Balmoral Castle & Aberdeenshire

Set in the Grampian Highlands with its striking granite skyline lies the vibrant city of Aberdeen, a lovely base for our four-day break. We also offer a wonderful itinerary that takes us from the quaint village of Ballater and all the way to the historic Scottish residence of the Royal Family, Balmoral Castle.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 3 nights at the Britannia Aberdeen Hotel (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Ballater, Balmoral Castle & Stonehaven- Free time in Aberdeen

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsBallater & Balmoral Castle (full day)Today's excursion starts in the picturesque village of Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside. Take a stroll to admire the historic buildings, browse the Ballater Gallery, which showcases Scottish artists with international reputations, or discover the painstakingly-restored royal waiting room at the Royal Station, which re-opened in August 2018 after a devastating fire.We then enjoy a visit to Balmoral Castle, the grand Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 when they became enchanted by the scenery of the Highlands. Being one of two personal residences, Balmoral offers us an insight into the priorities and pleasures of the Royal family, most notably the exquisite grounds which include meticulously maintained formal, water and vegetable gardens.Stonehaven & Aberdeen (full day)Today we travel to Stonehaven, a picturesque harbour town on the North East coast of Scotland. Here we can discover the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, stroll along the sheltered harbour to enjoy the fresh sea air or simply sit back and relax in one of the lovely cafés or restaurants.Next, we return to Aberdeen for some free time in the 'Granite City'. 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, and the many shops dotted along the mile-long Union Street.Hotel
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.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.