Highland Main Line, Aviemore & Dalwhinnie Distillery (full day)
We make our way to the beautiful Victorian station in Pitlochry where we board our train for a scenic trip on the Highland Main Line to Aviemore. This delightfully picturesque journey takes us through the Scottish Highlands and the majestic Cairngorms National Park with views of towering mountains, sparkling lochs and dense forest.
We arrive in the bustling town of Aviemore, where there’s time to explore at leisure. The town is surrounded by lush Highland scenery, making it a popular year-round destination, and also offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Next, we continue on to the Dalwhinnie Distillery, also located in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Built in 1897, it is currently the highest distillery in the country. We learn more about the traditional art of malt whisky distilling on our guided tour, followed by a tasting of two Dalwhinnie single malts accompanied by specially selected hand-made chocolates.
Balmoral Castle & Braemar (full day)
We enjoy a visit to the iconic Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, after they became so enchanted by the Highlands. En-route to the castle we stop at Crathie Church for a photo opportunity. A small parish church, this is where the royals worship while staying at Balmoral. On arrival at the castle, we have time to explore the grounds, gardens, exhibitions and gift shop as well as the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom*.
En-route back to the hotel, we have some time at leisure in Braemar, a picturesque village surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery. Discover the medieval ruins of Kindrochit Castle in the heart of the village, or visit the Braemar Highland Games Centre, where an exhibition explores the traditions of the Highland Games and Braemar’s long-standing royal connections.
*Please note: all other rooms within the castle are not available to the public as these are Her Majesty The Queen's private rooms.
Scone Palace & Dunkeld (full day)
Our day starts with a visit to Scone Palace, crowning place of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce and Charles II and family home of the Earls of Mansfield. We have time to explore the palace with its fine collections of furniture, porcelain, ivories, clocks, paintings and other objets d'art.
Afterwards, we stop in the lovely village of Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay. Highlights include the majestic Dunkeld Cathedral – part ruin, part parish church, the old market cross and the pastel-coloured ‘little houses’, built in the early 1700s and restored by the National Trust for Scotland. Don’t miss the fascinating Ell House, now the National Trust shop packed full of Scottish crafts and traditional sweets.
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