Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands

After breakfast, we leave our overnight hotel and begin our Scottish journey with a visit to the stately Blair Castle, set amid the dramatic landscapes of Highland Perthshire. Ancestral seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for over 750 years, the castle offers a rich tapestry of Scottish history. Inside, grand 18^th-century rooms and an opulent Victorian ballroom showcase a remarkable collection of portraits, antique weaponry and family heirlooms. Outside, the castle is framed by beautifully landscaped gardens and tranquil woodland, where red deer and Highland cattle are a common sight.

We then travel north through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, passing through a landscape of ancient pine forests, rushing rivers and heather-covered hills. Our destination is the Coylumbridge Resort Hotel, tucked among the trees near Aviemore, where we’ll stay for the next four nights surrounded by Highland beauty.

We begin our day with a visit to Broomhill Station, famously known to fans of the BBC series Monarch of the Glen as Glenbogle. Here, we board the charming Strathspey Steam Railway and journey through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. As the vintage train chugs along, we are treated to sweeping views of misty mountain peaks, heather-covered moorland and ancient Caledonian woodland.

We disembark in Aviemore, a lively Highland town surrounded by wilderness and popular for its stunning views of the Cairngorms.  We continue by coach to Fort William. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis - the UK’s highest mountain - Fort William is often called the outdoor capital of the Highlands. There is time to explore the town’s scenic waterfront or soak up the views across Loch Linnhe, before we travel back to the hotel.

Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Balmoral Castle, the grand Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, which was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. At the time, they were enchanted by the scenery of the Highlands. Being one of two personal residences, Balmoral offers us an insight into the priorities and pleasures of the Royal family, as we explore the exquisite grounds, which include meticulously maintained formal, water and vegetable gardens.

Afterwards, we travel to the picturesque village of Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside. Take a stroll to admire the historic buildings, browse the Ballater Gallery, which showcases Scottish artists with international reputations, or discover the painstakingly restored royal waiting room at the Royal Station, which re-opened in August 2018 after a devastating fire.

Please note: Balmoral Castle access is to the grounds, gardens and Ballroom.

Today promises a rich blend of Highland landscapes and legendary lore as we journey first to Inverness, followed by the iconic shores of Loch Ness. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, welcomes us with its vibrant atmosphere and striking setting on the banks of the River Ness. Our day continues with a visit to the Loch Ness Visitor Centre in the village of Drumnadrochit. Here, we delve into the myths and mysteries surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch, learning about the science, stories and sightings that have fuelled fascination with the elusive Nessie for generations.

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel near Aviemore and travel south to the historic city of Stirling, often called the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands. Set against some of Scotland’s most scenic countryside, Stirling is crowned by its magnificent medieval castle, dramatically perched on a volcanic crag. After a look around, we continue our journey to the iconic village of Gretna Green, long associated with romantic elopements and runaway weddings. Later, we arrive at our overnight hotel in the Preston area.