From Edinburgh: Glamis and Dunnottar Castles Tour (Italian Guide)

This full-day tour takes you out of Edinburgh and into the Scottish countryside to two of the country's most striking castles, with commentary from an Italian-speaking guide throughout. You'll cross the Forth River and pass through fishing villages before reaching Dunnottar Castle, a fortress perched on cliffs above the North Sea that played a key role during the Wars of Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. Its dramatic setting has drawn artists and filmmakers for generations.

From there, the day continues to Glamis Castle, a Victorian Gothic residence tied to Macbeth and the childhood of the Queen Mother, where you can explore the gardens and admire the architecture. Along the way, there's a stop in Stonehaven, a seaside village with a working harbour, colourful houses and cafes, giving you time for lunch and a walk by the water. Depending on the travel date, the route also passes through Dundee, taking in the Tay Bridge and the RRS Discovery, or Aberdour Castle, one of Scotland's oldest fortresses dating to the 12th century.

This day trip runs on one of two seasonal itineraries — a summer route through Dundee and Silicon Glen, or a winter route via the Three Bridges Viewpoint and Aberdour Castle — so the exact stops depend on when you travel. Either way, you're covering a good stretch of the Scottish coastline and countryside in a single day, all from a comfortable seat with an Italian-speaking guide narrating the history along the way.

The day starts at 190 High Street in Edinburgh, from where you'll travel east along the coast, crossing the Forth River and passing the fishing villages of North and South Queensferry. Depending on the season, the first major stop is either Dundee — with views of the Tay Bridge and the RRS Discovery — or the Three Bridges Viewpoint and Aberdour Castle, one of Scotland's oldest fortresses. From there, you'll continue to Dunnottar Castle, the cliffside fortress overlooking the North Sea that formed a key stronghold during the Wars of Independence.

A break in Stonehaven follows, with time to explore the harbour, grab lunch, and stroll along the seafront before heading inland to Glamis Castle. Here you can wander the gardens and take in the Victorian Gothic architecture tied to Macbeth and the Queen Mother's family. The return journey to Edinburgh passes through the Scottish countryside, with your guide offering commentary and suggestions for exploring the city further once you're back.