PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway & Stirling Castle
We begin with a return journey on Scotland’s famous Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. After boarding in Bo’ness, we ride a vintage steam or diesel-hauled train along the Forth Estuary to Manuel and back, watching as woodlands, waterfalls and the Avon Viaduct fly by. In the afternoon, we travel to the city of Stirling to visit Stirling Castle. One of Scotland’s most important fortifications—Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here in 1543—we roam this mighty rock top castle to see its Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and more. Afterwards, we have free time in Stirling old town to wander its cobbled lanes, see its medieval mansions, visit its old Tolbooth courthouse and jail or just dip into a cosy café or restaurant.
Day 3 Loch Katrine Cruise & Callander
This morning, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on Loch Katrine. Departing from the Trossachs pier, we sit back and admire the beauty of the area, taking in views of Ben Venue Mountain, Ellen’s Isle and Queen Victoria’s loch-side Royal Cottage. This afternoon we head to the small town of Callander where we have time at leisure. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, Callander serves as the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, so the scenery is magnificent, with the River Teith flowing through the town.
Day 4 Loch Lomond, Luss & Inveraray Castle
Our day begins with a scenic tour of lovely Loch Lomond, in the heart of The Trossachs National Park, surrounded by charming villages, beautiful countryside and rolling hills. We have time to pause in the postcard-pretty village of Luss before continuing our travels to Inveraray Castle & Gardens for a guided tour, the ancestral seat of the Chief of Clan Campbell and one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. There’s plenty to see over the three floors, including the Clan Room, which offers an insight into the fascinating history of Clan Campbell; the French influenced Tapestry Drawing Room with original Beauvais tapestries; and the Victorian Room, which serves as a tribute to the marriage between HRH Princess Louise – daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – and the Marquess of Lorne.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.