Royal History Cities & Whisky - Heart of Scotland

ROYAL HISTORY, CITIES AND WHISKY IN THE HEART OF SCOTLAND

12 – 16 October 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £699

Experience the very best of Scotland’s heritage and charm on this captivating tour that blends engineering marvels, royal splendour, and centuries of history.

Experience the awe-inspiring rotation of The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, before savouring a dram at the beautifully restored Rosebank Distillery, where tradition meets craftsmanship. Wander through the stately grandeur of Scone Palace & Grounds, once the crowning place of Scottish kings, and uncover stories of bravery at the Black Watch Castle & Museum. Finally, step into the iconic Edinburgh Castle, standing proudly over the city skyline, for a journey through Scotland’s fascinating past.

This unforgettable holiday combines scenic beauty, cultural richness, and a touch of royal elegance—perfect for lovers of history, heritage, and discovery.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

The Falkirk Wheel | Rosebank Distillery | Scone Palace & Grounds | Black Watch Castle & Museum | Edinburgh Castle

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Stirling arriving late afternoon you will have time to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – The Falkirk Wheel and Rosebank Distillery

This morning we visit the world's one and only rotating boat lift. A marvel of engineering and Scottish Canals' flagship destination, The Falkirk Wheel. Connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes!

We will board a boat that seamlessly transitions into the Wheel’s lower gondola. As the wheel rotates, you’ll be lifted to the top, sailing along the aqueduct, through a small tunnel to the South Basin, then returning to your starting point. There will be audio commentary sharing insights into the construction and significance of the Wheel, its history, and the fascinating history of Falkirk.

We then make our way to Rosebank Distillery for a 90-minute guided tour. The experienced guide will walk you through the beautiful new distillery, where you’ll discover each step of the unique whisky making process. You’ll also visit the stunning glass-fronted still house with its three enormous copper pot stills, before visiting the warehouse where previous casks of Rosebank lie. After the tour, you’ll head to the luxurious tasting room where you’ll sample three different whiskies.

DAY THREE– Scone Palace & Grounds and Black Watch Castle & Museum

This morning we enjoy a visit to Scone Palace & Grounds - once the seat of parliaments and crowning place of Scottish Kings. Follow in the footsteps of 42 Monarchs and explore the magnificent State Rooms, see where Victoria & Albert once dined during 1842, and marvel at the rare artifacts which are still to this day intact and cared for by the Earl of Mansfield. Explore the grounds also, with its Walled Garden, Murray Star Maze and site of the former Abbey of Scone.

We then travel a short distance to Black Watch Castle & Museum. Walking into The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth promises a voyage through over 300 years of Scottish military history from the moment you step into the historic setting to the final farewell, you’ll find yourself immersed in tales of soldiers, battles, and medals that echo through time.

The tour begins with a warm welcome at the Gift Shop Ticket Desk inside the castle. From here, your guide—who is typically passionate and knowledgeable—will lead you through the corridors that house the regiment’s collection. You’ll quickly notice how the setting feels like stepping into a living museum, where history is not just displayed but felt.

Theregiment’s origins in the early 18th centuryare explained with a narrative that highlights its evolution over three centuries. As you move through the galleries, the focus is onpersonal stories and artefactsthat reveal what life was like for soldiers.

DAY FOUR– Edinburgh Castle

After breakfast we journey to Edinburgh where we visit one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe Edinburgh Castle. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.

Dominating the city skyline from Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is not just Scotland’s most iconic landmark—it’s a living symbol of the nation’s turbulent past, royal tradition, and military pride. From ancient Celtic settlements to the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the castle embodies over a millennium of drama, glory, and resistance. Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.

Time allowing, there will be some free time in Edinburgh, before we return to our hotel where we enjoy a Cream Tea, and time to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

• Luxury coach travel

• Home pick-up

• 4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

• Porterage on arrival and departure

• Glass of wine with dinner each evening

• Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

• 3 drinks vouchers for house wine, beer, house spirits & draught soft drinks each evening

• Cream tea on 1 afternoon

• The Falkirk Wheel - The Original Tour

• Rosebank Distillery – 90 min guided tour and tasting of 2 single malts and special sample of New Make Spirit

• Scone Palace & Grounds

• Black Watch Castle & Museum – 60 min guided Black Watch Story tour

• Edinburgh Castle.

KING ROBERT HOTEL, STIRLING

The King Robert Hotel is situated on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn on the outskirts of historic Stirling, ideally placed in the heart of Scotland. The King Robert is a family run hotel where you will always find a friendly welcome. The hotel has 52 bedrooms all tastefully decorated with private en-suite facilities, LCD television (most are Smart Tv's), tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryers and free Wi-Fi. This hotel does not have a lift.

All single rooms are double/twin for sole occupancy.