East Coast of Scotland

Take in the stunning beauty of the East Coast of Scotland, where unspoiled landscapes, majestic castles, diverse wildlife, world-renowned whisky and scenic walking trails reign supreme. We explore the coastline from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, making stops at both major cities, as well as visiting Dunnottar Castle, enjoying a cruise along the Firth of Forth to see the famous Three Bridges and taking a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former yacht of the British Monarchy. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience to explore Scotland's enchanting east coastline!What’s Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 2 nights at the Britannia Hotel, Aberdeen (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast- 2 nights at the Britannia Hotel, Edinburgh (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Aberdeen & Dunnottar Castle- 'Three Bridges of the Forth' Cruise- Admission on the Royal Yacht Britannia- Free time in Edinburgh

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsAberdeen (full day)Following a leisurely breakfast, we head to Aberdeen. This thriving seaport boasts sparkling granite buildings and monuments, making it one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe. There's much to explore, from the cobbled streets and 15th-century cathedral of Old Aberdeen to the quirky fishing quarter of Footdee by the water's edge. Watch for dolphins leaping at the harbour mouth and listen to the warm tones of the local Scots dialect called 'Doric.' You can also go on a shopping spree along Union Street, which is one mile long and dotted with many shops.Dunnottar Castle & Three Bridges Cruise (full day)We depart the hotel after breakfast and head to Dunnottar Castle, a medieval fortress in ruins, located on a stunning rocky headland near the lovely town of Stonehaven. This castle has been a popular filming location, featuring in famous movies such as Hamlet and Braveheart. In the past, it was home to the Earls Marischal, one of Scotland's most influential families. With its rich history, the castle holds many secrets of Scotland's past.Next, we head to Queensferry to board a vessel for our, 'Three Bridges of the Forth' cruise, a 90-minute relaxing trip on the Firth of Forth estuary that is home to three iconic bridges: the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. Make sure to watch for marine animals such as puffins and seals!Royal Yacht Britannia & Edinburgh (full day)We travel back in time aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Step inside and explore the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II's former yacht. The Britannia is widely considered one of the most renowned ships in the world, serving as an ideal location for state visits, official receptions, Royal honeymoons, and family vacations.After our visit we spend some free time in Edinburgh. From the picturesque sights of the old town, the iconic castle perched high above the city, the sprawl of attractions on the Royal Mile and the grandeur of George Street, with its many boutique shops, cafés and restaurants, there's a wealth of things to do.

Aberdeen
Known as the Granite City, the thriving sea port of Aberdeen has been described as "one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe" thanks to its sparkling Granite buildings and monuments. There's plenty to discover, from Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets and 15th-century cathedral, to the quirky fishing quarter of Footdee at the water's edge. Look out for dolphins leaping at the harbour mouth and listen for the warming tones of'Doric',the localScots dialect , or why not indulge in some retail therapy in the many shops dotted along the mile-long Union Street.\n

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the truly delightful capital city of Scotland, from the atmospheric cobbled streets of the old town and the Royal Mile to the beautiful Georgian avenues of the new town. Edinburgh is a city of contrasts from shopping on renowned Princes Street to its many historic attractions including the world-famous Edinburgh Castle.
See moreHotel
Britannia Hotel, AberdeenJG2 ratingThe Britannia Hotel, Aberdeen is well located in the 'granite city' for our special break away. The hotel includes en-suite rooms with TV, telephone and tea/coffee-making facilities as well as a bar, lounge, restaurant and free Wi-Fi. All meals are buffet style.Britannia Hotel, EdinburghJG2 ratingSituated on the banks of the Water of Leith in the West End of Edinburgh, the simple yet conveniently located Britannia Hotel offers an ideal base from which to explore the city's many attractions. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. Hotel features include a bar, lounge, restaurant and free Wi-Fi in public areas.Hotel RatingJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.