North East Explorer

Your tour package commences in Edinburgh City Centre, where you board the state-of-the-art Ember Electric Bus for a zero-emission journey to Dundee. By prior arrangement, you can also board at Ingliston Park & Ride, which is a short tram ride from Edinburgh Airport. 

The service is the UK’s first all-electric intercity coach service. The journey takes just under 2 hours and will first take you over the majestic Forth Road Bridge, then through the Kingdom of Fife to Perth. The final part of the journey is through the Carse of Gowrie to Dundee.

After checking into your city center hotel, it’s time to explore Scotland’s coolest city. Head to The Waterfront to enjoy the views over the River Tay and visit the striking V&A, the first design museum to be built in the UK outside London. 

The signature building was designed by the renowned architect, Kengo Kuma, and through a program of changing exhibitions, it aims to provide a place of inspiration, discovery and learning. 

Later, enjoy dinner in one of the cities cosmopolitan eateries before sampling Dundee’s renowned nightlife.

Overnight: Best Western Queens Hotel, Dundee or similar

After breakfast, head out to join an open-top bus for a cultural tour to discover the architecture, history and people connected with this vibrant city. See HMS Unicorn, a rare survivor from the days of sail, then head into the city to view the ornate Victorian buildings.    

The commentary will entertain you with stories of the many historical characters connected with the city, including Robert Burns and William Wallace, the real Braveheart. 

The highlight is a drive up to Dundee Law for amazing views of the city and the River Tay. If the weather permits the tour will also cross the Tay Bridge allowing a different perspective on the city  

Enjoy some free time for independent sightseeing before catching a mid-afternoon train bound for Aberdeen. The journey will take you through Arbroath, famous for its tasty smoked haddock, a real breakfast delicacy.

The bustling port of Montrose is next, followed by the pretty harbor town of Stonehaven, famous for its Hogmanay fireballs ceremony.

On arrival in Aberdeen, the remainder of today is at leisure.

Note: On certain departures, the walking tour of Aberdeen will take place this evening.

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

Today, join your fellow travelers for a small-group excursion to Dunottar Castle and Royal Deeside. 

From Aberdeen, follow the coastal route to one of Scotland’s archetypal structures, Dunnottar Castle. Witness the stunning fortress set on a cliff by the sea. It’s seen many battles and has had a fascinating history. It’s an essential Scottish destination. 

Your next stop is the Falls of Feugh. These cascading falls are mesmerizing, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a salmon jumping up the river.

It’s now time for lunch in Braemar, a lovely little village in the Cairngorms National Park with royal connections and plenty of local delicacies to try.

After your delicious lunch, you’ll then head to the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve and get the opportunity to go for a stroll. Keep your eyes peeled for otters, birds, and adders on this quintessential woodland walk. 

You leave the Cairngorms National Park and arrive in Aberdeen early evening.

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

You might want to have a light breakfast before meeting your guide in the center of Aberdeen for a walking tour to discover the city’s history and food culture. 

Start your tour at Marischal College, the second-largest granite building in the world. Your guide will explain the city’s coat of arms and why the leopard is the animal of Aberdeen as you taste a local delicacy.  

Continue to one of the most significant monuments in Aberdeen, where you’ll make a toast to William Wallace, the Scottish national hero. 

Make a visit to the Kirk of Saint Nicholas, then walk down some of the oldest streets in the city to admire the urban street art and murals.  

Wander down to the harbor to see the UK’s oldest company and the Maritime Museum before finishing with a drink from one of the city’s craft brewers or distillers. 

Enjoy some free time before heading to the station to catch an Inter7City Express train bound for Edinburgh. Without a doubt, the highlight of the journey will be the crossing of the magnificent Forth Bridge, which opened in 1890. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

As the train pulls into Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, this delightful tour package comes to an end.