Day 1. Sunday: We depart and travel to Edinburgh for two nights, bed and breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West. Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2. Monday: After breakfast we travel into 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. Later this evening we include a private tour of the Palace of Holyrood House. This exclusive tour will allow you to experience the charm of the Palace of Holyroodhouse when it is closed to the public. You will go behind the ropes with an expert guide and learn about the Palace’s important role as The King’s official residence in Scotland. The tour includes a guidebook and glass of English Sparkling Wine. On completion of the tour, we return to the hotel. Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis.
Day 3. Tuesday: We depart Edinburgh and continue our journey north to Aberdeen and include a visit to Scone Palace en-route. 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 north to Aberdeen and three nights, dinner, bed & breakfast at Hilton Aberdeen TECA.
Day 4. Wednesday: 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. 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 town of Ballater.
Day 5. Thursday: 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 citys long relationship with the sea.
Day 6. Friday: 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. Our journey will continue to Dundee with free time to explore, before we continue to the outskirts of Dundee and one night, dinner, bed & breakfast at the Best Western Woodlands Hotel, Broughty Ferry. The hotel has been changed from the brochured hotel.
Day 7. Saturday: We depart the hotel after breakfast and begin our return journey home.