Highland Gems Dunkeld The Hermitage and Blair Atholl Castle
Wanderlust Tours
Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Scotland on this captivating tour featuring Dunkeld, The Hermitage, and Blair Atholl Castle. Discover ancient forests and the serene beauty of the River Tay as you wander through stunning natural settings. Feel the echoes of history at Blair Atholl Castle, where tales of the past come alive. With expert guides leading the way, this tour promises an immersive experience filled with cultural insights and breathtaking views. - Visit the picturesque town of Dunkeld and the tranquil Hermitage - Explore the historical Blair Atholl Castle and its beautiful gardens - Enjoy a mix of natural beauty and ancient history in a single day - Experience expert guidance and insider knowledge throughout the tour
Departure Point
- Meeting Point: Castle Terrace coach bays, Edinburgh (EH1 2EW). Find us on the castle side of the road, opposite the NCP car park.
Identify: White luxury Mercedes mini-coach and guide with a branded umbrella.
Check-in: 08:30
Departure: 09:00 (Prompt)
Return Details
- 17:00 | The Return
Relax on the drive south, watching "Big Tree Country" fade back into the Lowlands, arriving in Edinburgh by 18:45.
Duration
9 hours and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Dunkeld
Dunkeld
10:15 | Dunkeld: The Religious Heart (1 Hour)Your first stop is Dunkeld, the ancient ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. In 849 AD, King Kenneth MacAlpin moved the relics of St Columba here, establishing it as the spiritual centre of the early kingdom. The Cathedral Ruins: Walk the banks of the River Tay to the majestic Dunkeld Cathedral. Here lies the tomb of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch, but more importantly for this tour, the burial place of John Murray, the 4th Duke of Atholl ("Planter John"). The Parent Larch: Look for the ancient European larch tree near the church gates. Planted in 1738 by the 2nd Duke, it is the sole survivor of the original five "Parent Larches" that seeded the millions of trees covering the surrounding hills. Coffee Stop: Visit one of the artisan bakeries on Atholl Street for a morning coffee and a fresh Scottish pastry.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Hermitage
Tay Forest Park, Old Military Rd, Dunkeld
11:30 | The Hermitage: Ossian’s Hall and Pine Cone Point Just minutes away lies the Dukes’ 18th-century "pleasure ground." Ossian’s Hall: A 15-minute flat walk through towering Douglas firs leads to this Georgian folly. The original 1757 summerhouse was rebuilt in 1783 as a "hall of mirrors" designed to shock guests by reflecting the thundering Black Linn Falls—a spectacle that remains today. The Cannon Legend: Look up at the craggy cliffs of Craig-y-Barns in the distance. The 4th Duke, unable to send men up the dangerous rock faces to plant trees, famously used cannons loaded with seed canisters—an idea given to him by the landscape painter Alexander Nasmyth—to blast seeds into the crevices. Pine Cone Point: From the hall, take the signposted path uphill toward Craigvinean Forest. A steady ascent leads to the Pine Cone Point lookout, a modern timber structure offering a sweeping panorama over the Tay Valley. This view reveals the sheer scale of the 18th-century reforestation efforts.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Blair Castle & Gardens
8 Blair Atholl Sawmill Yard B8079, Blair Atholl
External visit with optional entrance. Must be paid on site. 14:00 | Blair Castle: The Seat of Power Arrive at the ancestral home of Clan Murray, a white-washed castle standing since 1269. With three hours, you have ample time to explore the estate in depth: Castle Tour: Explore thirty rooms, including the Victorian Ballroom—famous for its 175 pairs of antlers—and the Entrance Hall, displaying genuine Jacobite muskets and targes used at the Battle of Culloden. Diana’s Grove: This tranquil two-acre woodland contains some of the UK's tallest trees, including a grand fir exceeding 62m (200ft)—living proof of the fertile soil the Dukes cultivated for centuries. Hercules Garden: Fully explore this nine-acre walled garden. Restored to its 1750 Georgian design, it features landscaped ponds, Chinese bridges, and curious statues, offering a perfect contrast to the wilder woods of Diana's Grove.
Duration: 3 hours
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Three steps to enter the vehicle but fold up wheelchairs can be brought.
- https://atholl-estates.co.uk/blair-castle/
- To locate our pickup very easily use What3Words: ///slick.pure.result
- For more information or frequently asked questions visit www.wanderlusttours.co.uk
- Optional visits available. For up-to-date booking info and advance tickets, check their websites.
- Small Group Tour (Maximum 16 passengers).
- Mobile Data Hotspot from driver-guide should you need it.
- Extra legroom compared to others as standard on reclining leather seats.
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide.
- Luxury 16 seater Minibus with panoramic Windows, glass roof, mood lighting and charging points.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Wanderlust Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Scotland on this captivating tour featuring Dunkeld, The Hermitage, and Blair Atholl Castle. Discover ancient forests and the serene beauty of the River Tay as you wander through stunning natural settings. Feel the echoes of history at Blair Atholl Castle, where tales of the past come alive. With expert guides leading the way, this tour promises an immersive experience filled with cultural insights and breathtaking views. - Visit the picturesque town of Dunkeld and the tranquil Hermitage - Explore the historical Blair Atholl Castle and its beautiful gardens - Enjoy a mix of natural beauty and ancient history in a single day - Experience expert guidance and insider knowledge throughout the tour
Departure Point
- Meeting Point: Castle Terrace coach bays, Edinburgh (EH1 2EW). Find us on the castle side of the road, opposite the NCP car park.
Identify: White luxury Mercedes mini-coach and guide with a branded umbrella.
Check-in: 08:30
Departure: 09:00 (Prompt)
Return Details
- 17:00 | The Return
Relax on the drive south, watching "Big Tree Country" fade back into the Lowlands, arriving in Edinburgh by 18:45.
Duration
9 hours and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Dunkeld
Dunkeld
10:15 | Dunkeld: The Religious Heart (1 Hour)Your first stop is Dunkeld, the ancient ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. In 849 AD, King Kenneth MacAlpin moved the relics of St Columba here, establishing it as the spiritual centre of the early kingdom. The Cathedral Ruins: Walk the banks of the River Tay to the majestic Dunkeld Cathedral. Here lies the tomb of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch, but more importantly for this tour, the burial place of John Murray, the 4th Duke of Atholl ("Planter John"). The Parent Larch: Look for the ancient European larch tree near the church gates. Planted in 1738 by the 2nd Duke, it is the sole survivor of the original five "Parent Larches" that seeded the millions of trees covering the surrounding hills. Coffee Stop: Visit one of the artisan bakeries on Atholl Street for a morning coffee and a fresh Scottish pastry.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Hermitage
Tay Forest Park, Old Military Rd, Dunkeld
11:30 | The Hermitage: Ossian’s Hall and Pine Cone Point Just minutes away lies the Dukes’ 18th-century "pleasure ground." Ossian’s Hall: A 15-minute flat walk through towering Douglas firs leads to this Georgian folly. The original 1757 summerhouse was rebuilt in 1783 as a "hall of mirrors" designed to shock guests by reflecting the thundering Black Linn Falls—a spectacle that remains today. The Cannon Legend: Look up at the craggy cliffs of Craig-y-Barns in the distance. The 4th Duke, unable to send men up the dangerous rock faces to plant trees, famously used cannons loaded with seed canisters—an idea given to him by the landscape painter Alexander Nasmyth—to blast seeds into the crevices. Pine Cone Point: From the hall, take the signposted path uphill toward Craigvinean Forest. A steady ascent leads to the Pine Cone Point lookout, a modern timber structure offering a sweeping panorama over the Tay Valley. This view reveals the sheer scale of the 18th-century reforestation efforts.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Blair Castle & Gardens
8 Blair Atholl Sawmill Yard B8079, Blair Atholl
External visit with optional entrance. Must be paid on site. 14:00 | Blair Castle: The Seat of Power Arrive at the ancestral home of Clan Murray, a white-washed castle standing since 1269. With three hours, you have ample time to explore the estate in depth: Castle Tour: Explore thirty rooms, including the Victorian Ballroom—famous for its 175 pairs of antlers—and the Entrance Hall, displaying genuine Jacobite muskets and targes used at the Battle of Culloden. Diana’s Grove: This tranquil two-acre woodland contains some of the UK's tallest trees, including a grand fir exceeding 62m (200ft)—living proof of the fertile soil the Dukes cultivated for centuries. Hercules Garden: Fully explore this nine-acre walled garden. Restored to its 1750 Georgian design, it features landscaped ponds, Chinese bridges, and curious statues, offering a perfect contrast to the wilder woods of Diana's Grove.
Duration: 3 hours
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Three steps to enter the vehicle but fold up wheelchairs can be brought.
- https://atholl-estates.co.uk/blair-castle/
- To locate our pickup very easily use What3Words: ///slick.pure.result
- For more information or frequently asked questions visit www.wanderlusttours.co.uk
- Optional visits available. For up-to-date booking info and advance tickets, check their websites.
- Small Group Tour (Maximum 16 passengers).
- Mobile Data Hotspot from driver-guide should you need it.
- Extra legroom compared to others as standard on reclining leather seats.
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide.
- Luxury 16 seater Minibus with panoramic Windows, glass roof, mood lighting and charging points.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Wanderlust Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need To Know Info
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.