Cairngorms National Park

Stretching out on the north east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is bordered by forested Royal Deeside, the majestic Cairngorms National Park to the west and panoramic sea views to the east.

Feel the richness of the city’s history all around you, in Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen. From the traditional Doric accent of local residents to the glinting granite buildings lining the streets. Explore the impressive turreted Town House in Union Street, the castellated Citadel at The Castlegate and the striking gothic Marischal College, the world’s second largest granite structure. The city offers a wide variety of free attractions to see and do including Provost Skene’s House, Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum and the famous “Granite Mile”, full of high street and independent Scottish craft shops. Aberdeen’s coastal location also provides the unique opportunity to take a Dolphin Adventure cruise where you can view bottlenose dolphins, white beaked dolphins, risso dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks in their natural habitat.

A wild and breathtaking expanse of mountains, forests, lochs and wildlife, the Scottish Highlands will stir your emotions and bring your imagination to life. The Cairngorms National Park, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has everything from castles and whisky distilleries to friendly villages and endless outdoor pursuits. The beauty of this region attracted royalty back in the 19th century and the Balmoral Estate, nestled in the shadows of the majestic mountain Lochnagar, is the official much-loved holiday residence of the Queen and Royal Family. Follow in the footsteps of the British Royal Family and visit the grounds and café within the Balmoral Castle Estate, the nearby Church of Crathie, their official place of worship when holidaying in Scotland and the Royal Deeside Railway, unique in having served all British monarchs from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II travelling to Balmoral.

Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir
Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director
Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir
One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023