Royal Holyrood and the Best of Edinburgh

Local departure or Home Connect service to Scotland and our hotel for four nights. Proudly dominating Peebles from Venlaw Hill for over a century, the 4-star Peebles Hydro Hotel is a stunning Victorian building surrounded by beautiful forest and rolling hills – the perfect countryside retreat. With a superb restaurant, several inviting lounge and bar areas, and a leisure club with a swimming pool, spa bath and sauna, it is an idyllic base for this short break in the Scottish Borders. Relax and enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow passengers.

After breakfast today, we head to Edinburgh, where you'll find quirky independent stores alongside well-known brands, plus a whole range of attractions waiting to be discovered!

We will also enjoy an included visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Located at the bottom of The Royal Mile, this Royal palace has an intriguing history with its association with Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visit the state apartments and throne room and the great gallery.

You will then have free time in Edinburgh to explore at your own pace. The imposing castle is well worth a visit, or you can explore The Royal Mile with its shops and attractions.

After breakfast today, we visit one of Scotland's gems – Rosslyn Chapel. Founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, the chapel is described as "a treasure in stone" due to its magnificent ornate stonework and intricate carvings. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism that surrounds the site has made it an inspiration for the best-selling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, with links to the Holy Grail legend.

This afternoon, we will return to the hotel for some free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Why not take a swim in the large swimming pool or enjoy the spa? The hotel has its own 1881 Gin distillery and offers tours and tastings that can be booked with reception. They even have their own Alpacas, with wonderful experiences on offer!

After breakfast today, we journey to the Firth of Forth for our cruise. On board, we take in the spectacular views of the Three Bridges and the panorama of the beautiful Edinburgh skyline, enjoying the commentary as we go. You might even be lucky enough to spot seals or puffins and marine wildlife!

On our way back to the hotel in the afternoon, we will stop in Peebles, which straddles the River Tweed. You will have some free time to walk by the river or explore the pretty town centre.

After breakfast today, we begin the journey home.

Local departure or Home Connect service to Scotland and our Signature hotel for four nights. The 4-star New Lanark Mill Hotel is a unique and beautifully restored 18th-century cotton mill, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark. It offers comfortable accommodation with picturesque views of the River Clyde and the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy a restaurant, bar, leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool. it is an idyllic base for this short break in Scotland. Relax and enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow passengers.

After breakfast today, we head to Edinburgh, where you'll find quirky independent stores alongside well-known brands, plus a whole range of attractions waiting to be discovered!

We will also enjoy an included visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Located at the bottom of The Royal Mile, this Royal palace has an intriguing history with its association with Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visit the state apartments and throne room and the great gallery.

You will then have free time in Edinburgh to explore at your own pace. The imposing castle is well worth a visit, or you can explore The Royal Mile with its shops and attractions.

After breakfast today, we visit one of Scotland's gems – Rosslyn Chapel. Founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, the chapel is described as "a treasure in stone" due to its magnificent ornate stonework and intricate carvings. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism that surrounds the site has made it an inspiration for the best-selling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’, with links to the Holy Grail legend.

This afternoon, we will return to the hotel for some free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Why not take a swim in the large swimming pool or enjoy the spa? Or why not explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark Mill. Easily walkable from the hotel you can enjoy a walk around the mill site and walk by the Clyde river. In your free time why not enjoy the visitor centre, view the 1820s Millworkers House and see the working mill in action. Tickets can be booked in advance on the attraction website.

After breakfast today, we journey to the Firth of Forth for our cruise. On board, we take in the spectacular views of the Three Bridges and the panorama of the beautiful Edinburgh skyline, enjoying the commentary as we go. You might even be lucky enough to spot seals or puffins and marine wildlife!

We then journey to see one of the most famous Scottish landmarks, The Kelpies. Located in Helix Park near Falkirk and standing 100ft tall they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The works of art, created by artist Andy Scott, have become iconic on the landscape after being modelled on real-life icons of times gone by — Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships.

After breakfast today, we begin the journey home.