North East Explorer - 4 day tour

Day 2 - Dundee - Walking tour - Aberdeen

A traditional Scottish breakfast prepares us for the exciting day ahead, which begins with a fascinating guided tour of Dundee.

Hop aboard an open-top bus for grandstand views of this historic city and learn why it became renowned for its 'jute, jam and journalism'. Enjoy 360° views of the city and the River Tay from Dundee Law. See the DC Thomson building, then try and spot some of the statues of their famous comic book characters. Dennis the Menace, Desperate Dan and Oor Wullie are all on the list!

After some free time for further sightseeing, we board the train for the next stage of our journey.

Settle back in your seat as we pass through Arbroath, famous around the world for its delicious 'smokies’. Hugging the east coast, keep an eye out next for the wide sands of Montrose and the charming harbour town of Stonehaven, which comes alive every Hogmanay with its blazing fireballs ceremony.

Finally we pull into the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen, where you can relax in your hotel before the second guided tour of the day. This time, our wanderings will see us enjoy an evening of gastronomic delights, sampling a selection of traditional fare in this captivating corner of northern Scotland.

Overnight: Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen or Similar (2 nights)

Day 3 - Royal Deeside Excursion

History, pageantry and natural splendour await us on the third day of our adventure as we leave the city behind and head south.

Snaking our way along the coast road, we arrive at one of Scotland’s most unmissable attractions – Dunottar Castle. Perched atop 160ft cliffs, with mighty waves crashing on three sides, this medieval fortress was once home to the powerful Earls Marischal family.

Today, it’s the perfect location for photographs before we continue to another beaty spot at the Falls of Feugh, where salmon can often be spotted leaping through the rushing waters.

After working up an appetite, we head through Royal Deeside to the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and the charming 11th century village of Braemar. Famous for its royal links, Highland games and delicious local fare, we’ll rest awhile and watch the world go by.

Suitably refreshed, it’s time to see Scotland’s natural wonders at the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve. Wander the woodlands, heath and lochs, keeping an eye out for otters and wild birds as you search for the traces of the Iron Age village that once stood here.

After enjoying our stroll, the Cairngorms is our backdrop as we return to Aberdeen.

Day 4 - Old Aberdeen - Free Time - Edinburgh

Our final day begins with the promise of more historic discoveries as we head out after breakfast on a tour of Old Aberdeen.

Today your phone is your guide – simply download the easy-to-use app and let it steer you around the ancient cobbled streets at your leisure. Along the way, you’ll learn the fascinating history of this part of the city, which was founded as a separate community in the Middle Ages by monks, scholars and traders.

Wander the campus of the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495 and now home to 14,000 students. Admire the sturdy stone arches and intricate stained glass in the 13^th century Cathedral Church of St Machar. The splendour of King's College is a particular high point, its imposing walls standing proudly as the original university, with its many jewels including the Crown Tower and ornate King’s College Chapel, complete with rare decorations dating back 600 years.

After touring these ancient granite stones, your time is your own to sightsee a little more before we board the train south.

A final treat before arriving in Edinburgh is the iconic Forth Bridge as we glide between its iconic red girders and bring our odyssey to a close.