First Class Luxury Aboard 'The Aberdonian'

Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head north making suitable comfort stops en-route. Cross the border and continue to your hotel, 4* Crowwood House for the next 4 nights. 3 nights DBB and 1 night accommodation only (with breakfast and dinner served on the Aberdonian).

Day 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
The Kelpies & Stirling
Head off today to the extraordinary Kelpies, two colossal horse heads, standing almost a hundred feet high, designed by Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott. A major feat of engineering and design and the largest equine structure in the world, enjoy a guided walking (flat) tour and see a Kelpie from the inside to marvel at the complexity which created these amazing pieces of art. The Kelpies stand guard over the canals, a tribute to Scotland's horse powered heritage. Onward to Stirling, a wee city with a big history, which punches well above its weight for historic attractions and spectacular scenery, not to mention shopping and places to eat. Stirling Castle (entrance not included - approx. £18pp in 2022) is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was a favoured royal residence. At the heart of the castle was the stunning Royal Palace, now restored to its Renaissance splendour. NB The castle sits atop Castle Hill, a steep cobbled incline. The admission free Smith Art Gallery and Museum (open Wed - Sun) is a great choice for exploring the rich cultural history of Stirling, Stirlingshire and the Trossachs.

Kelvingrove Gallery & Pollok House
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (open daily) in Glasgow features 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects. The collections at Kelvingrove are wide-ranging, internationally significant and include natural history, arms and armour, art from many art movements and periods of history and much more. The most famous painting on display at Kelvingrove is the Salvador Dali masterpiece 'Christ of St John of the Cross'. There is even a Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling of the west court. The building is an attraction in its own right and has a restaurant, a café and a gift shop. Next on the agenda is a guided tour of Scotland's answer to Downton Abbey, Pollok House. Set in an elegant Country Park, featuring vast plant collections and the 250-year-old Pollok Park Beech, Pollok House is a Georgian delight, rich with luxury upstairs, but with a fascinating history of hard-working staff downstairs. The visit is brought to life by costumed guides in the roles of servant and distinguished guest, who lift the lid on fine art collections, a library of 7000 books, wonderous walled gardens and an imposing grand entrance with marble trim. A delicious cream tea is included. 

Thursday - The Aberdonian
A real treat in store today as you depart the hotel before breakfast to Waverley Station in Edinburgh for the highlight of your holiday. Your beautiful, printed invitation allows you to step aboard the magnificent heritage carriages for a magical first-class experience aboard the 'Aberdonian' Tornado Steam Train. The train journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen lasts approximately 4 - 4½ hours each way. Leave the city and head into open countryside as you sit back and enjoy a full silver service Scottish breakfast with a complimentary glass of fizz. Cross the Forth Bridge, one of the wonders of the modern world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site at over 350ft above the water and more than one and a half miles in length.

Upon arrival in Aberdeen join a local coach for an included visit to Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle near Banchory. Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house, home to the Burnett family for over 350 years. You can expect an intricate maze of turrets, towers, gargoyles, oak panels, painted ceilings and the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnetts in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, encompassing sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Upon returning to the 'Aberdonian' Tornado Steam Train, you can look forward to a relaxed four course dinner during the return journey. As the station lights twinkle, Tornado's reassuring rhythmical exhaust sets the seal on a magical day out. Arrive back into Waverley Station in Edinburgh at approx. 21.20 where your Crusader coach awaits to take you back to the hotel.


Day 5 - After a relaxed breakfast, it will be time to check out of the hotel. Your final day in Scotland and what better way to spend it than with a bit of free time in truly delightful Edinburgh with its atmospheric cobbled streets of the old town to the attractive Georgian avenues of the new town. Head south across the border later today for your final overnight stop in centre of vibrant Newcastle at the excellent 4* Maldron hotel where dinner is included. DBB

Day 6 - Continue south as you head back to interchange with comfort stops en-route arriving home during the evening Back to top

Accommodation

Crowwood House Hotel, Chryston near Glasgow

The Crowwood House is a 4* low-rise, modern hotel which enjoys a relaxed out of town location, just outside Glasgow away from the immediate hustle and bustle. Comfortable guestrooms feature flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, modern décor and seating area for your comfort and toiletries provided in every private bathroom. There is a stylish on-site restaurant and bar with a large terrace overlooking the adjacent golf course. There is no lift but some ground floor rooms. Back to top