Edinburgh, Stirling and Dalhousie Castle

We meet in Edinburgh where we'll spend the night in this fascinating city full of beautiful architecture and charm. Before dinner, you're free to explore the grand historic buildings, galleries, cafés, and, independent shops that explain why the city is regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

• Dinner

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Edinburgh, passing sights including Holyrood House, the official residence of Scotland's Monarch. We stop for lunch at the Railbridge Bistro, a modern diner with a contemporary Scottish menu. After lunch, our tour continues to the Hopetoun House where we absorb the beauty of the house and gardens dating from the 17th century. Later we continue by coach to our wonderful base for the next four nights, Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa. Situated eight miles outside of Edinburgh in acres of wooded parkland on the banks of the River Esk this 13th century fortress is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel along the Borders Railway from Eskbank to Tweedbank. The journey takes us through the old mining villages of Newtongrange and Gorebridge and into a wonderfully scenic stretch of rural open farmland. From here, we continue by coach to Abbotsford House where we're taken on a short guided tour and enjoy a light lunch. After looking around Sir Walter Scott's home, exploring the history of one of Scotland's most famous writers, we travel back to Dalhousie Castle. After a tour of the castle and a delicious dinner, we're treated to a tasting of Scottish whisky.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take the train from Esbank to Edinburgh then continue to Stirling. Here we enjoy a walking tour of Stirling Castle, a great royal residence and powerful stronghold. After free time for lunch in Stirling, we continue to Callandar where we walk down the River Teith, known as 'Rob Roy', country after the notorious Highland outlaw. After returning to our hotel, we enjoy a wonderful meal once again in the award-winning restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our excursion today is to Traquair House, Scotland's Oldest Inhabited House which dates back to 1107. Charming farms, acres of mixed forestry, beautiful cottages, and the shimmering River Tweed all surround the house and we're lucky enough to be taken on a guided tour. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel where we're treated to a short presentation on the history of the famous Highland Games, followed by a chance to take part in some similar activities. In the evening we enjoy a special farewell dinner in the chapel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we are transferred back to Edinburgh where our holiday ends.

• Breakfast