Itinerary

Blair Castle & Gardens

After breakfast, we leave our overnight hotel and begin our Scottish journey with a visit to the stately Blair Castle, set amid the dramatic landscapes of Highland Perthshire. Ancestral seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl for over 750 years, the castle offers a rich tapestry of Scottish history. Inside, grand 18th-century rooms and an opulent Victorian ballroom showcase a remarkable collection of portraits, antique weaponry and family heirlooms. Outside, the castle is framed by beautifully landscaped gardens and tranquil woodland, where red deer and Highland cattle are a common sight.

We then travel north through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, passing through a landscape of ancient pine forests, rushing rivers and heather-covered hills. Our destination is the Coylumbridge Resort Hotel, tucked among the trees near Aviemore, where we’ll stay for the next four nights surrounded by Highland beauty.

Strathspey Steam Railway & Fort William

We begin our day with a visit to Broomhill Station, famously known to fans of the BBC series Monarch of the Glen as Glenbogle. Here, we board the charming Strathspey Steam Railway and journey through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. As the vintage train chugs along, we are treated to sweeping views of misty mountain peaks, heather-covered moorland and ancient Caledonian woodland.

We disembark in Aviemore, a lively Highland town surrounded by wilderness and popular for its stunning views of the Cairngorms.  We continue by coach to Fort William. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis - the UK’s highest mountain - Fort William is often called the outdoor capital of the Highlands. There is time to explore the town’s scenic waterfront or soak up the views across Loch Linnhe, before we travel back to the hotel.

Balmoral Castle & Ballater

Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Balmoral Castle, the grand Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, which was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. At the time, they were enchanted by the scenery of the Highlands. Being one of two personal residences, Balmoral offers us an insight into the priorities and pleasures of the Royal family, as we explore the exquisite grounds, which include meticulously maintained formal, water and vegetable gardens.

Afterwards, we travel to the picturesque village of Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside. Take a stroll to admire the historic buildings, browse the Ballater Gallery, which showcases Scottish artists with international reputations, or discover the painstakingly restored royal waiting room at the Royal Station, which re-opened in August 2018 after a devastating fire.

Please note: Balmoral Castle access is to the grounds, gardens and Ballroom.

Inverness & Loch Ness Visitor Centre

Today promises a rich blend of Highland landscapes and legendary lore as we journey first to Inverness, followed by the iconic shores of Loch Ness. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, welcomes us with its vibrant atmosphere and striking setting on the banks of the River Ness. Our day continues with a visit to the Loch Ness Visitor Centre in the village of Drumnadrochit. Here, we delve into the myths and mysteries surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch, learning about the science, stories and sightings that have fuelled fascination with the elusive Nessie for generations.

Stirling & Gretna Green

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel near Aviemore and travel south to the historic city of Stirling, often called the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands. Set against some of Scotland’s most scenic countryside, Stirling is crowned by its magnificent medieval castle, dramatically perched on a volcanic crag. After a look around, we continue our journey to the iconic village of Gretna Green, long associated with romantic elopements and runaway weddings. Later, we arrive at our overnight hotel in the Preston area.

Departure dates and prices 2026 Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands - 7% discount on all dates

Just Go brochure price in RED

Travel 55 discount price in BLACK

Tel Just Go reservations on 0333 234 2010 quote Travel 55 code PTR557

Don't forget to quote Travel 55 code PTR557 to receive your 7% discount. Tel Just Go reservations on 0333 234 2010.

7 days by JG Exploer coach - Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands

Departure Dates Prices from
Departure Dates Prices from
April 12 £699 : £651 June 21 £799 : £744
May 3 £749 : £697 July 5 £849 : £790
June 14 £799 : £744 July 12 £849 : £790

All tours offered subject to availability. Errors and omissions excepted. All prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing a double/twin room. single supplement £230

Just Go Holidays
Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands

7% Discount - 7 Days By Coach

2026 prices start from £651

Let the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands capture your imagination on this unforgettable 7-day tour, crowned by a visit to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s beloved retreat. Travel through a landscape of misty mountains, sparkling lochs and ancient forests, with memorable stops at Blair Castle, Inverness and the legendary shores of Loch Ness. Look forward to a journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway and exploring pretty Highland towns like Aviemore and Ballater. With grand castles, rich heritage and breathtaking views at every turn, this Highland escape is as stirring as the bagpipes themselves!

Book this wonderful Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands holiday direct with Just Go and receive a 7% discount saving. Call direct on 0333 234 2010 and quote our ref: PTR557

Holiday Highlights

  • Return coach travel aboard a JG Explorer Coach
  • First & last night at a selected hotel (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
  • 4 nights at the Coylumbridge Resort Hotel, near Aviemore (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
  • Excursions to Blair Castle & Gardens, Aviemore, Fort William, Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Inverness & Loch Ness Visitor Centre
  • Journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway
  • En-route visits to Stirling & Greta Green

Accommodation

Coylumbridge Resort Hotel, Aviemore, Scotland JG3 rating

Coylumbridge Resort Hotel is set amid the stunning natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, just a short drive from Aviemore. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, the hotel provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Highlands. All rooms are en-suite with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Hotel facilities include two indoor swimming pools, a sauna, and a gym.

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

JG Explorer Coaches

We are pleased to introduce JG Explorer – a brand-new deluxe coach, thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated coach experience and ensure your journey is special and memorable.

Exclusive to the JG Travel Group, the design of these coaches has been meticulously thought through with your comfort in mind – with only 44 seats meaning more room on board and padded seats. There’s improved legroom and a footrest, making certain that wherever you sit, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey. We know it’s the small things that make a big difference in terms of ease and added convenience, so our JG Explorer coaches feature a floor-level, rear-mounted toilet, accessible to all customers.

On-board entertainment throughout your journey is easy to find on the JG Explorer, with access to Azimut, our wireless media system, providing films and quizzes. Simply bring along your smartphone or iPad and enjoy this entertainment interruption-free, with the use of our extra reliable Wi-Fi, free to all passengers and a handy USB port at each seat.

The layout of the JG Explorer includes a floor-level, rear-mounted kitchen with a sink, an espresso machine to purchase delicious Nespresso coffee, dispensed by your driver during comfort breaks, and a fridge stocked with cold drinks and milk. Customers are welcome to help themselves to complimentary JG bottles, that can be used for refill at the built-in cold-water filter, cutting down on the need for disposable plastic bottles and doing our part for the environment.


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