Perth, Dundee & A Highland Safari

The 'Fair City' of Perth enjoys a beautiful position on the banks of Scotland's longest river, the Tay. A former capital of Scotland, bustling Perth was made a city again by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 and enjoys a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years. Highlights on this tour include a magnificent Highland Safari - the very best way to behold the stunning scenery - and a visit to dynamic Dundee, with its revitalised waterfront, the centrepiece of which is the striking V&A Museum. Also included is a visit to Glamis Castle, renowned as Scotland's 'most beautiful castle' and some free time in Edinburgh.Itinerary
DAY 1 - After you join your holiday coach, you head north with suitable refreshment stops en-route. Overnight at 3* Shap Wells Hotel, near Penrith, with brekafast and dinner.

DAY 2 - Continue your journey to the iconic Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boatlift, which connects the Forth & Clyde and Union canals. It was constructed to replace a series of 19th century lock gates and is the showpiece of the Millennium Link project which re-established coast-to-coast navigation of the canals. You will make a full rotation through the wheel which lasts approx. 35 minutes.

Continue to Perth to check-in for your 4-night stay at the centrally located 3* Salutation Hotel with breakfast and dinner.

DAY 3 - 5 - At leisure in Perth with two included excursions and a day at leisure in Perth itself.

Perth was once the capital of Scotland and a picturesque playground for kings and queens. Today, the city is laced with gorgeous city architecture, unrivalled surrounding landscapes and an intriguing royal history. The River Tay Public Art Trail follows the artistic and historical journey of the city and its river with thought-provoking sculptures placed in amongst glorious gardens and brightly coloured riverside flowerbeds (takes approx. one hour to complete at a moderate pace). You may also like to visit the outstanding Black Watch Museum, housed in Balhousie Castle where you will learn the story of Scotland's oldest Highland regiment (entrance not included - approx. £10 per person in 2022)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS:

Dundee & Glamis Castle
A Royal visit today to Glamis Castle and Gardens, the beloved childhood home of the Queen Mother. Steeped in history, this stunning architectural treasure is full of legendary tales and secrets brought to life by a knowledgeable tour guide. Then it's off to the fine city of Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design and home to the riverside Discovery Point and Captain Scott's ship, Discovery, which he sailed on his remarkable Antarctic expedition (open daily - entrance not included - approx. £10 pp in 2022). Adjacent on Dundee's revitalised waterfront is the impressive V&A Dundee, which opened in September 2018 as the first design museum in Scotland (entrance FOC - closed on Tuesdays).

Highland Safari & Pitlochry
It's off to Victorian Pitlochry today, in the beautiful surroundings of Highland Perthshire. Make a stop at 'Queens View' at the head of Loch Tummel, the classic and much photographed viewpoint where Queen Victoria picnicked in 1866. Later on, head to Aberfeldy for a 4x4 Land Rover highland safari with a kilted ranger who will take you to the breath-taking hilltops and an amazing natural wilderness through a land sculpted by the elements and steeped in history and nature. You may be lucky enough to see the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare or the soaring Golden Eagle. At the Red Deer Centre you will have the opportunity to get up close to these magnificent animals and learn about their fascinating life cycles, likes, dislikes and personalities. .

DAY 6 - Your final day in Scotland and what better way to spend it than with a visit to Edinburgh, the truly delightful capital with its atmospheric cobbled streets of the old town to the attractive Georgian avenues of the new town. There is plenty to see and do - from iconic Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile to the impressive National Museum of Scotland (entrances not included). Your driver may be able to offer you an optional guided tour of this bustling city. Head south across the border later today for your final overnight stop at 3* Holiday Inn Gosforth Park (June) or 3* Mercure Newcastle George Washington Hotel (August) with breakfast and dinner.

DAY 7 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back homewards with ample stops for coffee and refreshments. Continue back to the local joining points arriving back mid/late evening.The Salutation Hotel, Perth
This historic, centrally located 3* hotel has welcomed guests since 1699. The 'Sally', as it is known locally, is full of character and is thought to be one of the oldest hotels in Scotland.

It has even played host to Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 at the height of his struggle to regain the throne for the Stuart Kings.

Comfortable guestrooms offer hairdryer, TV and tea / coffee making facilities and there is a traditional restaurant as well as a bar.

There is a lift.

Hotels
• The Salutation Hotel (Perth) - View Information