Scenic Scotland

Day 1 - Mon 7 Sept:

We depart Kent this morning and head North, towards our hotel in Shap for our overnight stay.

Day 1 - Tue 8 Sept:

We depart our hotel after breakfast and head to Gretna, where we have some time at leisure. After lunch and the opportunity to explore, we continue to Stirling, arriving at the Stirling Highland Hotel, where we spend the next 3 nights.

Day 3 - Wed 9 Sept:

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to the Falkirk Wheel - the world’s only rotating boat lift. Now, one of Scotland’s busiest tourist attractions, attracting around 500,000 visitors each year, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering. We return to Stirling this afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps visit the famous Stirling Castle, walk the medieval old town, or visit the Wallace Monument for panoramic views. Dinner at our hotel this evening.

Day 4 - Thu 10 Sept:

A scenic day today as we explore the Trossachs and include a cruise on Loch Lomond. We begin with a scenic drive to Tarbet, where we board our circular cruise. Relax on board and enjoy live commentary with tales from the loch and insights into the history and geology of this part of Loch Lomond. We’ll sail past the famous Arklet waterfalls and the Loch Sloy Hydro Electric scheme. Look out for osprey, sea eagles and mountain goats along the way. We move onto Loch Lomond Shores, a great visitor destination on the edge of Loch Lomond in Balloch. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops including big brand names as well as unique one-off shops. There are also numerous places to eat, many with spectacular loch views. We continue on, passing the tranquil lochs of Achray and Venachar until we reach the Trossachs Woolen Mill. With a wide range of products there’s something for everyone at Trossachs Visitor Centre. From a wonderful collection of Scottish and Highland Cow souvenirs and gifts to a wide range of fashion options. It is also home to three beautiful Highland Cows – Hamish Dubh, Honey and Holly. There is also a café on site for you relax in.

Day 5 - Fri 11 Sept:

This morning, we depart Stirling and begin our journey with a stop in Callander, set beneath dramatic wooded crags and known as the filming location for Dr Findlay’s Casebook. Next, we visit the picturesque village of Killin, located at the Falls of Dochart—a stunning series of rapids at the western end of Loch Tay. Enjoy a short stop to admire the view before continuing via scenic Loch Earn to Crieff. In Crieff, explore the magical Nutcracker Christmas Village, with a central Christmas tree and 11 festive houses offering unique seasonal gifts. Then, visit the famous Caithness Glass Shop, showcasing handmade paperweights, art glass, and Dartington Crystal—some available at factory prices. We then check in to the Crieff Hydro Hotel for a two-night stay. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

Day 6 - Sat 12 Sept:

After breakfast, we make our way to Scone Palace. Explore the stunning art and architecture of the Palace, follow in the footsteps of 42 Scottish Kings across the Moot Hill, adventure through 100 acres of Gardens and Grounds, and relax in the Old Servants' Hall Coffee Shop with a famous Scone at Scone. We then make our way to the Glenturret Distillery. The Distillery is said to be Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery and offers a unique whisky experience. The Glenturret single malt is still traditionally crafted today as it was over 250 years ago, by hand and heart. Our immersive tour brings to life the history and leads visitors through the process, craft and skill required to create The Glenturret single malt. Make sure you visit the Distillery Shop where you’ll find the exquisite whisky range and a selection of wines, spirits and locally sourced handcrafted gifts. We return to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon before our evening meal.

Day 7 - Sun 13 Sept:

We check out of the Crieff Hydo Hotel this morning after breakfast and head to Pitlochry. Spend time here exploring this picturesque town. This afternoon, we visit Blair Castle & Gardens. Blair Castle gives you the opportunity to see Scottish history through the lives of the Atholl Family, their collections of furniture, arms, China, lace and portraits speak for themselves. Blair Castle’s gardens and grounds are a remarkable fusion of grandeur, history, and natural beauty. We then continue on to Fort William, to The Alexandra Hotel, where we spend the next 3 nights

Day 8 - Mon 14 Sept:

We begin early today as we head into the stunning Cairngorms. Our first stop is the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, a 2km funicular reaching the Ptarmigan Top Station in just 5–8 minutes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Grampian Mountains, Rothiemurchus pine forest, and Loch Morlich. At the summit, visit the UK’s highest restaurant and Cairngorm Gin Bar, with panoramic views across Strathspey. Don’t miss the viewing terrace, Shop at the Top, Learning Zone and 270° “Cairngorm Story” exhibition. Next, we visit Rothiemurchus, a beautiful estate owned by the Grant family for over 500 years and described by David Attenborough as “one of the glories of Wild Scotland.” While you are there why not visit The Barn Café for a cosy lunch of stews, soups, sandwiches, and cakes. In the afternoon, we stop for a photo opportunity at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct—Scotland’s longest concrete railway bridge, built in the 1890s by ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine. Its 21 arches carry the West Highland Railway 100ft above the River Finnan on one of the world’s most scenic routes. We return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 9 - Tue 15 Sept:

This morning, we visit the stunning Eilean Donan Castle. Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking. It is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. After a spot of lunch, we will travel to Loch Ness where we will attempt to track down the world’s shyest monster on a 50 minute cruise of legendary Loch Ness. On route back to the hotel, we stop at the Commando Memorial. Perched proudly on a hilltop the Commando Memorial is a striking tribute to the British Commandos of World War II.

Day 10 - Wed 16 Sept

After breakfast, we check out of the Alexandra Hotel and head towards our overnight hotel in Bradford. Welcomed with tea and coffee on arrival, we check into our rooms for our final night. Dinner at our hotel.

Day 11 - Thu 17 Sept

Our tour has come to an end as we check out of our hotel after breakfast and travel home to Kent.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner