The Cairngorms & Balmoral Castle - Mon 18th May 2020

Fantastic holiday to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains, including a visit to Her Majesty’s Balmoral Castle and much more besides!

Based in the charming town of Pitlochry which has been welcoming tourists for over 150 years ; it’s a great base to explore this beautiful area. Nestled amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, on the sparkling River Tummel and surrounded by green forests, the town has plenty to offer. Around the town is a good selection of restaurants and cafés, gift shops, local crafts and why not enjoy a local tipple in a bar or pub?

Superb excursions included on this holiday with all entrance fees included. We include visits to Blair Castle, a tour and tasting at Blair Athol Distillery plus a visit to Balmoral Castle with stunning Scottish scenery on route.  

We include quality overnight hotel stops each way for comfortable travel each day. Book early to secure your seat.

DAY 1
After being collected from your home around 8.00am, sit back and relax as we travel north to our overnight hotel -the Holiday Inn Preston. Excellent hotel with clean Modern decor - buffer style meals - choice of menu. 

DAY 2
Enjoyable day travelling today as we continue north. We shall have an extended stop for lunch before we head in to the Trossachs for a scenic afternoon drive to picturesque Pitlochry. Passing through Callender, Killin and driving along Loch Tay before arriving at the hotel late afternoon. 3 course evening dinner with choice of menu and tea & coffee.

DAY 3
Marvel at the views today. We have a scenic drive of the area including a stop at the Queen’s View Visitor Centre which has one of the most famous views in Scotland – along spectacular Loch Tummel. Also included today is a visit to Blair Castle. Nestled in the landscape of Highland Perthshire, this castle has a remarkable history with links to Mary Queen of Scots, the Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie and so much more. More than 30 rooms are on display, full of Scottish cultural history, architectural design, period furnishings and family portraits. The grounds feature a magnificent nine acre walled garden, Chinese bridge, gothic folly and a trail of contemporary and 18th Century sculptures. Don’t forget your camera! Includes entrance.

DAY 4
With some free time to explore Pitlochry at your leisure we have also arranged for a visit to the Blair Athol Distillery – tour and tasting included! This is one of the oldest distilleries in the country producing a special 12 year old single malt. We have also included a visit to the Atholl Palace Museum, set in the old servant’s wing of the Atholl Palace Hotel which charts the colourful history of this hotel which first opened as a Hydropathic establishment in 1878. Afterward enjoy a delicious cream tea! Entrance fees and Cream Tea included.

DAY 5
Another highlight of this holiday to Scotland today as we travel into the Cairngorms National Park. Absolutely glorious scenery including the Spittal of Glenshee before arriving at Balmoral Castle. Balmoral has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852; a fine example of Scots Baronial architecture. Includes access to the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, gift shop and café plus the amazing Ballroom. Entrance included.

DAY 6                  
We start the journey home, but still plenty of scenery to enjoy as we pass Edinburgh and head south passing through the historic towns and beautiful countryside of The Borders. Arriving back at our overnight hotel – the Holiday Inn Preston. Buffet style meals – choice of menu.

DAY 7
After a full English breakfast, we continue the journey home with comfort stops on route before returning to the local area around 5.00pm. Returned to your home by our Home Collection Service.

Meal plan included - Dinner Bed & Breakfast

3* Fishers Hotel

Located in the centre of the picturesque tourist town of Pitlochry, the Fishers is ideally situated to explore the town’s attractions and tour this beautiful area. With a remarkable history back to a coaching Inn,the hotel has welcomed visitors such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Gladstone.

Under new owners the hotel has been brought up to date with a new restaurant and breakfast room, The Castle Restaurant and the Coach House Bar has also been refurbished. There are 140 bedrooms, all of which have been recently refurbished or refreshed. All rooms have TV, telephone, iron and board
and tea/coffee making facilities. In the public areas there are lounge areas with fireplaces to relax by. Dinners are served - 3 Course, with a choice of 3 items per course followed by tea/coffee and a Full Scottish Buffet Breakfast.

A lift serves the main building and the garden wing has ground floor rooms, although 3 steps lead "down" to the ground floor.