On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a complimentary transfer will take you to
Norton House Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

We start the day with a guided tour of Scotland’s vibrant capital city of Edinburgh. Most of the city’s sights can be found within the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town, all overlooked by the iconic castle perched high above the city.

We then enjoy a guided tour of The Georgian House, an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse situated in Edinburgh’s historic New Town. The house is part of Charlotte Square, a vision of architectural symmetry designed by Robert Adam. Houses like this offered the well-to-do of Edinburgh a means of escape from the overcrowded tenements of the Old Town.

Finally, we visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Here we take a guided walk through the historic Palace gardens, followed by refreshments and a visit of the State Apartments with audio guides.

We step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s floating Royal residence for over 44 years, used not only for state visits and official receptions but also for relaxing family holidays. Our fascinating tour with audio guides includes the Bridge, the State Apartments, Royal Bedrooms, Crew’s Quarters and the gleaming Engine Room.

In the afternoon, we visit Edinburgh Castle. As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. Highlights include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace, St Margaret’s Chapel and the 16th-century Great Hall.

Back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy an interesting lecture from a guest speaker.

After breakfast we check out and travel to Glasgow to visit Pollok House. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Pollok Country Park, this grand country house gives a real flavour of the upstairs, downstairs life in the 1930s. The lavish family rooms house an outstanding collection of Spanish art while the vast servants’ quarters show the realities of running a country house.

We then head to Cairnryan to catch the ferry to Belfast. From here we travel to the Culloden Hotel, arriving in time to unpack and freshen up before dinner.

We head to Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century house that features a curious mixture of architectural styles, set in 820 picturesque acres of demesne with superb views over Strangford Lough. We enjoy a late lunch and a guided tour that offers an insight into the Ward family life.

We also stop off at Strangford Lough, studded with islands, hidden coves, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and sheltered inlets. The shores of the Lough have recently been used as a film location for the hit television series Game of Thrones.

In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Mount Stewart House and Garden. This family home reopened its doors in 2015 following a three year, £7 million restoration programme with never before seen rooms accessible to the public. This funding has secured the important family library, which will remain in its historic home. We also enjoy a guided tour of the property’s wonderfully atmospheric garden, one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust’s ownership.