo opportunity.

Standing an incredible 30 metres (100 feet) high, the Kelpies were designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott and completed in 2013. The sculptures celebrate Scotland's long history of working horses, particularly the heavy horses that once pulled barges along the canals and worked on farms and in industry.

Each sculpture weighs more than 300 tonnes, making them one of Scotland's most spectacular modern landmarks.

A visit to the Kelpies works particularly well when combined with the Falkirk Wheel.

Highlights
  • The Kelpies
  • Forth & Clyde Canal
  • Helix Park and surrounding scenery
  • Great photo opportunities
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Rest and Be Thankful

โฑ Can be included as part of a Loch Lomond & Argyll tour

The Rest and Be Thankful is one of Scotland's most spectacular mountain viewpoints, situated high above Glen Croe on the A83 between Arrochar and Inveraray. The viewpoint sits around 240 metres above sea level and offers magnificent views down the valley and across the surrounding mountains.

The name comes from the historic journey over the pass. Travellers climbing the steep route would reach the summit and stop to "rest and be thankful" after completing the difficult climb. The present A83 dates from the 1930s, while the older Old Military Road can still be seen running through the valley below.

It's a fantastic scenic stop where visitors can stretch their legs, take photographs and experience the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

Highlights
  • Spectacular mountain scenery
  • Glen Croe and panoramic views
  • Historic Old Military Road
  • Perfect for photography
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Inveraray Castle

โฑ Can be included as part of an Argyll tour

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle has been the home of the Dukes of Argyll and the seat of Clan Campbell for generations. The original castle dates back to around 1450, while the magnificent castle visitors see today was begun in the 18th century.

The foundation stone of the present castle was laid in 1746. Its architecture was influenced by the designs of John Vanbrugh, famous for Blenheim Palace, and the building was eventually completed by the Adam family. A fire in 1877 led to further alterations, including the distinctive third floor and conical roofs on the towers.

Visitors can explore the magnificent interiors, learn about the history of Clan Campbell, and enjoy the beautiful gardens and surrounding estate.

Highlights
  • Inveraray Castle
  • Loch Fyne and gardens
  • Clan Campbell history
  • Beautiful Argyll scenery
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Scotland's History, Legends & Landscapes

Join RJ Tours and discover some of Scotland’s most spectacular sights, from the shores of Loch Lomond and the historic village of Luss to medieval castles, Highland cattle and some of Scotland’s most impressive modern engineering. Our private tours allow you to experience Scotland at your own pace, with a local driver who can share the stories, history and legends behind the places you visit.

๐Ÿž๏ธ Loch Lomond & Luss ๐Ÿฎ Kilmahog Highland Coos & The Trossachs ๐Ÿฐ Doune Castle ๐Ÿ‘‘ Stirling Castle โš™๏ธ The Falkirk Wheel ๐Ÿด The Kelpies ๐Ÿ”๏ธ Rest and Be Thankful ๐Ÿฐ Inveraray Castle

Rest and Be Thankful + Inveraray Castle + Loch Fyne actually make a particularly good cruise excursion โ€“ mountains, scenery, Scottish history and a castle all in one trip.