Scotland's Castle Trail & Royal Deeside

Saturday

We board our Luxury Traveller coach for the leisurely drive north. Enjoy the scenic, undulating views of the Borders region as we journey to our overnight stay at the 4-star Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel near Falkirk.

Sunday

Departing after breakfast we travel 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 4-night stay.

Monday

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. Later, we continue to nearby Crathes Castle - one of the most superb castles in Scotland. This splendid 16th century family tower house has well-preserved interiors and wonderful gardens.

Tuesday

Today, a local coach and driver meets us for a visit to the highly acclaimed Pitmedden Garden. Admire the intricate box parterres, 40,000 plants in the colourful borders and breathe in the scent of roses. Later, we return for a Guided Tour of Aberdeen. Known as ‘Granite City’ and famous as the off-shore oil capital of Europe, this is a city with not one but two Old Towns: Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral. Then there’s Footdee – known locally as Fittie – a quirky fishing quarter at the water’s edge, with squares of tiny cottages, flower-filled gardens andbrightly painted outhouses, their eccentric decorations drawing on the city’s seafaring soul.

Wednesday

This morning after breakfast, we travel west crossing the River Dee at the Bridge of Feugh, a waterfall to see we can catch a glimpse of the salmon jumping up the falls. Heading deeper into Royal Deeside we Stop at Crathie Kirk. This church has been used by the Royal family for worship since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert discovered and purchased the Balmoral Estate. We continue to Balmoral Castle before visiting the Braemar Highland Games Centre – where we discover the 200-year history of the Braemar Royal Highland Games Society. Our visit includes a bagpipe welcome and a welcome cup of tea with a scone.

Thursday

We bid a fond farewell to Scotland’s far north and journey south pausing at Glamis Castle. Once home to the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, the castle oozes over 500 years of history where many legends and myths can be told. In the afternoon, we continue to our final nights stay in the Central Highlands.

Friday

We leave after breakfast and begin the journey home.