Day 1: Tues. Sept. 19, 2023 -- Arrival in Edinburgh -- Floors Castle and The Great Tapestry of Scotland Our tour begins today after our morning arrival in Edinburgh. Here we will meet our guide and driver and head directly to the lovely Scottish Border area, known for its ruined medieval abbeys dating back to the 12th century and -- textiles!
Our first stop on our journey south is the stately Georgian country house, Floors Castle. Designed in 1721 by leading Edinburgh architect William Adam for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe. The castle, built on the original site of the House of Floris, is known for its outstanding collection of fine art, furniture and porcelain brought to the estate by the American heiress May Goelet in the early part of the 20th Century by her marriage to the 8th Duke. In the 1930s, several of the rooms were altered including the Drawing Room and Ballroom which were refitted to display the set of Brussels and Gobelins tapestries.
Then it's time for afternoon tea at the Terrace Cafe at Floors Castle.
Our next stop is the Great Tapestry of Scotland, where 420 million years of Scottish history and culture is told in stiches --- you'll see battles, kings and queens, war, sports, religion, Romans, Vikings, abbeys, and castles.
And finally on to our last stop of the day, our hotel where we will be spending the next couple of nights, the Peebles Hydro Hotel .
Day 2: Wed., Sept. 20, 2023 -- Abottsford House, Dryburgh Abbey, Jedbourgh Abbey
Today we begin our day with a guided tour of the lovely Abbotsford House and walled garden. Stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed, the house sits in the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Unlike the homes of other great writers, this is a house that the writer himself designed and, as such, uniquely embodies a physical representation of the Romantic Movement that he helped to create. When you touch the bricks and mortar of Abbotsford, you are touching the soul of Scott. The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armor, including Rob Roy’s gun, dirk and sword, and an extensive library containing over 9,000 rare volumes. It sits amid formal gardens and a wider landscape that Scott designed and planted. Abbotsford provides a fantastic experience for visitors with all the history of the house combined with the beautiful formal gardens and scenic woodland and riverside walks through the wider estate.
Lunch will be on your own at the Abbotsford House Cafe.
Today we begin our day with a guided tour of the lovely Abbotsford House and walled garden. Stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed, the house sits in the heart of the landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Unlike the homes of other great writers, this is a house that the writer himself designed and, as such, uniquely embodies a physical representation of the Romantic Movement that he helped to create. When you touch the bricks and mortar of Abbotsford, you are touching the soul of Scott. The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armor, including Rob Roy’s gun, dirk and sword, and an extensive library containing over 9,000 rare volumes. It sits amid formal gardens and a wider landscape that Scott designed and planted. Abbotsford provides a fantastic experience for visitors with all the history of the house combined with the beautiful formal gardens and scenic woodland and riverside walks through the wider estate.
Lunch will be on your own at the Abbotsford House Cafe.
Next we visit Dryburgh Abbey. The Abbey was first established in 1150 by white-clad Premonstratensian canons and its ruins are nestled in wooded seclusion beside the River Tweed. Dryburgh became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order, which had been established at Premontre, northeast France, in 1121, by St. Norbert of Xanten. There is an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and the abbey church and cloister - the spiritual and domestic homes of the bretheren - remain substantially complete. The church is a fine relic of Gothic architecture, particularly the transepts flanking the presbytery, lovingly hewn from warm-pink sandstone. In the 18th century, the ivy-clad ruin attracted the attention of David Erskine, 11th earl of Buchan: he purchased Dryburgh House and set about creating a charming landscape, in which the ancient abbey figured prominently. Sir Walter Scot is among the buried, his tomb located in the north transept known as 'St. Mary's Isle'.
We next visit the towering ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. One of the main four border abbeys, Jedburgh Abbey was founded by David I in around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church was built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Jedburgh Abbey’s close location to the English border meant it was frequently targeted by invading border armies. Remains of the cloister buildings have been uncovered and finds from the excavations, including the 12th century 'Jedburgh comb' and an eighth century shrine are on display.
Day 3: Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 -- Roslyn Chapel, Panoramic city tour of Edinburgh
Today we will leave the Scottish Borders for the lively city of Edinburgh. Our first visit along the way is the mysterious Roslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by William St Clair, as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew. The chapel took some 40 years to complete; its ornate stonework and symbolism have inspired - and intrigued - artists and visitors ever since it has been completed. Today, there are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel, many of which are impossible to prove or disprove conclusively.
