Picturesque Perthsire

 Day 1

After being picked up from home and transferred to our coach we enjoy our outward journey making suitable stops on route to Perth and on to The Salutation Hotel.  Your accommodation at the hotel is as detailed on your Confirmation Invoice with Evening Meals and Breakfasts included.

Day 2

This morning, we visit nearby Black Watch Museum.  Immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of The Black Watch.  The Regiment has witnessed and contributed to many key moments in world history and a visit to The Black Watch Museum brings those moments of history vibrantly to life.  The unique collection charts the rich story of this most famous Scottish Regiment, known for its courage, discipline, endurance, integrity, loyalty, and respect for others.  Whilst here, we enjoy tea/coffee & shortbread.

We continue to nearby Scone Palace, original home of the Stone of Scone.  Scone Palace has an exciting and colourful history as one of Scotland’s most important stately homes.  1500 hundred years ago it was the capital of the Picts.  As you can imagine there is a great deal for you to see during your tour of Scone Palace – your Guide will take you through the Palace State Rooms - see where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dined during their visit on 6^th September 1842as guests of the 4^th Earl and his mother, the Dowager Countess.  You will also see the French-themed Drawing Room with the imposing paintings of King George III and his Queen, Charlotte.  There will also be time to explore the wider estate and Palace grounds including the stunning open gardens, they are as splendid as the Palace itself. 

We return to Perth after our visit where dinner will be served in the hotel this evening.

Day 3

Today we travel to the former Royal Burgh of Dunfermline, where we meet our guide, Jack Pryde.  Jack will guide us through the 12^th Century Abbey, which is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce and the burial site of 11 other Scottish kings and queens. 

From here we make our way to Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry, for our Blackness Castle & Three Bridges Cruise, with included lunch & cream tea.  Relax on board in the lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guided commentary.  Take in views of the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before.  View Blackness Castle (as featured in Outlander and Outlaw King) and known as the ship that never sails.  We pass Limekilns that David Balfour and Alan Breck were carried across the Forth in a rowing boat.  During your cruise, you will find plenty of opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife including seals.   

We return to Perth in time for dinner in the hotel this evening. 

Day 4

After breakfast we travel to Falkirk for our trip on the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift.  The Falkirk Wheel is 35 metres tall, the equivalent of 8 double decker buses stacked on top of each other.  The 600 tonne gondolas hold 500,000 litres of water, enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool.  The Wheel only uses 1.5kWhof energy to turn, the same amount as it would take to boil 8 household kettles. 

On our way back to Perth, we make a stop at The Kelpies, two giant mythological Water Horses.  These 30m high horse-head sculptures must be seen to be believed.

The rest of the day is free to explore Perth, Scotland’s ancient capital and known as ‘The Fair City’.  Bustling, compact and beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay, this city is a sparkling cosmopolitan gem.  Nestled between two sprawling public parks, the elegant Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets and medieval spires, Perth boasts an array of outstanding monuments, art galleries and museums you can explore.   

We return to the hotel where dinner will be served this evening.

Day 5

Your driver will advise you of what time your case needs to be outside your room, ready for collection to be put on the coach.

Following breakfast, we leave The Salutation Hotel, Perth, and commence our journey home, again making suitable stops on our return.