Besson Historic Scotland Explorations - v1 - DRAFT
Sunday 18th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024
Sunday 18th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your iconic city centre hotel. Spend a relaxing evening in the hotel and enjoy the views out over the Edinburgh skyline from this central position.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: None
This morning is free for you to relax and shake free from the last of the jetlag. After lunch your private expert city guide will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out to explore the wide Georgian streets of Edinburgh’s ‘New Town’. Take in the the elegant grandeur of the period design at the Georgian House museum before maybe heading a little further afield. Maybe choose to focus on the charming Dean Village and bustling Stockbridge today, a quieter introduction and full of inspiration at every turn. There is also a long-standing coin shop near the beautiful Botanic Gardens which you may wish to hunt out.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Old Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways and your guide will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city as you explore on foot.
This evening you enjoy a real treat as you head to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a world-renowned outdoor performance started in 1950. It is different every year and is staged on the castle esplanade with incredible views over the city. The show ends with a spectacular fireworks display and is sure to blow you away.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; maybe venture underneath the streets into the dark tales, discover a Festival show, soak in a gallery exhibition or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Your local guide will have given you some great ideas the day before to suit your unique interests.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be collected from your hotel by a private driver, and joined in the vehicle by a knowledgeable guide to make the journey go quickly. Discover some of the best preserved Roman fort remains on the northern wall as you explore Vindolanda and Housesteads with your guide. Immerse yourselves in times past with the wealth of knowledge unearthed by the archaeological digs on these sites.
Depending on the timings you may choose to divert your route home to take you via the coast to enjoy the views as you head back towards your luxurious hotel in Edinburgh for one last night.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out of the city to explore before your guide takes you to your accommodation to settle in before dinner.
Today is flexible depending on your interests….
stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and a turbulent history. Then head to the nearby Wallace Monument, which celebrates Scotland’s first national hero William Wallace. Admire the huge Wallace Sword and climb the steps to gain the beautiful vista of the surrounding hills.
Discover mighty Stirling castle, with imposing battlements looking out from the clifftops. This is where the World’s Oldest Football was discovered, thought to be hidden by Mary Queen of Scots behind wood paneling to keep it safe from witchcraft.
Culross?????
Blackness Castle????
Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Large Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Large Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Large Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Morning visit to Loch Katrine – afternoon free to enjoy Gleneagles activities & facilities (guide available just in morning)
Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Large Manor Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.