Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

R oyal D eeside E xplorer

This tour celebrates the diversity of the east coast of Scotland from royal life at stunning castle retreats to iconic waterfronts, from wildlife cruises to heritage transport, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone and is perfectly combined with a couple of wee drams!

DAY 1 We arrive in Aberdeen where our hotel for four nights is the Station Hotel, conveniently located directly opposite from the train station. Tonight, we enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 This morning we travel by private coach to Balmoral , the Scottish home of the Royal Family. We discover the castle’s fascinating history, famous residents and visitors, exploring the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, as well as the exhibitions, grounds, and gardens. Following our visit, we enjoy free time in the nearby Deeside village of Ballater and can visit the Old Royal Station complete with Royal Carriage and Royal Waiting Room. Our day concludes with a tour at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and a wee dram of one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Royal Family ★ Sample a wee dram at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery ★ Discover the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen on a guided tour ★ 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 ★ Admire wonderful coastal scenery on the rail journey from Aberdeen to Dundee ★ Visit Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Britain’s first military airfield ★ Take a trip on the Caledonian Railway ★ Stroll around Dundee’s redeveloped waterfront including the V&A Museum of Design ★ Enjoy a guided tour of Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother ★ Experience gin tasting in the picturesque village of Glamis Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £1269

Balmoral

© Shutterstock

Aberdeen

Highland Cattle

DAY 4 This morning we travel by private coach to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, the home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef . Here, we meet the herd of pedigree Highland cattle up close and learn about the history of this native breed and how they are farmed today on a 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. We can stroll around the castle’s beautiful walled garden with pools, fountains, and themed borders. Following our visit, we make our way to the Royal Deeside Railway © Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

DAY 3 Today we begin with a guided tour of the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen . We see the historic Old Town, the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate, and the striking gothic Marischal College, the world’s second largest granite structure, which are all fine examples of the city’s most famous export. 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’. In the afternoon we enjoy a 1-hour harbour and dolphin cruise with a talk on the history of the port and sail into Aberdeen Bay to spot dolphins and wildlife. (B,D)

Royal Deeside Railway

V&A Dundee

Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

© Shutterstock

© Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

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

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