8 days - from only £699pp
ABOUT THE TOUR
Discover this wonderful part of Scotland, so loved by generations of the Royal Family, from our base in the Perthshire Highlands. Along the way, we'll visit beautiful Blair Castle which boasts a rich history and royal connections, fascinating Falkland Palace with its treasure trove of fascinating 17th century artefacts, and glorious Glamis Castle – home to turrets, towers and stunning rooms. We'll also soak up the panoramic scenery from Queen's View and explore the rejuvenated city of Dundee, with time at leisure to relax in charming Pitlochry.
TOUR INCLUDES
Day 1: To Northern England
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to a comfortable hotel in the north of England for a one-night stay.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Northern England to Pitlochry
We continue our journey north, crossing into Scotland, and to Pitlochry for a five-night stay.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Blair Castle and Queen's View
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.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Blair Castle
Included Highlights
Day 4: Falkland Palace and Perth
Today's included excursion takes us first to fascinating Falkland Palace, the country residence of the royal Stuarts and adored by Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the treasure trove of fascinating 17th century artefacts, see the magnificent Chapel Royal and discover the colourful grounds that are home to the world's oldest-surviving real tennis court.
We then visit nearby Perth which is perched on the River Tay and spanned by two beautiful bridges.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Falkland Palace
Included Highlights
Day 5: Day at leisure
Relax and explore popular Pitlochry with a day at leisure.
A walker's paradise, why not enjoy a breath of fresh air with a local walk? Enjoy easy circular routes taking in the woods and forests or a more challenging route with rewarding views – some even dotted with the odd distillery!
Alternatively, head down the hill to the centre where the main road through the town is dotted with delightful shops, charming cafés and pubs.
The Pitlochry Festival Theatre also has performances throughout the year, with a wide variety of shows on offer.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Glamis Castle and Dundee
Scotland's most beautiful castle, Glamis Castle, awaits today. With over 1,000 years of history to explore – from Royal tales to fabled Macbeth Trails – this promises to be a great day out! The castle was the home of Queen Elizabeth II's grandparents, where she spent many happy childhood holidays, and it was also birthplace of Princess Margaret. You can't fail to be impressed by the majesty of this wonderful castle from the moment you enter the Queen Mother Gates and see the turrets and towers nestled in the landscape.
Each room has a different story to tell, and the evolution of the castle and its legendary tales are brought to life by the knowledgeable tour guides.
We also visit the rejuvenated city of Dundee. This east coast city is now well-known following the opening of the brilliant V&A Museum and there's so much to see along the regenerated quayside.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Glamis Castle
Included Highlights
Day 7: Pitlochry to Northern England
We retrace our steps, crossing back into England and to a comfortable hotel for an overnight stay.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8:
Return home.
Included meals: Breakfast
Single Room Supplement from £79.00 (8 days).
You will stay for five nights at the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel in Pitlochry, and will have comfortable overnight stays on the outbound and return journey.
Built in the style of a traditional Scottish hunting lodge, the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel enjoys a fine location in the beautiful Perthshire Highlands, and is splendidly set on the River Tummel just a short walk from the town of Pitlochry. The hotel boasts an impressive line-up of excellent facilities including two elegant lounges, a terrace and a fantastic restaurant to enjoy delicious breakfast and evening meals. The hotel also has its own leisure club, featuring a gym, an indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi – the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring the picturesque countryside and charming cities. A short walk away from the hotel will lead you to the town of Pitlochry, an idyllic retreat with an authentic Scottish atmosphere.
Travel from most joining points is included within your coach holiday price.
See our full list of our joining points.