Royal Deeside and the Tornado Steam Train

After meeting at our hotel in the centre of Edinburgh, you're free to begin exploring this distinguished city ahead of a group dinner later this evening.

• Dinner

Our day begins with a short walk to Edinburgh Waverley Station for a memorable journey aboard the Aberdonian Steam Train. Hauled by an iconic Tornado steam engine, we enjoy stunning views of the Scottish countryside from our First Class seats, crossing the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge and enjoying lunch on board. We soak up ever-changing panoramas as we pass leafy countryside, rugged cliffs and charming coastal towns. Arriving into Aberdeen, we transfer to our hotel for the night.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue to the heart of Royal Deeside, joining the Royal Deeside Railway for a heritage rail journey along the banks of the River Dee. From Banchory, we travel in restored vintage carriages on a short but scenic one-mile jaunt. Next up is a visit to a Highland coo farm, where we meet a herd of pedigree Highland cattle, take a tour of a working farm with a local farmer and sit down to a traditional lunch. We then make our way to Ballater, on the edge of Cairngorms National Park, pausing at Balmoral Castle along the way. This estate has been the Scottish holiday home of the royal family since 1852, and is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture. We transfer to the Lost Loch Distillery in Royal Deeside for an informative tour - with opportunity to taste a wee dram or two of the distillery's well-regarded single malt. Later, we transfer to our hotel in Dundee.

• Breakfast, Lunch, 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. After free time for lunch, we visit the coastal town of Arbroath, known for its idyllic harbour, sandy beaches and famous 'Arbroath smokies' - salted haddock, smoked over a wood fire. We learn about this traditional Scottish specialty with a cooking demonstration, seeing how the smokies are prepared and slowly smoked over wood chips in a whisky barrel. We sample some of this mouth-watering delicacy 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

We return to the Scottish capital by train where our tour comes to an end and you're free to continue your journey home or sightsee further.

• Breakfast