Pitlochry, Perthshire and Royal Scotland

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to your hotel for four nights.

Enjoy a trip to Blair Castle, set at the heart of Highland Perthshire and the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the stories to be discovered here include visits by Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Brimming with Scottish cultural history, period furnishings and beautiful paintings, highlights include the Victorian Ballroom which is decorated with 175 pairs of antlers, the Entrance Hall which is decorated with weapons from the Battle of Culloden, and the grand State Dining Room. We will also make a stop at Queen's View to soak up the beautiful panorama of the surrounding scenery. The view is named after Queen Victoria who once admired this spectacular outlook.

The original home of the legendary Stone of Destiny, which was used to crown the ancient Kings of Scotland. Scone Palace is spectacular and contains a superb collection of French furniture, delicate china and valuable treasures. With over 1000 years of history it is now home to the Earls of Mansfield and inside the palace you can admire the needlework skills of Mary Queen of Scots and see the State Rooms where Queen Victoria was entertained on her way to the Highlands. The palace also offers stunning formal gardens including working kitchen garden and maze. You will have time to explore both the fascinating history of the palace and the beauty of the gardens. In the afternoon we then continue to Perth on the River Tay. Perth was one of the ancient capitals of Scotland between the 9th and 15th centuries. It was where Scotland's monarchs were once crowned. Explore the busy high street with its mix of shops or sit and watch the world go by at a riverside cafe. There is also Perth museum which showcases artifacts from Scottish history including the "Scone of Destiny" which has been returned to Scotland after 700 years.

This morning we visit Glamis Castle, which boasts 1,000 years of history. The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle was also the home of Queen Elizabeth II's grandparents where she spent many happy childhood holidays. It is also the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth. In the afternoon we visit Dundee. The 4th largest city in Scotland is located on the Tay estuary. Famous for ship building the waterfront area has now been transformed and now is home to the V&A Dundee dedicated to design museum which is worth a visit in your free time. If maritime history is your thing, why not head to Discovery Point to view RRS Discovery the famous Antarctic research vessel or HMS Unicorn built in 1824 she is the 3rd oldest ship still afloat in the world.

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