Day 1: Travel to Scotland with a stop at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop Museum, situated at the heart of Gretna Green village. It is the world-famous, historic home of the anvil wedding and has been at the centre of runaway love, since the Marriage Act of 1754. Afterwards, we complete our journey to the Salutation Hotel in Perth for a 4-night stay.
Day 2: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Botanic Gardens
This morning, we visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official royal residence in Scotland. We then travel to the Royal Botanic Garden. Set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and just one mile north of the city centre, the Garden offers a superb panoramic view of the Scottish capital’s skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle. Highlights include the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden and the Scottish Heath Garden. A few miles away, the port of Leith is home to The Royal Yacht Britannia. An audio tour leads you through the five decks, giving a fascinating insight into the lives of the Royal Family.
Day 3: Stirling Castle, Scone Palace and Perth Museum
Our first visit today is to Stirling Castle. We take a private guided tour of the refurbished rooms of the Royal Palace, and we’re transported into the rich world of Scotland’s royalty in the 1500s. Scone Palace, near Perth, is the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots.
Our day concludes with a visit to the newly opened Perth Museum, the new home of the Stone of Destiny. An on-site guide will take you on a tour of the museum, before viewing the highlight of the exhibition, the Stone of Destiny, through the immersive, self-guided experience.
Day 4: V&A Dundee and St Andrews
Today we travel to the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum. Be inspired and explore their welcoming space on Dundee’s waterfront, covering everything from fashion to architecture.
Afterwards, we continue to the Kingdom of Fife as we visit St Andrews, renowned for its golf and Scotland’s oldest university, the town also has a castle, cathedral and sandy beaches. The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. The current Prince and Princess of Wales were both students at the university. St Andrews is also known worldwide as the ‘home of golf’ this is because of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the famous St Andrews links golf course, the most frequent venue for The Open Championship.
Day 5: We depart our hotel after breakfast and make the return journey home, stopping en-route for lunch.