Perthshire Highlands and Royal Scotland

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to a comfortable hotel in the north of England for a one night stay.

We continue our journey north, crossing into Scotland, and onto Blairgowrie for a five night stay. Why not relax after your journey in the hotel swimming pool or take a walk by the river.

Today we enjoy an included excursion to visit Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Duke and Earls of Atholl. The castle has been in the family for over seven hundred years and has witnessed both turbulent and peaceful times. Over 19 generations the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have been adventurers and politicians, Jacobite's and Royalists, entrepreneurs and agriculturists, soldiers and scholars. You will explore the history through visiting over 30 rooms open to the public including The Dining Room and Ballroom which has hosted many Highland balls.

We then return to the hotel calling at Queen's View for a photo stop. This majestic view point was much loved by Queen Victoria – and with superb scenery you are sure to see why!

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.

Relax in Blairgowrie at your own pace today. The hotel has fabulous leisure facilities so you can enjoy a swim or why not take a stroll around the town and soak up the charming Perthshire scenery. Take a walk along the River Ericht and watch the fisherman catching Salmon and Trout. Explore the shops, cafes and pubs.

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.

We depart the hotel after breakfast and retrace our steps, crossing back to England and to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast we depart Northern England to return home.