Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
8 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1105 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Cairngorms Mountains
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Experience a spectacular journey on the highest public road in Britain as you travel through the incredible landscape of the eastern Cairngorms Mountains, with huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.

Marine wildlife
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Discover an amazing array of marine wildlife in the Moray Firth, such as bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, harbour porpoises, minke whales, and maybe even orca!

Malt Whisky Trail
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Speyside is home to the world famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. This area is the heart of the whisky industry, and concentrated within a few miles are more distilleries than any other area in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle Estate
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Visit the Queen’s stunning Scottish ‘holiday home,’ a royal retreat since the 1850s, where you can enjoy the extensive castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.

Dunnottar Castle
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Explore the brooding ruins of Dunnottar Castle, the dramatic cliff top fortress once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland: the Earls Marischal.

North Sea coastline
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Follow the dramatic North Sea coastline, past quaint fishing villages, towering cliffs and scenic bays such as Cruden Bay, home to a sweeping expanse of pink sand and dunes.

A Unique New Scottish Road Trip

The North East 250 might just be Scotland’s best-kept secret, encompassing everything Scotland is famous for in one unique road trip. The circular route begins and ends in ‘the Granite City’ of Aberdeen, and offers an unforgettable drive through a breathtaking variety of landscapes in Aberdeenshire, Speyside and Moray.

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You’ll discover the awe-inspiring castles of Royal Deeside, such as Crathes Castle and Drum Castle, and the Royal residence of Balmoral Castle Estate.

As you continue, wind through the dramatic mountain passes of the Cairngorms, Britain’s largest and wildest National Park. Stop off at the world famous malt whisky distilleries of Speyside, the beaches and seaside villages of the Moray Firth, and delight in the rugged coastline of Aberdeenshire.

This self-drive itinerary showcases some of the best places to spot Scotland’s impressive variety of marine wildlife, as well as the highest concentration of whisky distilleries and castles in the country. The route links charming villages and coastal towns, replete with historical and archaeological interest. 

There are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in this region, from hillwalking to taking an exhilarating boat trip on the coast, and it is home to some of the most beautiful and oldest golf courses in the world, such as the Cruden Bay Golf Club.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Aberdeen to Royal Deeside
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Your journey begins by leaving ‘The Granite City’ behind and travelling to Royal Deeside. Why not take a short but worthy detour to visit Dunnottar Castle? This dramatic cliff top fortress was once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland: the Earls Marischal.

As you travel to Royal Deeside you could take the opportunity to visit some of the most charming castles in the country, such as Crathes Castle and Drum Castle.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 2: Royal Deeside Sightseeing
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Royal Deeside is unmatched in the richness and diversity of its castles, and Scotland’s Castle Trail brings together some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture on a clearly signposted tourist trail.

This stunning region has been a holiday destination for British royalty ever since Queen Victoria began visiting in the 1850s, and you can visit Balmoral Castle – the Queen’s Scottish ‘holiday home’, and enjoy exploring the castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 3: Royal Deeside to Speyside
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Travel north through the Cairngorms – Britain’s largest and wildest National Park – following the spectacular Snow Route to Tomintoul. The village lies at a height of 345m and is popular with visitors to the surrounding whisky distilleries, as well as the Lecht Ski Centre.

Visit nearby Glenlivet Estate, which has an information centre offering maps of local walks and cycle trails. From here, you could begin your Speyside whisky experience by paying a visit to the wonderful visitor centre at Glenlivet Distillery.
Overnight – Speyside

Day 4: Speyside Sightseeing
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There are countless distilleries to visit as you wind your way through the charming towns and villages of Speyside. As you journey towards the whisky capital of Dufftown, you could visit Ballindalloch Castle situated in the magnificent Spey Valley.

In Dufftown, we recommend the Explorer’s Tour at Glenfiddich Distillery where you can see how the world’s best-selling single malt whisky is made. You could also arrange an exclusive tour of the Balvenie Distillery. The Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie is a vital part of whisky production and also well worth a visit.
Overnight – Speyside

Day 5: Speyside to Moray Coast
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Continue northbound towards the breathtaking Moray Coast. Why not go on a wildlife adventure boat trip with North 58 ÌŠ Sea Adventures in Findhorn? Look out for bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises, minke whales, and maybe even orca!
Overnight – Moray Coast

Day 6: Moray Coast Sightseeing
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Enjoy a leisurely day at stunning East Beach in Lossiemouth or visit nearby Elgin Cathedral. Even as a ruin, the 13th century cathedral is one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings.

Travel to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay to spot bottlenose dolphins, and don’t forget to make a stop in Cullen to taste a hearty Cullen Skink – a local delicacy.
Overnight – Moray Coast

Day 7: Moray Coast to East Coast
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As you continue your journey around the North East 250, you will drive along the rugged and dramatic North East coastline with its secret bays, scenic viewpoints, and lovely villages. Pass through Cruden Bay, home to a sweeping expanse of pink sand and dunes.

Nearby you will find New Slains Castle – an atmospheric ruined castle built in 1597. It is often said that this magnificent courtyard palace provided Bram Stoker with the inspiration for Count Dracula’s castle when he stayed in the area in 1895.
Overnight – East Coast

Day 8: East Coast & Castle Trail Sightseeing
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Step back in time today to explore Scotland’s heritage as you continue your journey on the Castle Trail. Travel inland and visit a stunning example of Scottish baronial architecture – 13th century Fyvie Castle & Gardens, and for some contrast you could travel to the picturesque ruins of Tolquhon Castle at Tarves.

The East Coast is also home to some of the most beautiful and oldest golf courses in the world, such as Cruden Bay Golf Club.
Overnight – East Coast

Day 9: East Coast to Aberdeen and depart
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From the East Coast it is a short drive back to Aberdeen, where your unique journey on the North East 250 will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1105

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1410

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

North East 250

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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