Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Start by crossing the Queensferry Crossing north from Edinburgh into Fife. You'll stop at Falkland Palace, the former royal hunting lodge where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on what's considered the world's oldest court still in use. After that, wander through the medieval village of Falkland itself, then head to St Andrews for lunch. Spend time walking the cobbled streets and checking out the ancient university buildings there. In the afternoon, travel to Dunnottar Castle, which sits dramatically on a cliff above the North Sea. From there, continue on to Aberdeen for your first night, arriving by early evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Admission to Falkland Palace
- Explore medieval village of Falkland
- Visit Dunnottar Castle
Optional Activities
- Photography at Dunnottar Castle
Landmarks Falkland Palace Falkland St Andrews Dunnottar Castle 
- Day 2
Royal Deeside
This morning, head out to Royal Deeside to see Castle Fraser, a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture with an 18th-century walled garden on the grounds. Stop in Ballater for lunch, a village with connections to the royal family. Later in the afternoon, visit Crathes Castle with its distinctive pinkish-toned facade and turrets. You'll have time to walk through the gardens and see the colorful blooms and the views they offer. After that, head back to Aberdeen for another night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Admission to Castle Fraser
- Explore Castle Fraser walled garden
- Admission to Crathes Castle
- Explore Crathes Castle gardens
Landmarks Castle Fraser Ballater Crathes Castle - Day 3
Aberdeen to Nairn
Travel north through the Scottish countryside, starting with Fyvie Castle, a 13th-century fortress that holds impressive collections of arms, armor, and tapestries. Continue into Elgin for lunch, where you can see a Pictish stone with intricate carvings on the grounds of the ruined Elgin Cathedral, which appeals to history enthusiasts. Then move on to Culloden Battlefield in the afternoon. This site marks the final Jacobite Rising and the last battle fought on British soil, and you'll spend time there paying respects to those who died. Finish the day traveling to Nairn for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Admission to Fyvie Castle
- Admission to Culloden Visitor Centre, Museum & Battlefield
Optional Activities
- Admire Pictish stone at Elgin Cathedral ruins
Landmarks Fyvie Castle Elgin Cathedral Culloden Battlefield 
- Day 4
Nairn to Edinburgh
Start your southbound journey through Scottish landscapes by visiting Cardhu Distillery, the first whisky distillery founded by a woman, Helen Cumming. Pass through Kingussie with a possible photo stop at Ruthven Barracks, then reach Blair Castle. Spend time exploring this historic location, which has connections to Mary Queen of Scots and features an impressive ballroom decorated with 175 antlers, plus a 9-acre Georgian garden. From there, travel through the woodlands and countryside of Perthshire, taking a break in a small town along the way. You'll return to Edinburgh in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flavour journey tour and tasting at Cardhu Distillery
- Admission to Blair Castle and Garden
Optional Activities
- Photo stop at Ruthven Barracks
Landmarks Cardhu Distillery Ruthven Barracks Blair Castle