Today we will leave the Scottish Borders for the lively city of Edinburgh. Our first visit along the way is the mysterious Roslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by William St Clair, as the Collegiate Church of St Matthew. The chapel took some 40 years to complete; its ornate stonework and symbolism have inspired - and intrigued - artists and visitors ever since it has been completed. Today, there are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel, many of which are impossible to prove or disprove conclusively.
We then head into Edinburgh for a panoramic city tour. Edinburgh is one of the world's finest capital cities because of its cultural diversity and impressive history. The medieval streets run through the whole city telling their own story about the 1,000 year old traditions and myths of Edinburgh. Through our city tour we will get to know the different parts of the city, such as the Royal Mile, the Princes Street Gardens, and Calton Hill for a fantastic view of the city and Leith - the port of the city. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to further explore the city, we will have recommendations based on the time remaining for the day -- maybe visit one of the wonderful museums (the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery are two of our favorites, and are free admittance!) Dinner is on your own; we have several favorite spots which will will be happy to share with you; we spend our one night in Edinburgh at the Voco Edinburgh Hotel .
Day 4: Friday, Sept. 22 2023 -- Falkland Palace and Garden, St. Andrews
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Edinburgh and journey to Port of Aberdeen. Along the way we will visit Falkland Palace, an impressive Renaissance building set in the heart of the town, at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Built by James IV and James V between 1501 and 1541, the Palace was a country residence of the Stuart monarchs of Scotland for over 200 years. Lush green lawns, colorful herbaceous borders and many unusual shrubs and trees complete the setting for this memorable property. Experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs at Falkland Palace, their country residence for 200 years – and a favorite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. The original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. The beautiful, tranquil grounds alone are worth a visit . They’re home to the oldest real (or royal) tennis court in Britain, built for King James V, as well as a garden designed by Percy Cane.
We will stop in the historic town of St Andrews for lunch on our own. Known as the Home of Golf, the town also boasts Scotland's oldest university. One of the top universities in Britain, St Andrews is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge for its defining presence and the collegiate feel it gives to the town. St Andrews has also two great beaches, one being the magnificent West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot.
And then on to Aberdeen with a possible photo stop at Dunnottar Castle.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Edinburgh and journey to Port of Aberdeen. Along the way we will visit Falkland Palace, an impressive Renaissance building set in the heart of the town, at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Built by James IV and James V between 1501 and 1541, the Palace was a country residence of the Stuart monarchs of Scotland for over 200 years. Lush green lawns, colorful herbaceous borders and many unusual shrubs and trees complete the setting for this memorable property. Experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs at Falkland Palace, their country residence for 200 years – and a favorite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. The original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. The beautiful, tranquil grounds alone are worth a visit . They’re home to the oldest real (or royal) tennis court in Britain, built for King James V, as well as a garden designed by Percy Cane.
We will stop in the historic town of St Andrews for lunch on our own. Known as the Home of Golf, the town also boasts Scotland's oldest university. One of the top universities in Britain, St Andrews is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge for its defining presence and the collegiate feel it gives to the town. St Andrews has also two great beaches, one being the magnificent West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot.
And then on to Aberdeen with a possible photo stop at Dunnottar Castle.
After a full day, we arrive in Aberdeen where we will board the ferry for our overnight journey to Lerwick and the next part of our tour-adventure in the Shetland Islands..
Day 5: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 -- Arrival in Lerwick
We spend today getting settled in our housing and exploring Lerwick at your leisure.
Day 6 - Day 12: Sunday, Sept. 24 - Sat. Sept. 30, 2023
Follow your personal pre-planned Wool Week Schedule and explore the Islands -- or follow along with Marci and Amy as they explore the islands (check previous travelogues for some of their adventures). On Saturday afternoon, we say farewell to Shetland and board the overnight ferry for our return to Aberdeen.
We spend today getting settled in our housing and exploring Lerwick at your leisure.
Day 6 - Day 12: Sunday, Sept. 24 - Sat. Sept. 30, 2023
Follow your personal pre-planned Wool Week Schedule and explore the Islands -- or follow along with Marci and Amy as they explore the islands (check previous travelogues for some of their adventures). On Saturday afternoon, we say farewell to Shetland and board the overnight ferry for our return to Aberdeen.
Day 13: Sunday October 1, 2023
We arrive in Aberdeen early in the morning and are transported via coach to Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
We arrive in Aberdeen early in the morning and are transported via coach to Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
While we make every effort to follow our itinerary as set forth here in the website, occasionally due to matters beyond our control, we may have to substitute destinations, lodging or attractions other than those set forth.