Coast to Coast Scottish Splendour

Wednesday

We arrive at our hotel in Troon in time for dinner.

Thursday

This morning we visit Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which offers a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son. The museum includes the famous Burns Cottage, where he set some of his greatest work, the elegant monument and gardens created in his honour and a modern museum housing a collection of his life and works. We continue to Dumfries House, one of Britain's most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, located in a marvellous 2000 acre setting. Here we enjoy a guided tour and afternoon tea before returning to our hotel.

Friday

Departing Troon we travel east to Dundee, where after free time for lunch we visit Discovery Point. Here, we explore Captain Scott's ship 'Discovery', which he sailed on during his remarkable Antarctic exploration. From here, we journey north to Aberdeen and our 3-night stay.

Saturday

After breakfast we drive to Banchory to visit the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef Farm. This is a working farm, where the owners are passionate about their herd. Following tea, coffee & shortbread on arrival we have a guided tour where we meet this native breed, discover their history and sample some succulent highland beef. To conclude our visit, we include a lunch of 'shoulders tea', tatties & onions (A regional dish to Aberdeenshire) with beetroot and oatcakes on the side. In the afternoon we return to Aberdeen for some free time.

Sunday

After breakfast we visit Crathes Castle - one of the most superb castles in Scotland. This splendid 16th Century family tower house has well-preserved interiors and wonderful gardens. Later, we continue to the Royal Deeside Railway a standard gauge steam and diesel hauled heritage railway, located in a beautiful setting running alongside the River Dee, where we enjoy a 2- mile return heritage train ride.

Monday

We bid a fond farewell to Scotland's far north and journey south pausing at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre near Stirling before continuing to our final night at the 3-star Gretna Hall Hotel.

Tuesday

Departing our hotel, we arrive home during the early evening.