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Royal Deeside: Castles & Crags

A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Scotland with Johnsons Coaches staying at The Altens Hotel

22 - 26 Jul 27: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Scotland with Johnsons Coaches staying at The Altens Hotel

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Thursday 22nd July 2027 – Monday 26th July 2027

5 Days

From £949

 

Discover the drama and beauty of north-east Scotland on this scenic summer escape to Royal Deeside and Aberdeen. Staying at the comfortable Altens Hotel, we explore the Granite City, uncover local history at Peterhead Prison Museum, and enjoy the elegant gardens and farming heritage of Pitmedden. A highlight is our visit to fairytale Crathes Castle, with its turrets, painted ceilings and glorious gardens, before time in the charming Victorian village of Ballater. We also enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Royal Deeside Railway, following the River Dee through beautiful countryside once loved by the Royal Family.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore the Granite City of Aberdeen with a guided tour and free time to discover its museums, gardens and historic quarters

  • Step inside Peterhead Prison Museum and discover the story of Scotland’s former toughest jail

  • Enjoy Pitmedden Garden and the Museum of Farming Life, blending 17th-century design with agricultural heritage

  • Visit fairytale Crathes Castle and Gardens, with turrets, painted ceilings, historic rooms and colourful grounds

  • Relax on a nostalgic return journey aboard the Royal Deeside Railway beside the River Dee

Day One: Arrival

We travel north to Aberdeen with comfort stops en-route, arriving in time for dinner.

Day Two

We venture north today. Step back in time at Peterhead Prison Museum, 'Scotland's Toughest Jail'. Located within a six acre site, the museum highlights what prison life was like between 1888 and 2013 when the prison finally closed. On then to Pitmedden Garden. Learn how the garden was transformed during the World Wars into a kitchen garden supplying the area with fresh produce. The Garden now combines its 17th-century origins and recent agricultural past into the Museum of Farming Life.

Day Three

A morning tour of Aberdeen centre by coach and on foot followed by time to explore at your own pace. There's plenty to discover from fascinating museums and galleries to the historic merchant quarter, or relax in one of the many parks and award winning gardens.

Day Four

With a backdrop of lush rolling hills, Crathes Castle and Gardens is this morning's destination. Discover the history of the turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings of this magnificent Disney-esque designed 16th century tower house and its lovely gardens. Time at leisure in the Victorian resort village of Ballater. On then to Banchory and a short, but delightful journey on the scenic Royal Deeside Railway running along the River Dee.

Day Five

After breakfast, we journey home.

Altens Hotel

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel offers a comfortable and modern base on the outskirts of Aberdeen. Guests can enjoy spacious bedrooms, excellent leisure facilities, and warm Scottish hospitality, making it an ideal choice for exploring the Granite City and surrounding countryside.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

4-Star * Ensuite * TV * Hairdryer * WiFi * Hospitality Tray * Indoor Pool * Lift

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

  • Door to Door Service

  • Our own courier service

  • 4 nights’ accommodation, dinner & breakfast

  • Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

  • Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ seating & legroom

  • Complementary tea/coffee on board

  • Free WiFi & USB charging points on board

  • Peterhead Prison guided tour

  • Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life admission

  • Guided tour of Aberdeen

  • Admission to Crathes Castle and Gardens

  • Return journey on Royal Deeside Railway

 

Date, Price & Supplement

22 Jul 27

£949

Single Room: £172

Insurance: £40

Prices are per person and for the entire holiday

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Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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Henley in Arden Depot Park & Ride, Johnsons Depot
Liveridge House Liveridge Hill, Henley in Arden

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