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THE LUXURY ABERDEEN AND SPEYSIDE EXPERIENCE (4 NIGHTS)
Leaving behind the bright lights of Glasgow or Edinburgh, a journey through Perthshire towards Aberdeen is time well spent to get a true appreciation of the wonder and beauty of Scotland's more rural locations. On this luxury experience, your chauffeur will guide you through some very royal locations including
Scone Palace, Perth, Pitlochry, Balmoral Castle, and Royal Deeside with your final destination being the "Granite City" of Aberdeen. Your overnight accommodation includes the stunning Fonab Castle, just outside Pitlochry and The Marcliffe, Aberdeen's most luxurious hotel.
"On arrival at Edinburgh airport, Danie our driver was waiting complete with the most enormous smile with matching 'tash dressed in immaculate livery. Our Chauffeur was chatty, informative and at all times pleasant. Nothing was too much trouble and I really cannot find fault with anything. I will not hesitate to use you again and recommend all others to do so."
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Day 1
Edinburgh or Glasgow can be your arrival point for the start of a relaxing, royal themed 4-night break in Scotland. After being escorted to your pristine chauffeur-driven car, your journey to the very heart of Scotland will begin as you head towards the county town of Perth. Sitting on the banks of the famous River Tay, there has been a settlement here since prehistoric times. However, it's importance grew significantly with the building of Scone Palace nearby where the King of Scots was crowned and, consequently, Perth became known for a time as the capital of Scotland. The town was also, at one time, one of the richest in Scotland, with significant trade in Spanish silk and French wine. Following your visit to Scone Palace, your chauffeur will escort you through the gentle glens of Perthshire to the tranquillity of Fonab Castle, on the edge of Pitlochry, which will be your resting place for the first two nights of your Scottish luxury experience.
Day 2
With a full day ahead of you, there is much to explore in Perthshire. A short drive from Pitlochry is the Queen's View, a truly magnificent viewpoint over Loch Tummel which was made famous by Queen Victoria in 1866. Legend holds that the wife of Robert the Bruce hid in nearby woods after one of his battle defeats, and that this is where the origins of the association with Queens lie. Continuing along the shore of the loch you will soon turn south and head towards the tiny village of Fortingall, which according to a local legend was the birthplace of Pontius Pilate! While a few other places in Europe also lay claim to this, Fortingall is additionally famous for its yew tree, which is said to be the oldest living thing in Europe, having been dated at over 5000 years old! A short drive away, for those with a sweet tooth, is the home of the Highland Chocolatier, which as the name suggests, is a haven for lovers of fine chocolate.
Day 3
There is no secret about Queen Victoria’s love of the Scottish Highlands, and you will surely agree after only two days. Having left Fonab behind you will begin to head north through the Spittal of Glenshee and into the Grampian Mountains, arriving in the famous village of Braemar on the banks of the River Dee. Today this whole area is known as Royal Deeside again because of the love that Queen Victoria had for the area. She and her husband Prince Albert loved it so much they built Balmoral Castle on the site of an older castle. Close by is Crathie Church, where members of the Royal Family attend church on Sundays and other special occasions when in residence. Balmoral’s closest town is Ballater, a charming hub of quaint shops and buildings many of which display Royal warrants, due to them supplying produce to the Royal Family at Balmoral. By following the banks of the river east, you will eventually arrive on the outskirts of Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city. The tranquillity of the Marcliffe - your hotel for the night - will ensure that you feel as far removed from city-life as possible while being so close.
Day 4
Today the castles and coast of Aberdeenshire await. After skirting round the edge of the city and heading up the sandy east coast, Haddo House will be the first stop of the day, one of the great Scottish houses designed by the famous architectural family headed by William Adam. There is a notable art collection, including one work reputed to be by Raphael. The house has been home to the Earls and Marquesses of Aberdeen for over 500 years and one notable resident was the 4th Earl, who as George Hamilton–Gordon was British Prime Minister from 1852 – 1855. A short but pleasant drive across the Aberdeenshire countryside leads you to Fyvie Castle. In contrast to Haddo, Fyvie’s architectural heritage dates from as far back as the 13th century and is of a completely different style. It does, however, contain one of the greatest art collections in the area, including works by Gainsborough, Romney, Lawrence, and Millais and probably the most extensive collection of portraits by Sir Henry Raeburn.
Day 5
After two relaxing and delightful nights at the Marcliffe Hotel, your time in Scotland will draw to a close when your chauffeur completes the short trip to Aberdeen Airport for your journey home, or south for 3 hours to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
ABOUT OUR TOURING CHAUFFEURS
What better way to tour Scotland than with your own private chauffeur guide at the wheel of a luxury car? From the moment you arrive at the airport or train station, you will be cosseted in the kid-gloved hands of your very own touring chauffeur. Your bags will be loaded and unloaded at each hotel and personal introductions will help ease you into each property when you first arrive. Your safety and comfort is of utmost importance to us and you can rest assured that your car will be prepared each day, just as your hotel room will be
cleaned and refreshed, ensuring that your Luxury Scotland experience is exactly what you, the discerning traveller, expects. As you pass through the glorious countryside visiting castles and historical landmarks, the country will open up in front of you in a way that can only happen when someone else is doing the driving. What's more, you can relax each time you visit a distillery in the full knowledge that driving is not something you will need to worry about on the other side!
