Cairngorms & Speyside Splendours

The mighty, majestic Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in Great Britain. This vast natural playground has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine. Here you will find five of the UK's six highest mountains, alongside 55 Munros - mountains over 3,000 ft. Explore this spectacular region based at the handsome stone built Grant Arms Hotel in the fine Scottish country town of Grantown on Spey, not far from the famous Spey River in the heart of the Cairngorms. This tour takes you on an exploration of some of the region and beyond with many visits and attractions includedPacked with inclusions and visits
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive this evening at the contemporary 4* Copthorne Hotel Newcastle for dinner and overnight. DBBnnDay 2 - Journey into Scotland today through the Borders and beyond with interesting stops en-route for refreshments. Arrive in time to explore Grantown on Spey and check into the excellent 4* Grant Arms in the centre of the town for the next 4 nights. DBBnnDay 3 - 5 At leisure in Grantown on Spey with three included excursion daysnnINCLUDED EXCURSIONSnA Regal Day Out - Braemar Highland Games Centre & BalmoralnHead deep into the Cairngorms National Park today to delightful Braemar, right in the heart of Royal Deeside. This ancient village is situated in the spectacular mountain scenery at the eastern gateway to the highest mountains of the Cairngorms and is home to the world famous annual Braemar Gathering and Highland Games. Visit the Braemar Highland Games Centre which explores the history and unique story of the traditional sports and games. After a piper's welcome, enjoy a private display of caber tossing and a tour of the exhibition, celebrating all things Scottish - from the kilt and colourful tartans to the Highland dancers and pipers.nnAfter time at leisure in Braemar, depart for the Balmoral Castle & Estate, the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Commissioned by Prince Albert, this baronial style royal retreat comes to life on a guided tour as you visit the largest room in the castle, the Ballroom, as well as the exhibitions, grounds and gardens at leisure. Covering three acres, the beautiful formal gardens feature a kitchen garden, a range of Victorian glasshouses and a water garden. From the lawn you can admire the full glory of the granite giant's turreted clocktower. (NB admittance to Balmoral is subject to members of the Royal Family not being in residence. Should a visit not be possible an alternative will be arranged).nnSteam & Mountain RailwaysnDeparting from Broomhill Station, or 'Glenbogle' as fans of the popular BBC series Monarch of the Glen will know it, travel back in time on the heritage Strathspey Steam Railway offering relaxing views of the Cairngorms vista and the meandering River Spey as you journey through the countryside from Broomhill to Aviemore via Boat of Garten (also known as the 'Osprey Village'). As you travel over moorland, forest and by great sweeps of the River Spey, the Cairngorm Mountains provide a backdrop to the scene which, together with the hot oil, smoke and steam form the ingredients of a nostalgic adventure. Disembark in Aviemore, the popular holiday resort located in the northwest corner of the Cairngorms where towering mountains, sparkling lochs and dense forests surround this bustling town, making it a popular year-round destination.nnAfter time at leisure to explore the town, take an exhilarating ride on Scotland's only funicular railway, the Cairngorms Mountain Railway - in just 5 minutes you reach the 'Top Station' at over 3,500 feet above sea level where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching down to Loch Morlich and the Spey Valley beyond. There is a shop and a 270 degree immersive exhibition and you will enjoy a delicious cream tea at the UK's highest restaurant. Return to the Base Station where your coach awaits to take you back to GrantownnnWhisky Galore - Distillery & CooperagenDiscover the warm-hearted spirit of the Speyside home where premium whisky is created, evoking ripe orchard fruit, fresh grass, and mellow cereal. Cardhu distillery was successfully run by two generations of pioneering women. Helen and Elizabeth Cumming were treasured for their determination, skill, generosity, and loyalty to the community, forever defining Cardhu as a whisky with heart. Experience the warmest of welcomes and the heartfelt embrace of Cardhu, the Speyside Home of Johnnie Walker with a tour and tasting. Then head to Dufftown, the vibrant Highland village, known as the 'malt whisky capital of the world'! Situated on the banks of the rivers Fiddich and Dullan and at the foot of Conval Hills in the heart of Speyside, this small market town is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and is the central point on the whisky trail around the glens of Speyside.nnAfter time to explore and grab some lunch, complete your whisky odyssey with a visit to the Speyside Cooperage, the only working cooperage in the UK where visitors can experience the ancient art of coopering. Since 1947, the family owned Speyside Cooperage has produced the finest casks from the best American Oak. Today the cooperage continues to work and produce the age-old product, still using traditional methods and tools.nnDay 6 - Depart Grantown after breakfast to head to your final overnight stop at the Holiday Inn Gosforth Park near Newcastle. The day takes you through the west of the Cairngorms with an en-route stop in Edinburgh (time permitting), so sit back and relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your coach. DBBnnDay 7 - Continue south as you head back to interchange with comfort stops en-route arriving home during the evening

Tour Highlights
- Main hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast & dinner- Porterage throughout- Tea /coffee after dinner- Excursions as described (one day operated by a local coach)- Visit Braemar Highland Games Centre with tour, piper welcome & games demo- Visit to Balmoral Estate with guided tour of castle- Single journey on Strathspey Steam Railway (Broomhill to Aviemore)- Return journey on Cairngorms Mountain Railway- Cream Tea at UK's highest restaurant- Tour & Tasting at Cardhu Distillery- Visit to Speyside CooperageGrant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey
Situated in the heart of the grand Highland town of Grantown on Spey, this handsome, quality Scottish hotel once hosted Queen Victoria and in more recent times, Queen Elizabeth II. nnThe hotel offers modern comforts whilst retaining its traditional character and is proud of its location, surrounded by amazing wildlife, flora and fauna. nnAll 50 well maintained, comfortable bedrooms have spacious bathrooms and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. nnThere is a lift to most floors but there are steps to negotiate to some rooms. The large, traditional restaurant is in a beautiful, high-ceilinged room which overlooks the high street and the bar and lounge areas are cosy and relaxing.