Scenic Scotland at Christmas

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Glasgow and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Voco Grand Central Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together which will be held at the beautiful sister property of Kimpton Blythswood Square.

DAY 2

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we journey by rail to Stirling and make our way to the Hotel Colessio for our two-night stay. After check-in, we will walk to the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's greatest castles and the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. We will explore the beautifully recreated exhibitions and stunning architecture and soak in the castle's rich history. This evening, we will reconvene at the hotel in time for our festive evening meal together.

DAY 3

After breakfast this morning, we have free time to explore the city at our own pace before our afternoon visit to the wonderful Stirling Distillery. Housed in the historic 'Old Smiddy' building, this small family-run distillery specialises in creating hand-crafted gin and whisky and pride themselves in creating products steeped in the history of the surroundings and city of Stirling! We take a tour to learn the history, heritage, and art of this process, savouring a wee dram of our choice before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 4

Today, we travel by rail to the charming town of Pitlochry and, on arrival, we check-in to the welcoming Fishers Hotel for our festive, four-night stay. We enjoy free time to relax by the crackling fires and admire the famous festive decorations before our evening meal together.

DAY 5

This morning, we are free to explore this picture-postcard town, and we can enjoy a stroll along Main Street with its many attractive shops, bars, and tearooms before indulging in a festive afternoon tea. This evening, live entertainment follows our evening meal and there will be the option to attend local church services as Christmas Day approaches and, on our return to the hotel, we are treated to mulled wine and mince pies.

DAY 6

Merry Christmas! After a leisurely breakfast with a bucks fizz, the morning is free to relax in the comfort and homely surroundings of our hotel before savouring a wonderful traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings. Afterwards, we can watch the King's Speech or a festive film and, this evening, a light buffet will be served followed by live entertainment.

DAY 7

Today, we board our coach to the Atholl Arms Hotel for a fantastic chocolate tasting with the Highland Chocolatier where we will learn about the art of a world-class chocolatier. We will journey through the flavours, textures, skills, and craftsmanship of his chocolates and leave with a box of delicious chocolates as a memento of this unique experience. This afternoon is spent at leisure before reconvening at the hotel for our final evening meal together.

DAY 8

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Pitlochry and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

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