Magic of Scotland 2023

Arrive Glasgow Airport at 6:50am.

After an early arrival we start our day with a A Great Day Out – the old fashioned way at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. Here we enjoy the steam and mighty heritage diesel locomotives. We then travel to Linlithgow when you will have time for lunch. Linlithgow Palace today lies in ruins but will still inspires awe. Mary Queen of Scots was born here.

On our way to Edinburgh, we will visit Blackness Castle. Blackness has taken on many roles in history serving as a royal castle, a fortress, a state prison and an ammunition depot.

Dinner at our hotel night. (D)  

Accommodation: Virgin Hotel Edinburgh or similar

After breakfast, we met our step on Guide for an orientation of Edinburgh including Arthurs Seat. We will also have some free time to enjoy the city. 

After our group dinner at the hotel, we will get our reserved seats and enjoy the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B, D)

Accommodation: Virgin Hotel Edinburgh or similar

This morning we travel to see the mighty Forth Bridges – there are three bridges crossing the River Forth. The Forth Bridge is the world’s first major steel structure, a major milestone in civil engineering. We will enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the Maid of the Forth to gain sights of under the bridge.

After we travel to St. Andrews via Kiross & A’muchty. There will be plenty of time for lunch and shopping.

On our way to our Dundee hotel for dinner, we will stop at Lindores Abbey Distillery for a wee dram and tour. This “Church by the Water” was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntington. (B, D)

Accommodation: Apex Harbour Hotel or similar

After breakfast, we leave for Arbroth Abbey via Carnoustie. Arbroth Abbey was founded in 1178 by William the Lion. He asked the monks to establish the monastery. The abbey gained a big spotlight in 1951 when The Stone of Destiny was found here just three months after its removal from Westminster Abbey.

We then go to Glamis Castle. Time at the Castle and Gardens for lunch and exploring. This castle was once the inspiration for William Shakespeare. It was also here that HRH Princess Margaret was born.

When we get back to Dundee, we will be dropped off at the V&A Museum – a short walk to the hotel. This museum of design is having a special Tartan exhibition. The Scottish Design Galleries will give you much to discover in Scotland’s international impact. (B)

Accommodation: Apex Harbour Hotel or similar

After a leisurely breakfast we will go to Dunnottar Castle via Montrose. This spectacular castle was built upon a 160 foot rock. The North Sea surrounds three sides. Besides being a photographer’s paradise, Dunnottar Castle’s history dates back to around 5000 BC. Now ruins, this landmark holds stories of William Wallace and has had visits from The Pope and Mary Queen of Scots.

After exploring Dunnottar, we will go to Highland Beef for a tour and lunch.

The afternoon we rest and stop for shopping on our way to Aberdeen. Dinner at hotel. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Ardoe House Hotel or similar

Breakfast. We will go to Slains Castle for a walkabout. Slains Castle has a creepiness to it – believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. The Castle ruin is close to the cliff edges and you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks. The perfect setting for a story. 

On our way to Gordon Highlander Museum, we will have a photo stop at Newburgh Seal Beach. At the museum, audio guides are available and you will have time for lunch. 

We then after visit Girdle Ness Lighthouse and Torry Battery. This lighthouse is active. The Battery provides wonderful view overlooking Aberdeen harbour. (B, D)

Accommodation: Ardoe House Hotel or similar 

We leave the hotel around 9am to go to Fyvie Castle. This 800 year old fortress, has an impressive portrait collection including works by Raeburn. There is also an unusual glass-roofed racquets court. Rooms of antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings to admire.

We then go to Baxters, Fochaber. There will be time for shopping and lunch on your own. 

On our way to Achnagairn Castle Estate, we will take the back roads to Clava Cairns. Besides Outlander being filmed here, this burial site built in the Bronze Age and holds history dating back to 4,000 years. The standing stones, passage graves and ring cairns are in a beautiful setting.

Tonight a BBQ dinner. (B, D)

Accommodation: Achnagairn Castle or similar 

After a big breakfast we are ready for a busy day exploring. First stop, Moray Motor Museum. We will see memorabilia from a bygone motoring age – from the 1904 Speedwell to the 1963 Tojeiro Ford, you will be sure to spot a fun set of wheels! 

Our next stop in on the Malt Whiskey Trail, Speyside Cooperage. Here we will learn of the art of Coopering. 

Then onto Beauly Priory – it is not known who the founder was but it is estimated the monastic community was founded in 1230.

We then stop at Chanonry Point to see if we can spot some dolphins.

Our final stop of the day will be at Brodie Country Fare. A luxury shopping experience. (B, D)

Accommodation: Achnagairn Castle or similar 

Today we travel by Jacobite Cruise to Urquhart Castle. Keep watch for Nessie! The impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle have a distinct Highland heritage. There is a great collection of artefacts here. We also recommend watching the short film upon arrival.

We will head to Port Augustus for lunch, weather permitting we will have a picnic.

In the afternoon we will go to the highest railway in the United Kingdom – The Cairngorm Funicular Railway. We will ride the 2km railway. (B, L)

Accommodation: Athol Arms Hotel or similar

After breakfast we go to the magical Perthshire forest cared for by the National Trust; The Hermitage. On the woodland walk be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife!

We will stop today in the historic conservation village of Killin. Perhaps grab a snack at Boathouse Kitchen & Bar?

Some free time in Pitlochry. (B)

Accommodation: Athol Arms Hotel or similar

An exciting day today! We spend the day at The Braemar Gatherings Highland Games. The Gathering started in 1832 and has been an annual event since. 

Dinner at hotel. (B, D)

Accommodation: Grand Central Station Hotel or similar

After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a leisurely day in Glasgow. Besides shopping, you can visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Tennents Wellpark Brewery or see the classical buildings of Buchanan Street to name a few things. 

Group farewell dinner tonight at Rio Brazil. (B, D)

Accommodation: Grand Central Station Hotel or similar

Depart Glasgow Airport on flight TS245 at 8:35am, arriving Toronto at 11:00am – unless extending your stay. Ask us about Glasgow Hotel Packages.