Spectacular Scotland at Christmas

DAY 1

Travelling by train to Stirling, we meet at the Stirling Highland Hotel, enjoying a welcome tea or coffee. Explore the handsome city or enjoy the hotel's leisure facilities ahead of dinner.

DAY 2

An early start this morning, as we depart Stirling for Glasgow. Here we change onto the West Highland Line. Catching the railway during the seasonally limited daylight hours, we skirt the shores of Gareloch, Loch Long, and Loch Lomond, with scenery becoming ever more dramatic, before we climb high across the heather of Rannoch Moor, whose splendid isolation can only be experienced by train or on foot (no roads lead here). One of the world's greatest railway journeys then descends into Fort William, in the shadow of brooding Ben Nevis. On arrival a coach takes us the short distance to the Nevis Gondola cable car which whisks us high up Aonach Mor for incredible views. The Ben Nevis Distillery then awaits for a tour and a warming 'wee dram' before checking into the Alexandra Hotel for two nights.

DAY 3

Today we rejoin the West Highland Line for the final part of the epic journey to Mallaig. Trundling first past the Caledonian Canal's locks, we head through rocky mountain landscapes, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's monument and Loch Shiel are viewed before bursting out onto the Atlantic coastline of golden white sands with distant views of Rhum and Eigg. Enjoy time in Mallaig with views across the sea to Skye before returning to Fort William.

DAY 4

A truly stunning coach journey heads through untouched lochs and glens, past the romantic Eilean Donan Castle en route to Kyle of Lochalsh, overlooking Skye. Here we join the original "Great Railway Journey of the World" made famous from Michael Palin's trailblazing programme - The Kyle Line. Leaving the western seascapes behind, our train climbs past lochs and forests, stopping briefly in small hamlets, before descending to Inverness, where we stay for a night at the Mercure Hotel in the city centre.

DAY 5

Christmas Eve
Our morning train once again allows incredible daylight views of the Grampians which we cut through on the Cairngorm Line. Passing the ski resort of Aviemore and the charming town of Pitlochry, we arrive back in Stirling for included lunch at the Stirling Highland Hotel. In the afternoon we can walk to nearby Stirling Castle (entrance tickets included) or relax in the hotel, which will show a festive movie on the big screen with popcorn. Dinner is followed by live music this evening and we are treated to mulled wine and mince pies later in the evening as Christmas Day approaches.

DAY 6

Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! After an action packed few days, unwind in the homely surroundings of the Stirling Highland, enjoy its leisure facilities and, above all, relax. At lunchtime, a sparkling wine reception precedes a sumptuous Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. The hotel organises a treasure hunt around Stirling in the afternoon or enjoy watching a festive movie. A light buffet ends the day with entertainment.

DAY 7

Boxing Day
Our coach excursion takes us to the Royal Yacht Britannia, voted Scotland's best visitor attraction for the past 12 years. During our visit the famous floating royal residence will be proudly decorated in all its festive finery. The Royal Yacht served the Royal Family for over 44 years and travelled over one million nautical miles on 968 state visits, hosting world leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan and Rajiv Gandhi. Following our fascinating visit we enjoy free time in Edinburgh, Scotland's proud capital. Take in the glorious architecture of the Royal Mile, enjoy the Boxing Day sales on Princes Street or explore Edinburgh's Christmas Market*. Back in Stirling, dinner is followed by lively Scottish entertainment to round off our festive Christmas holiday.

DAY 8

We bid you farewell and 'haste ye back'.

*Important Note: Edinburgh Christmas market dates are subject to change and cancellation and have not been confirmed for 2024 at the time of tour compilation. We do reserve the right to make substitutions and changes to the tour itinerary should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner