Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

R oyal D eeside E xplorer

Discover the diversity of Scotland on this fantastic tour in Aberdeen and Dundee. From royal life at stunning castles to iconic waterfronts, from wildlife cruises to heritage transport, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone. Explore the rich history and beauty of two wonderful coastal Scottish cities perfectly combined with a couple of wee drams!

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Aberdeen and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Station Hotel, our base for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 This morning, we travel by private coach to Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family, and we discover the castle’s fascinating history, famous residents and visitors, exploring the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, plus the exhibitions, grounds, and gardens. Following our visit, we transfer to the Glen Garioch ★ Enjoy dolphin spotting on a harbour cruise ★ Meet Highland cattle on a working farm visit ★ Visit Crathes Castle, a classic Scottish tower house with glorious gardens ★ Enjoy railway nostalgia at the Royal Deeside Railway ★ Visit Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Britain’s first military airfield ★ Journey on the Caledonian Railway ★ Stroll around Dundee’s redeveloped waterfront including the V&A Museum of Design ★ Explore Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother ★ Indulge in a gin tasting in the picturesque village of Glamis Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family ★ Sample a wee dram at the Glen Garioch Distillery ★ Discover the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen on a guided tour

Fares From £1489

Royal Deeside Railway

©iStock © iStock

DAY 4 This morning, we travel by private coach to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, the home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef , where we meet the herd of pedigree Highland cattle up close and learn about the history of this native breed on an exclusive 1-hour guided tour followed by tea/coffee served with shortbread. We then continue to nearby Crathes Castle where turrets, gargoyles, and the ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the fascinating features we discover at this classic Scottish tower house. Following our visit, we make our way to the Royal Deeside Railway , which is unique in having served all British Monarchs, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II. We board our train for a two-mile journey before returning to our hotel in time for our evening meal. (B,LR,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, we enjoy magnificent views as we travel to Montrose to visit the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre , the first operational military airfield in Great Britain, and dedicated to aviation history dating back over 100 years. Following our visit, we continue to the Caledonian Railway for a return journey along the four-mile branch line between the town of Brechin

Distillery , one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, for a tour and a wee dram of one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. (B,D) DAY 3 After breakfast today, we enjoy a guided tour of the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen where we will visit the highlights of the city including the historic Old Town, the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate, and the striking gothic Marischal College. Following our tour, we enjoy free time to explore the city’s many attractions including Provost Skene’s House, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and the famous shopping ‘Granite Mile’. This afternoon we enjoy a 1-hour harbour and dolphin cruise with a fascinating talk on the history of the port before sailing into Aberdeen Bay to spot dolphins and wildlife. (B,D)

RRS Discovery

Marischal College,Aberdeen

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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