Royal Deeside Explorer

DAY 1

We arrive in Aberdeen where our hotel for four nights is the Station Hotel, conveniently located directly opposite from the train station. Tonight, we enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning we travel by private coach to Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family. We discover the castle’s fascinating history, famous residents and visitors, exploring the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, as well as the exhibitions, grounds, and gardens. Following our visit, we enjoy free time in the nearby Deeside village of Ballater and can visit the Old Royal Station complete with Royal Carriage and Royal Waiting Room. Our day concludes with a tour at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and a wee dram of one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies.

DAY 3

Today we begin with a guided tour of the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen. We see the historic Old Town, the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate, and the striking gothic Marischal College, the world’s second largest granite structure, which are all fine examples of the city’s most famous export. Following our tour, we enjoy free time to explore the city’s many attractions including Provost Skene’s House, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and the famous shopping ‘Granite Mile’. In the afternoon we enjoy a 1-hour harbour and dolphin cruise with a talk on the history of the port and sail into Aberdeen Bay to spot dolphins and wildlife.

DAY 4

This morning we travel by private coach to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, the home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef. Here, we meet the herd of pedigree Highland cattle up close and learn about the history of this native breed and how they are farmed today on a 1-hour guided tour followed by tea/coffee served with shortbread. We then continue to nearby Crathes Castle where turrets, gargoyles, and the ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the fascinating features we discover at this classic Scottish tower house. We can stroll around the castle’s beautiful walled garden with pools, fountains, and themed borders. Following our visit, we make our way to the Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes train station where we board our train for a two-mile journey. The Royal Deeside Railway is unique in having served all British Monarchs, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. After our return journey we enjoy free time in the nearby town of Banchory before returning to our hotel.

DAY 5

After breakfast we travel to Montrose by rail, enjoying magnificent views of the coast during our 45-minute scenic journey. On arrival, we transfer the short distance by coach to visit the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, home of Britain’s first operational military airfield and dedicated to aviation history dating back over 100 years. Following our visit, we continue to the Caledonian Railway for a return journey along the four-mile branch line between the town of Brechin to the Bridge of Dun which dates back in 1848. After our fascinating day of heritage trains and planes we continue our journey to Dundee by rail and arrive at our base for the next three nights, the Malmaison Hotel, where our luggage is waiting for us.

DAY 6

Today we enjoy a day at leisure in our new base of Dundee. We can visit the city’s many attractions including Discovery Point, an award-winning attraction which tells the story of RRS Discovery and Captain Scott’s remarkable Antarctic expedition, Verdant Works, an original jute mill, the impressive V&A museum (free of charge although some exhibitions carry a separate charge), the Dundee hop-on, hop-off bus, The McManus Art Gallery & Museum or take a stroll and find the statues of famous Beano and Dandy characters dotted around the waterfront city.

DAY 7

This morning we journey by private coach to Glamis Castle, renowned for being Scotland’s most beautiful castle. During our guided tour we learn about the castle which is famous for being the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. Following our visit, we spend some time in the quaint village of Glamis and enjoy a talk and gin tasting at the characterful Gin Bothy before returning to our hotel in the afternoon.

DAY 8

We bid farewell to Dundee as we make our way home.

B=Breakfast, PL=Packed Lunch, D=Dinner