Scotland - The Royal Yacht Britannia & Borders Heritage Trail

Itinerary

Day 1

After joining your coach at your convenient local pick-up point, head north, making convenient stops along the way for coffee/lunch. We make a stop at Gretna Green to see what all the fuss is about and then continue on to our comfortable hotel in Melrose.Take time to settle in to your comfortable hotel ready to sample the best in Scottish hospitality. Maybe enjoy a wee dram at the bar before your first delicious dinner with time to meet your fellow travellers.

Days 2 to 4

Enjoy a delicious Scottish breakfast each morning and be prepared to be amazed every day. There will be time to relax at your hotel and enjoy Melrose, but we know you're here to enjoy the fabulous excursions we have included showcasing this beautiful area. No matter what you get up to during the day, you can always look forward to a warm welcome from your hotel when you return, and every evening you'll enjoy delicious Scottish fayre and even entertainment on some evenings. Snuggle up with a wee dram and look back on your amazing adventures of the day with fellow travellers.

Your INCLUDED experiences include some of the best the area has to offer, so do please join us. This is a holiday packed full of amazing memories!

Day 5

After an amazing few days enjoy a final hearty Scottish breakfast this morning before saying 'bye for noo' and heading homewards with amazing memories, new friends and no doubt a few souvenirs!

Edinburgh

The beautiful, dramatically set historic capital of Scotland is one of the most amazing cities to explore. Edinburgh offers superb sightseeing, historic buildings, secret underground streets, quiet galleries and museums, thrilling new attractions, serious shopping and a great choice of excellent restaurants, bistros, wine bars, pubs and cafes. Whether you head for Edinburgh Castle, its world famous Zoo, the underground history and intrigue of The Real Mary King's Close, the Royal Yacht Britannia or the Queen's official residence in Scotland at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you will wish you had longer. Head to the Old Town, Princes Street and the Royal Mile for great shopping and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. With the city's skyline, cobbled streets and colourful characters as your backdrop, there's so many ways to embrace, explore, have fun and create lasting memories in Edinburgh.

For more information on what to see and do in Edinburgh, please click here

Tour includes

• 4 nights hotel with full Scottish breakfast & evening meals
• Evening entertainment on 2 nights at the hotel
• Visit to Gretna Green
• A day out to Edinburgh with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Visit to Abbotsford House
• Excursion to the Kelso & Jedburgh Heritage Trail
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon

Gretna Green

Famous for its romantic history, Gretna Green is one of Scotland’s most iconic and charming villages. Just over the border, it became legendary in the 18th century as the destination for runaway couples from England, who could marry here without their parents’ consent. The heart of the village is the historic Blacksmiths Shop, where countless young lovers once tied the knot over the anvil.

Today, Gretna Green is a delightful place to pause on your journey, offering a mix of history, tradition and character. Stroll around the quaint shops, explore the fascinating museum, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this special place. It’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs, pick up a keepsake, and experience a piece of romantic history.

Royal Yacht Britannia & Edinburgh

Scotland’s vibrant capital, Edinburgh, is a city that effortlessly blends grand history with modern culture, offering something to delight every visitor. From its striking skyline crowned by the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town, the city is brimming with character and charm.

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile with its cobbled streets, traditional shops and lively atmosphere, or relax in the peaceful Princes Street Gardens beneath the castle’s towering walls. Edinburgh is also home to world-class museums, galleries and attractions, as well as a wonderful selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

A highlight of your visit will be stepping aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating royal residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Moored in the vibrant Leith district, this magnificent ship offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea.

Explore the beautifully preserved State Apartments, the crew’s quarters, the Engine Room and the gleaming Royal Deck, all while discovering stories of the many royal tours and official occasions the yacht hosted around the world. Combining the grandeur of Edinburgh with the elegance and history of the Royal Yacht Britannia makes for an unforgettable day in Scotland’s capital.

Abbotsford House

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationAbbotsford House, the historic home of famed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, offers visitors a captivating journey into the life of the man who shaped Scotland’s cultural legacy. Set along the scenic River Tweed, Abbotsford is beautifully preserved with rooms filled with Scott's personal collections, manuscripts, and curiosities, each reflecting his passion for history and storytelling. Surrounded by formal gardens and woodland trails, the estate allows you to step back in time and explore the stunning architecture and lush landscapes that inspired Scott’s most celebrated works. A visit here provides a meaningful blend of literary heritage and picturesque beauty.

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Kelso & Jedburgh Border Heritage Trail

Discover the captivating stories of the Scottish Borders with this delightful day exploring two of the region's most historic market towns. Journey through stunning Border countryside to uncover centuries of turbulent history, magnificent ruins, and charming local culture.

Step back in time as you explore ancient Border towns that witnessed centuries of conflict between Scotland and England. Marvel at the soaring arches of medieval abbeys, stroll through market squares that have bustled with traders for hundreds of years, and enjoy the warm welcome of true Border hospitality.

Browse the charming market square of Kelso with its cobbled streets and independent shops. You'll also have time in Jedburgh, home to one of Scotland's most beautiful ruined abbeys. Wander the historic high street, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy local refreshments, and perhaps pick up some Border souvenirs. Back to top

Accommodation

Waverley Castle Melrose, Scotland

Set in beautiful grounds on the edge of the charming Borders town of Melrose, the Waverley Castle Hotel offers a warm welcome and a relaxing base for your holiday in southern Scotland. Just a short stroll from the River Tweed and surrounded by rolling countryside, this elegant hotel blends traditional character with modern comforts to create a cosy and inviting retreat.

Guests can unwind in the comfortable lounge areas, enjoy a drink at the bar, or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. The hotel’s restaurant serves hearty, home-style meals, while the well-appointed bedrooms provide everything you need for a restful night’s sleep.

With its friendly atmosphere, tranquil setting and easy access to many of the region’s historic attractions, the Waverley Castle Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Scottish Borders and enjoy a truly memorable getaway.

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Hotel location

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