Day 1 - Fly to Aberdeen
We fly to Aberdeen and transfer to the Leonardo Hotel, where we spend the next four nights.
Day 2 - Time at Leisure in Aberdeen (northern lights)
Following breakfast at our hotel, we enjoy free time at leisure in Aberdeen. This thriving seaport boasts sparkling granite buildings and monuments, making it one of the most architecturally distinctive cities in Europe. There's much to explore, from the cobbled streets and 15th-century cathedral of Old Aberdeen to the quirky fishing quarter of Footdee by the water's edge. Watch for dolphins leaping at the harbour mouth and listen to the warm tones of the local Scots dialect called 'Doric' or how about a shopping spree along Union Street, which is one mile long and dotted with many shops.
After dinner at the hotel, we head to Knockburn Loch our viewing location where we enjoy tea and coffee refreshments and a fascinating presentation on the northern lights and how to take the best possible photos of the night sky. Eyes will be looking upward, in search of celestial bodies in the night sky as well as the magical Aurora Borealis, a dazzling display of spectacular colours and playful streaks of light that constantly change in the dark skies above us.
Day 3 - Stonehaven, Scotland (northern lights)
After breakfast and a morning at leisure, we spend the afternoon at Stonehaven, a picturesque harbour town on the North East coast of Scotland. Here we can discover the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, stroll along the sheltered harbour to enjoy the fresh sea air or simply sit back and relax in one of the lovely cafés or restaurants. We return to our hotel for dinner and afterwards head to our camp in Knockburn Loch for a second night of exciting viewing opportunities and another inspiring presentation on the Northern Lights and viewing Scotland’s dark skies. We enjoy refreshments during our dark skies viewing.
Day 4 - Ballater & Balmoral Castle (northern lights)
Following breakfast, we enjoy a lovely day visiting Ballater and Balmoral Castle. Our first stop is the picturesque village of Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside. Take a stroll to admire the historic buildings, browse the Ballater Gallery, which showcases Scottish artists with international reputations, or discover the painstakingly restored royal waiting room at the Royal Station, which re-opened in August 2018 after a devastating fire.
We then enjoy a visit to Balmoral Castle, the grand Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 when they became enchanted by the scenery of the Highlands. Being one of two personal residences, Balmoral offers us an insight into the priorities and pleasures of the Royal Family, most notably the exquisite grounds which include meticulously maintained formal, water and vegetable gardens.
After dinner, in a meeting room at our hotel, we enjoy our final presentation and farewell talk from Pete Lawrence. We have the opportunity to share images taken by Pete and other aspiring astrologers in the group! A fantastic round-up of what we have seen in the dark skies of Scotland.
Day 5 - Check out & return to Aberdeen airport
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Aberdeen Airport for our flight home.
Leonardo Hotel, Aberdeen (JG3 rating)
The Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen is in the heart of the city and offers comfortable and contemporary en-suite rooms. Hotel facilities include a seasonal restaurant, bar with a separate menu and all-day coffee bar. All standard rooms have air-con, flat screen TV Freeview, hair dryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
JG3 rating
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.