Royal Deeside and The Tornado Steam Train

We meet at our hotel in the centre of Edinburgh today, where we have dinner together this evening.

After breakfast at the hotel on Day 2, we walk to nearby Edinburgh Waverley Station to embark on a memorable journey aboard the Aberdonian Steam Train, hauled by an iconic Tornado steam engine. Newly launched in 2019 by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, this nostalgic rail journey transports us back in time to a golden age of rail travel, as it steams through the scenic landscapes of Scotland.

We sit back and relax in our First Class carriages, soaking up ever-changing panoramas from the large windows as we traverse the landscapes between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, passing leafy countryside, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. A particular highlight comes as we cross the dramatic Forth Bridge, a striking red industrial bridge which dates back to the late 1800s and was once voted Scotland's greatest man-made wonder. The pioneering bridge spans Firth of Forth estuary, and was designated UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015 due to innovations made in style, scale and materials during its construction. We are treated to a delicious brunch on board, served at our seats while we take in the passing scenery.

Our extraordinary journey comes to an end as we roll into Aberdeen and transfer by coach to our hotel, the 4-Star Mercure Ardoe House Hotel. Nestled within 30 acres of lush grounds just outside of Aberdeen city centre, this castle-style hotel is located in a beautiful 19th-century mansion house.

• Day 1 - Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We transfer into the heart of Royal Deeside to join the Royal Deeside Railway for a heritage rail journey alongside the River Dee. From Banchory, we travel in restored vintage carriages on a short but scenic one-mile journey, taking in views of the pretty Scottish countryside. This afternoon, we continue to Ballater on the edge of Cairngorms National Park, pausing at Balmoral Castle. The estate has been the Scottish holiday home of the royal family since 1852, and is a splendid example of Scottish baronial architecture. We transfer to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery to indulge in a quintessential Scottish pastime - a dram of whisky. We uncover the history behind the famed Scottish drink on a guided tour, before a tasting of an award-winning 12 Year Old Single Malt. Later, we travel to Dundee, our base for the next two nights.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We discover the coastal city of Dundee on a short walking tour. Dundee has undergone a resurgence in recent years, with the waterfront transformed into a hub of art and culture. Our tour ends at what is perhaps the jewel in the crown of the waterfront, the V&A Museum of Design, which we have some time to explore. Opened in 2018, the V&A is the first museum of its kind in Scotland, and showcases the very best of the country's design heritage.

After time for lunch in Dundee, we visit the coastal town of Arbroath. Arbroath is known for its idyllic harbour, sandy beaches, and famous delicacy, the 'Arbroath smokie' - salted haddock smoked over a wood fire. We find out about this traditional Scottish specialty with a cooking demonstration, seeing how the smokies are prepared using methods which date back to the 1800s, before being smoked over wood chips in a whisky barrel. We sample the mouth-watering fish fresh from the barrel, before transferring back to Dundee for a free evening. Dundee is an overlooked treasure with an unpretentious charm and flourishing food and drink scene. There are a number of eateries here you could choose visit, from stylish restaurants to humble cafés and traditional pubs serving typical Scottish fare.

• Breakfast

After breakfast we walk to the station for the train to Edinburgh, where our tour ends. You are free to depart at leisure, or to continue exploring further.

• Breakfast