Heritage Touring returns to Scotland to explore the superb scenery of the Border hills and the great River Tweed that flows through stunning and historic countryside.  This tour allows time to leisurely enjoy the very best of castles, private houses and gardens that can be found in this unspoilt and exclusive area of the Tweed Valley.   From the Duke of Buccleuch’s magnificent private art collection at Bowhill to the castles steeped in Scottish history at Thirlestain and Traquair. Monteviot House and the architectural glory at Mellerstain designed by Adam.  Lovely private gardens that surround ancestral family homes at Mindrum, Carolside and Portmore.  An insight into salmon conservation on the Tweed at Philiphaugh, the stunning gardens, and possibly osprey viewing at Kailzie.  Staying in the heart of the Borders for four nights at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel near Peebles.   You may join at the hotel or meet the coach at Edinburgh Station for a transfer with a short stop to see the intriguing medieval Rosslyn Chapel. 

Monday 25 June: Coach to meet at Edinburgh Waverley Station departing 3.30 pm to drive to Peebles. You can make your own way direct to the hotel or even join the party in your own car at Rosslyn Chapel just outside Edinburgh. This extraordinary chapel with its intricate carvings, where a major restoration programme has just been completed, is revered as the key to mysteries surrounding the De Vinci Code, Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.  Check into the hotel before welcome drink and dinner.

Tuesday 26 June:  Morning visit and guided tour of Bowhill, the Scottish Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch. The house dates from 1812 and contains outstanding collections of art, silverware, porcelain and French furniture. Then to the neighbouring estate of Philiphaugh to the salmon viewing centre and in the company of the owner, hear the history of the river, view the underwater cameras and salmon ladder whilst enjoying lunch in the Waterwheel restaurant. Continue to Monteviot House, Lord Lothian’s family home for 300 years situated in beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Teviot, a wonderful family home with 30 acres of formal gardens and woodland. 

Wednesday 27 June: Venturing further south first to Mellerstain – one of Scotland’s top architectural glories; a superb Georgian House by William and Robert Adam with exquisite plaster ceilings, beautiful period furniture, and a marvellous art collection.  Gardens designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with superb views, terraces and lake. Then a small step across the border into Northumberland for a private visit with lunch to Mindrum, a magical combination of rose gardens, lawns, woods and water.  Finally a private visit to Carolside – a breathtaking garden followed by tea.

Thursday 28 June: Just north of Peebles to the garden at Portmore, another private visit to a stunning location in the heart of the Tweed Valley followed by refreshments in the house.  Returning to Kailzie, where there is a lovely walled garden, and perhaps the chance to view the ospreys on the lake.  Two course lunch in the restaurant before moving to the adjacent estate of Traquair, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, once the pleasure ground for Scottish kings in times of peace and a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror. Guided tour and tea in the dining room with the owner Mrs Maxwell Scott. 

Friday 29 June: Check out of the hotel to return to Edinburgh Waverley Station to arrive 1 pm visiting en-route (if by car follow the coach before making your own way home) Thirlestane Castle – one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland set in the lovely Border hills at Lauder.

	Transfers to and from Edinburgh to Cardrona Hotel
	4 nights accommodation, dinner and full Scottish breakfast, welcome reception, 3 lunches, 2 teas and refreshments as listed
	Dinner in the hotel on 2 nights and 1 lunch Whichford.
	All entries, guided tours, professional guide, executive coaching