Scotland: The Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen 9185

Scotland: The Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen 9185

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4 Days From

$1115

Scotland: The Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen 9185

4 Days Starting and ending in Scotland

Visiting: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BTSA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Light

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1115

NB: Prices correct on 30-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience the excitement of the Tall Ships Race in Aberdeen with this special interest tour. Begin your journey with a comfortable coach ride to Aberdeen Harbour, where you'll witness the majestic Tall Ships fleet and engage with their crews. Explore Aberdeen's rich maritime history at the Maritime Museum, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Crew Sports and Parade. Discover the grandeur of Castle Fraser and the royal charm of Balmoral Castle in the scenic Aberdeenshire countryside. Conclude your adventure with the breathtaking Parade of Sail, as the ships set off for Norway. Throughout the tour, enjoy the services of a professional tour manager, comfortable coach travel, and included meals, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. Personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • 170 years of Royal history at Balmoral

  • Explore the Tall Ships fleet arriving at Aberdeen Harbour

  • Visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and discover the city's maritime heritage

  • Tour the grand Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire

  • Admire the Aberdeen Fishing Memorial by sculptor David Williams-Ellis

  • Experience the Tall Ships Parade of Sail from Aberdeen's Esplanade and Beach

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart by coach from our local pick-up points and head directly for Aberdeen, where today the Tall Ships fleet will begin arriving, following the first leg of the race in Dunkerque. On arrival at Aberdeen Harbour we will have our first chance to view the ships, which are open to the public and perhaps chat with members of the crews.
Following our visit we continue to our hotel accommodation, where dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 2

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we return to Aberdeen for a visit to the Maritime Museum, situated close to the harbour on historic Shiprow, which tells the story of the city’s long and often dramatic relationship with the sea. Rich and varied displays of objects and artworks tell the extraordinary story of Aberdeen’s maritime heritage. Highlights include beautifully detailed ship models from 1689 to the present day, including the Aberdeen-built tea clipper Thermopylae, the celebrated rival of the Cutty Sark. Marvel at a complete lighthouse lens assembly, admire the lost figurehead of the Star of Tasmania, see the impressive propeller from the steam yacht Fox, which set sail from Aberdeen in 1857 to discover the fate of Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition to find a route through the Northwest Passage. Outside the Museum, stop to admire the Aberdeen Fishing Memorial. Made by sculptor David Williams-Ellis and unveiled in 2018, the bronze figures commemorate the major contribution fishing and fishing folk have made to the city.
Following our visit here we have the rest of the day to continue viewing the Tall Ships in harbour. Events today include the Crew Sports, Crew Parade and a Prize Giving Ceremony.
We return to our hotel, where dinner is served.

Day 3

Location: Aberdeenshire

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, we take the opportunity to explore the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside and take a tour of Royal Deeside. We begin at Castle Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses. Built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. One of the castle’s most evocative rooms is the strikingly simple Great Hall. The castle contains many Fraser family portraits, including one by Raeburn, and fine 18th- and 19th-century carpets, curtains and bed hangings, and even Charles Mackenzie Fraser’s wooden leg! The estate contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills. The historic walled garden features shrubs, flowers, wall-trained fruit and vegetables. There is also a shop selling exclusive gifts.
We continue to Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle. Built around 1854 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert the image of the castle is recognised world-wide. Though relatively modern it is clearly in the style of a ‘Scottish’ castle. It is a private home of the Royal family and each autumn the family spend up to two months holidaying there.
We return to our hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.

Day 4

Location: Aberdeen

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we depart for Aberdeen’s Esplanade and Beach, our vantage point for the Tall Ships Parade of Sail as they leave harbour and make their passage under full sail to the start of the next stage of the race, which will take them to Kristiansand in Norway. The ships will provide a thrilling spectacle as their young crews help to unfurl the sails and take up their positions for the start of the race.
Once the ships have sailed and the tops of their masts disappear over the horizon we will begin our journey back to our original pick-up points.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.

  • Meals as per itinerary

    Meals are provided according to the itinerary.

  • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary

    Entry to all sites listed in the itinerary is included.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    A professional tour manager will be available throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey.

Accommodation

Accommodation details are not provided for this tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • What can I expect to see at the Maritime Museum in Aberdeen?

    At the Maritime Museum, you can explore rich and varied displays of objects and artworks that tell the story of Aberdeen's maritime heritage. Highlights include detailed ship models, a complete lighthouse lens assembly, the lost figurehead of the Star of Tasmania, and the impressive propeller from the steam yacht Fox.

  • Will there be opportunities to interact with the Tall Ships crews?

    Yes, on the first day at Aberdeen Harbour, you will have the chance to view the ships and perhaps chat with members of the crews.

  • What activities are planned for the second day of the tour?

    On the second day, after visiting the Maritime Museum, you will have the rest of the day to continue viewing the Tall Ships in the harbour. Events include the Crew Sports, Crew Parade, and a Prize Giving Ceremony.

  • What is special about Castle Fraser, which is visited on the third day?

    Castle Fraser is one of the grandest Scottish baronial tower houses, built between 1575 and 1636. It features the strikingly simple Great Hall, many Fraser family portraits, and fine 18th- and 19th-century furnishings. The estate also offers waymarked walks with magnificent views and a historic walled garden.

  • What happens on the final day of the tour?

    On the final day, you will watch the Tall Ships Parade of Sail from Aberdeen's Esplanade and Beach as they leave the harbour and make their passage under full sail to the next stage of the race. Afterward, the journey back to the original pick-up points begins.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Tuesday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$1115
Prices last published on 29-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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