Day 1. Tuesday: We depart and travel to Stirling for two nights, bed, breakfast and one evening meal at the Stirling Highland Hotel.
Day 2. Wednesday: After breakfast we travel to Edinburgh with included entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. On completion of our visit, we will travel the short distance into central Edinburgh for free time. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Edinburgh. Explore Edinburgh Castle, discover the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland, climb Arthur’s seat and stroll through Holyrood Park, ascend Calton Hill to the National Monument, explore the National Gallery of Modern Art or taste the finest drams at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.
Day 3. Thursday: This morning we enjoy entrance to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically important sites. It was once a favoured residence of the Stewart Kings and Queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Later this afternoon we continue our journey north and visit Scone Palace. Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland’s most important stately homes. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Later this afternoon our scenic journey will continue further north to Aberdeen and three nights, dinner, bed & breakfast at Hilton Aberdeen TECA.
Day 4. Friday: Today we venture into Royal Deeside and visit the Balmoral Estate. The castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. Our self-guided tour will take in the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, and the spectacular ballroom. The Ballroom is the largest room in the Castle and here you can see works of art, china and artefacts belonging to Kings and Queens throughout history. Later, enjoy free time in the riverside Deeside village of Ballater. Surrounded by glorious countryside Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside located in the Cairngorms National Park. Lying eight miles along the River Dee to the west, its rich history and royal connections are world famous.
Day 5. Saturday: Today is free to explore Aberdeen. The hotel is located on the outskirts of Aberdeen with regular buses to the city centre. Known as the ‘Granite City’, Aberdeen is famous for its granite buildings and monuments. The famous shopping ‘Granite Mile’ is the gateway to over 800 shops, whilst the Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long relationship with the sea. Step back in time in Aberdeen's old town as you visit the cobbled roads and historic buildings in Old Aberdeen or enjoy a walk along a mile long stretch of golden beach (you may even spot dolphins playing in the harbour mouth).
Day 6. Sunday: We depart Aberdeen and begin our return journey home and travel to Dundee via Glamis Castle. Glamis Castle was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also frequent visitor during her childhood, alongside her elder sister HRH Princess Elizabeth. Later this afternoon our scenic journey will continue to Dundee and one night, dinner, bed & breakfast at the Hotel Indigo Dundee.
Day 7. Monday: We depart the hotel after breakfast and begin our return journey home making a short break in Edinburgh where we include entrance to the Palace of Holyrood House. You will be able to explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
