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Scotland

Edinburgh, Stirling and Dalhousie Castle

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6 days Sold out
4.7 stars(3 reviews)

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2023 Tour code: EDS23

About the tour

Starting with a guided tour of elegant Edinburgh, we journey along the Borders Railway, passing old mining villages and open farmland, then visit fabulous historic houses - Traquair, Abbotsford and Hopetoun - while staying in Scotland's oldest inhabited castle on the banks of the River Esk.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

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'.

Day 2 – Edinburgh and Dalhousie Castle

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Borders Railway and Abbotsford House

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Stirling Castle

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Traquair House

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Edinburgh

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

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa

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Extending your holiday in Edinburgh

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 3 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (2)
  2. 4 stars
    (1)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

John

4 stars

Submitted 2/Jun

Although only 12 of us on the tour, plus our excellent tour leader, the sociable group, visited some historic places and learned much about Scottish history. Staying in Dalhousie Castle was the highlight of the tour.

Collected by Trustpilot

Coralie Clark

5 stars

Submitted 31/May

An excellent tour. The two hotels are of a very high standard, and the itinerary worked very well, including plenty of time in historic buildings, with a minimum of coach travel. The Tour Manager was superb, his experience enabling him to trouble-shoot and improve things on the go. A tour for people who like castles, historic houses and good food. Highly recommended.

Collected by Trustpilot

J Wylie

5 stars

Submitted 26/May

A really nice holiday, good hotels and food, interesting excursions full of history. I wouyld recommend this holiday.

Collected by Trustpilot

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