On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a private transfer will take you to the Principal Charlotte Square Hotel, our hotel for the next two nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and dinner followed by an introductory lecture.

Meals: Dinner

This morning we visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a private guided tour followed by refreshments. Today the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, back in September 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie set up court at the palace, with the bed where he slept still in situ today. We visit the rooms that became the focus of the Jacobite cause in Edinburgh including the Great Gallery where the Prince once held a lavish ball.

Next, we venture to the National Museum of Scotland, which has a significant collection of material relating to the Jacobite story, from documents to costumes.

We then head up to Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, which has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history including the unsuccessful Jacobite blockades during the 1715 and 1745 risings. Highlights here include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace and the 16th-century Great Hall which we discover on our audio guided tour.

Meals: Breakfast

We begin our day at the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. Built by successive Stuart kings, Linlithgow was a comfortable country retreat visited by Charles Edward Stuart during his march south in 1745. The courtyard fountain is said to have run with red wine in his honour. However, in 1746, Linlithgow was ravaged by fire after British troops ransacked the house searching for retreating Jacobites.

From here we visit the Alloa Tower, one of Scotland’s largest and oldest keeps. Interestingly the tower was once home to John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar and the Jacobite who led the 1715 rising.

Later we make our way to Huntingtower Castle. Lord George Murray was born at Huntingtower, and both he and his brother Charles were involved in earlier Jacobite risings. As we explore the many rooms of the castle we can discover more but don’t miss the impressive painted ceiling from the 1500s, depicting strange beasts and monsters.

Afterwards, we visit the city of Perth, ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, located on the banks of the River Tay. A former capital of Scotland, Perth has a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years.

We then continue to our overnight hotel, Fonab Castle.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The Georgian House of Dun was built for David Erskine, a distant cousin of John Erskine, the fervent Jacobite. On our guided tour we discover subtle nuances that hint at David Erskine’s clandestine loyalties, such as the white roses (a symbol of the Jacobite cause) and a Poseidon on his sea chariot (representing the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie from over the sea).

Next we visit Jacobite Drum Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. Alexander Irvine, 17th Laird of Drum fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden. After the defeat, he was listed ‘never to be pardoned’ but Alexander managed to make his way back to Drum where his sister hid him in a secret room to avoid capture. The secret room was only rediscovered more recently in 2014 by archaeologists, located within the walls of the 14th-century Tower of Drum.

Our final stop today is the cosmopolitan port and ‘Granite city’ of Aberdeen. Just a short walk from the city center, you might be surprised to also find a sandy beach, perfect for a stroll.

We then check in to the Marcliffe Hotel, where we stay for two nights. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins at Craigievar Castle, built in the 17th century and boasting a fine collection of baroque furniture, original Jacobean woodwork and intricately decorated plaster ceilings which we discover on our guided tour. Most interestingly though is the Order of Battle for the Battle of Culloden which you will find in a manuscript cabinet here.

Afterwards we visit Castle Fraser. This castle was one of the strongholds of the Fraser Clan, who came out for the Jacobites in the 1745 rebellion. Much of this magnificent fortified castle survives as it was at this time including the Laird’s Lug, secret staircases, a spy hole and hidden trapdoors which we discover on our guided tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Known as Scotland’s pink castle, Fyvie blends 13th-century origins with opulent Edwardian interiors. This magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress was once a Royal stronghold before being owned by five successive families and contains a superb collection of arms and armor as well as a rich portrait collection, including works by Raeburn and Gainsborough.

We continue on to Brodie Castle, set in tranquil parkland. There are tales of government troops camped out in the wood behind the castle, in an area known today as the '45 Wood. As well as an extensive library, today the house has a major collection of paintings that span the centuries plus fine antique furniture and ceramics which we discover on our guided tour.

Our day finishes with a visit to Dallas Dhu Distillery. Picturesque Dallas Dhu operated between 1899 and 1983 and originally made malt whisky for the popular Roderick Dhu blend. Today we can see and hear how whisky was made in the 1900s – and then sample a wee dram too.

This evening, we check in to the Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Chez Roux Restaurant, our base for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner