Scottish Festive, Steam and Sail

DAY 1

We arrive in Stirling and check into the Stirling Highland Hotel, an attractive, historic building and formerly the city's school. The hotel will be our base for the next four nights and we have the chance to take a wander around the Old Town before dinner.

DAY 2

This morning is free for us to explore Stirling, we may wish to visit the nearby Stirling Castle, once a Royal residence and the former home of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. This afternoon, we travel by train to Glasgow where we enjoy free time to sample delicious festive food and buy unique handmade gifts at the wonderful Christmas market*, we can take a stroll and admire the Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture or explore the city using the 'Clockwork Orange' Glasgow's underground system.

DAY 3

One of Scotland's great rail journeys awaits today as we head north into the Cairngorms, passing dense forests and wild moors, flanked by the Grampians, on our way to the mountain resort of Aviemore. Here we enjoy a return steam excursion from Aviemore to Broomhill on the preserved section of the Highland Line known as the Strathspey Steam Railway. Back in Aviemore, we visit the Dalwhinnie Distillery for a tour and tasting served with specially selected chocolate that combines beautifully with the whisky.

DAY 4

Today we head to Edinburgh where we start with a cruise on the Firth of Forth. From the water, we take in the views of Blackness Castle and the Three Forth Bridges above us whilst we enjoy a warming cup of tea and cream scone. Once we are back on dry land, we head to the heart of Edinburgh to experience the magical festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets* on Princes Street Gardens and to take in the glorious architecture of the Royal Mile.

DAY 5

We bid farewell to beautiful Stirling and make our way home. (B)

*Important Note: Christmas markets are subject to change and cancellation and have not been confirmed for 2021 at the time of tour compilation. We do reserve the right to make substitutions and changes to the itinerary should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner