Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

DAY 1

We arrive in Perth and make your way to our hotel for four nights, the Salutation Hotel. Tonight we enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

Today we head northwards to explore the beautiful Trossach Range by coach, enjoying a Loch Katrine cruise on board the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott. It is extraordinary to consider that the SS Sir Walter Scott completed her maiden voyage as far back as 1900. We complete the day with a visit to the Deanston Distillery, a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the banks of the River Teith.

DAY 3

One of Scotland's great railway journeys awaits 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 rail steam excursion from Aviemore to Broomhill on the preserved section of the Highland Line known as the Strathspey Steam Railway. Back in Aviemore, we visit the small, local Cairngorm Brewery, where we are joined by one of their guides for a presentation of the brewery and brewing process, before we enjoy a taste of their bottled ales.
*amended itinerary*

DAY 4

Today our Railtrail tour reaches its peak with a short coach transfer to the Falkirk Wheel. The Forth & Clyde Canal was originally built to link sea to sea across Scotland's central belt, however, not long after its construction it was usurped by the railways. After falling into disrepair, volunteers began restoring the canal to its former glory with similar vigour to the pioneers of railway preservation. The Falkirk Wheel is the final piece in the jigsaw, an incredible feat of engineering and design. Our boat is lifted 35 metres by the world's only rotating boat lift, before sailing seamlessly onto the Union Canal. We continue to the Bo'ness & Kinneil Steam Railway for a return rail ride along the line.

DAY 5

Our hotel in Perth bids "Haste ye back," as we make our way home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner