Tour Date: 14 to 19 May 2026Location: United Kingdom

Build up a head of steam and uncover Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Steam through the Highlands on the nostalgic Strathspey Railway, experience the scenic Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, sail through the sky on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, and enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine. Visit the magnificent equine sculptures of The Kelpies and the fantastic Stirling Castle plus indulge in a whisky distillery tour and a brewery tasting.

From: Most UK rail stations

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided tour of the world’s largest equine sculptures – The Kelpies
  • Experience the scenic Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway
  • Steam on the nostalgic Strathspey Railway
  • Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms
  • Delight in a tour and tasting at Deanston Distillery
  • Spend time in the charming Scottish town of Callander
  • Sail through the sky on a unique engineering masterpiece – The Falkirk Wheel
  • Take a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the ‘Lady of the Lake’
  • Indulge in a tasting at the Bridge of Allan Brewery
  • Enjoy free time in Stirling plus a visit to the fantastic Stirling Castle

This tour is operated in conjunction with our friends at Railtrail.

  • Tour Itinerary
  • Prices & Options
  • Booking
  • Gallery
  • Transport & Accommodation

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ITINERARY

Day 1, Thursday 14 May (D)

Journey from your home station to Perth and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Royal George Hotel, our hotel for the next five nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

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Perth

Day 2, Friday 15 May (B, D)

After breakfast today, we head northwards to explore the beautiful Trossachs Range by coach, and we enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine on board the ‘Lady of the Lake’, named after the famous poem by Sir Walter Scott. Following the cruise, we enjoy free time in the charming town of Callander, perfect for a stroll or a spot of lunch. This afternoon, we visit Deanston Distillery for a guided tour to uncover the fascinating history of the site and learn about the craftsmanship behind their whisky before finishing with a dram or two of their superb whisky.

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Day 3, Saturday 16 May (B, D)

One of Scotland’s great rail journeys awaits us 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 Railway passing through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey on a nostalgic journey. We enjoy free time in the charming town of Aviemore before returning to Perth by rail in time for our evening meal together.


Day 4, Sunday 17 May (B,D)

This morning, we travel by private coach to Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway for a return journey along this scenic line past waterfalls, through woodlands, and over the Avon Viaduct. Whilst here we will visit the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest railway museum, which illustrates the history of railways in Scotland through fascinating displays. Afterwards, we continue to the Bridge of Allan Brewery where we are joined by one of their guides for a unique presentation of the brewery learning the secrets of their brewing techniques before sampling their wonderful ales.

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Day 5, Monday 18 May (B,D)

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Stirling and enjoy some free time before visiting the stunning 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.

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Stirling Castle

shutterstock 2613155211Following our visit, we travel to The Kelpies for a tour of these magnificent equine sculptures discovering the intricate details, complexity, and engineering that created these fantastic pieces of art.

Finally, we will transfer to the nearby Falkirk Wheel, an incredible feat of engineering and design where we experience a ride on the world’s only rotating boat lift being lifted 35 metres to sail through the sky before returning to Perth for our final evening meal together.

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Day 6, Tuesday 19 May (B)

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

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

Prices (per person)

Fare RegionFirst*Standard
London: Kings Cross£1,455£1,335
Greater London£1,465£1,335
South of England£1,519£1,365
East Anglia£1,525£1,369
South West£1,599£1,415
Heart of England£1,485£1,329
Midlands£1,459£1,335
Yorkshire£1,409£1,309
North East£1,345£1,275
North West£1,429£1,305
South Wales£1,549£1,379
North Wales£1,479£1,335
Scotland£1,295£1,235
Join & Leave at Hotel£1,189
Single Traveller Supplement£70
Deposit£110

 

*Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey.

£10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards

Price Includes

  • 5 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal
  • Services of experienced Tour Manager

Online Booking

Please note that you cannot book a flight inclusive trip on our website but if you select the flight option you prefer then we will contact you with the flight details and convert your booking into a flight inclusive package.

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Hotel

Royal George Hotel, Perth

PTG Tours – Rail and Culture Holidays

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