Aberdeen Tall Ships, Balmoral & The NE250 Scenic Explorer

Embark on a maritime adventure with the Aberdeen Tall Ships 2025, where the grandeur of tall ships graces the historic port of Aberdeen. This spectacular event promises a journey back in time, allowing you to witness these majestic vessels up close, feel the sea breeze, and immerse yourself in the rich seafaring heritage of the region. It's an unmissable opportunity for nautical enthusiasts and families alike to create unforgettable memories amidst a fleet of classic beauty. We combine this fantastic event with a day at Balmoral Castle and a road trip on the well-known East Coast NE250 route, stopping at some breathtaking coastal towns along the way.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Waterside Hotel, Peterhead (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursion to Aberdeen to see the Tall Ships Race- East Coast Route NE250 Road trip (Macduff & Banff)

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1From a morning pickup in your local area we travel by coach to our hotel. Later we check into our hotel, where we enjoy dinner and our first night.Day 2After breakfast, we travel to Balmoral, a private residence of the Royal Family, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The castle's history is rich with tradition and its grounds boast beautiful gardens and expansive landscapes, offering a serene retreat away from the public eye. A visit to Balmoral Castle is a chance to experience the opulence and tranquillity that has appealed to British royalty for generations, particularly for their summer holidays. Afterwards, we return to our hotel to enjoy an evening meal.Day 3After breakfast, we travel via the iconic NE250 route to Aberdeen for the highlight of our break, the Tall Ships event. Watch in awe as these impressive ships descend on the Granite City, back in Aberdeen for the first time since 1997. Look out for iconic vessels and enjoy the entertainment on offer as Aberdeen celebrates this inspirational international event. Afterwards, we return to our hotel to enjoy an evening meal.Day 4After breakfast, we take a scenic journey on the East Coast route, known as the NE250 route, heading north from Aberdeen. The route takes us up the East Coast to Fraserburgh, stopping at two coastal towns along the way. Macduff is a picturesque fishing town, nestled on the Moray Firth coast and offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. From the bustling harbour, where boats bring in the fresh catch of the day, to the tranquil streets lined with quaint cottages, Macduff is full of charm and character.Across a pretty seven-arch bridge is our next stop, Banff, home to the former royal Banff Castle. The historic town is known for its fishing trade but was also once a trade centre for weavers, soap makers and silver makers. Notable points of interest are the Banff Museum on the high street where you can learn about the notorious Scottish outlaw James MacPherson and how he met his demise.Day 5After breakfast, we check out and board the coach for the journey home.Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change.Hotel
Waterside Hotel, PeterheadJG2 ratingThe Waterside Hotel, Peterhead is set in its own landscaped gardens on the banks of the estuary of the River Ugie. The hotel is the perfect base for our adventure, offering breathtaking scenery, an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, restaurant, bar and en-suite rooms with a TV. 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.