Blair Castle Horse Trials & Scottish Country Fair
August 20-29, 2016
Our itinerary
Saturday, August 20 – Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland
Unless you are planning additional time in Britain or Europe, you will depart today for Edinburgh. You will find direct flights from Newark, and many connecting options.
Sunday, August 21 – Welcome to Scotland
On arrival, transfer into Edinburgh and check in at the Double Tree – Hilton, with lovely views of Edinburgh Castle. Gather at 7:00pm for a welcome reception in the lounge, followed by dinner.
Monday, August 22 – Edinburgh Tour
A Scottish buffet breakfast is included daily throughout our program, and will offer some interesting options! Kippers are always good! Spend the next two days touring the city with your Royal Edinburgh sightseeing passes, which include admission to three of Edinburgh’s most important sites. I suggest we gather at 9:30am and start the “Royal Edinburgh Tour” shuttle, stopping at the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle. Later today and on Tuesday you can continue exploring, visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, where you can enjoy tea.
Tuesday, August 23 – Edinburgh at Leisure
Today is free to continue exploring on the Edinburgh shuttles as you wish, perhaps Britannia (I would suggest a morning visit, leaving time in the afternoon for the gardens, the museums or the shops of Edinburgh. This evening we attend a performance of the Edinburgh Tattoo with great dancing, piping and much more.
Wednesday, August 24 – Off to the Highlands and Blair Atholl
At 8:30am we depart for Blair Atholl, stopping to visit in the lovely town Dunkeld, a town on the River Tay, to visit and have time for a coffee. Later continue to the Edradour Distillery, the smallest in Scotland, for a tour and tasting. On arrival in Blair Atholl, we visit Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl. The oldest part of the castle dates to the 14th-c.; the Atholl Estates encompass over 145,000 acres which allow various recreational and farming uses to support the estate. Later return to Pitlochry and check into our accommodations at the Moulin Inn. Join us for drinks this evening prior to dinner.
Thursday, August 25 – Day 1 of the Blair Castle Horse Trials
After our Scottish breakfast, transfer to Blair Atholl and the horse trials venue. Blair Castle Horse Trials are the biggest event in Scotland. You have Members admission to the Horse Trials which will allow you access to the Members tent with private dining and bar and you will be provided a complementary program. Late afternoon we return to our accommodations. For those who wish, there is rail service the very short distance between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.
Friday, August 26 – Dressage continues
Dressage continues today. Perhaps we can walk cross country course. Enjoy the marketplace, with some 200 vendors, which is sure to include some delightful Scottish food, crafts and woven goods. The Member’s Tent is well organized and is adjacent to the dressage ring, with chairs on the grass.
Saturday, August 27 – Cross Country Day at Blair Castle
In addition to the very exciting cross country riding today, the Bruadar Country Fair offers demonstrations of traditional and modern country pursuits and displays. The setting of the horse trials, with the Scottish hills surrounding it, is delightful.
Sunday, August 28 – Show Jumping Finals & the Fair Continues
We expect a later start today, giving time to enjoy the Fair before the final show jumping phase begins. This evening we will gather for a reception prior to our farewell dinner. (I think we should all be required to wear something tartan!
Monday, August 29 – Early departure for Edinburgh and return flights home
We plan an early departure this morning to be at Edinburgh Airport in time for 9:30am flights. The hotel will have refreshments laid out for us prior to departure. Enjoy a safe journey home and please return with us soon.
Costs per person: $2,895 twin or double basis; $3,795 single basis
Program includes: 3 Nights Edinburgh with buffet breakfast, 5 nights Hotel Moulin with full Scottish breakfast & dinner daily; 2 receptions; sightseeing & Military Tattoo in Edinburgh; Member’s admission to Blair Castle Horse Trials and tour of Blair Castle; transportation and services of Equestrian Tours host.
