Steaming and Cruising in Stirling
4 Nights
Half Board
Travel Solutions Rep
Departures between 03/05/2027 and 03/05/2027
Child max age: 17
from £719 / per person
Description
Discover the beauty, history and engineering marvels of central Scotland on this delightful holiday based in the historic city of Stirling. Combining nostalgic steam travel, spectacular riverside scenery and iconic landmarks, this tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Step back in time with a memorable journey aboard the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, where beautifully restored heritage carriages and vintage locomotives recreate the golden age of rail travel. Marvel at the world-famous Kelpies, the magnificent 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures that have become one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, before enjoying free time to explore the charming city of Stirling, with its historic streets, independent shops and welcoming cafés.
A highlight of your holiday is a relaxing Three Bridges Cruise on the River Forth, complete with a delicious cream tea served on board. Sail beneath the spectacular Forth bridges while taking in panoramic views of Scotland’s stunning coastline and watching for local wildlife along the way.
With comfortable accommodation at the King Robert Hotel in Stirling, carefully planned excursions and a wonderful mix of history, scenery and leisurely experiences, this Scottish escape promises a memorable holiday from start to finish.
Price Includes
- Luxury coach travel from Coleraine, Ballymoney, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Dunsilly, Belfast and Belfast Stena Line Port
- Return ferry crossings with Stena Line Belfast/Cairnryan
- 4 nights’ accommodation at the 3* King Robert Hotel, Stirling
- Breakfast and evening meals
- Visit the Kelpies
- Train journey on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway
- Cruise under the Three Forth Bridges with Cream tea
- Entrance to Battle of Bannockburn Centre
- Free time in Glasgow, Stirling and Falkirk
- Services of an experienced Travel Solutions tour manager
Accommodation
Steaming and Cruising in Stirling
Nestled in the heart of historic Stirling, the King Robert Hotel offers a warm Scottish welcome in a peaceful setting overlooking the iconic Battle of Bannockburn battlefield. Combining comfortable accommodation with friendly hospitality, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring Stirling's rich heritage, including Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the stunning Trossachs National Park. Guests can relax in well-appointed rooms, enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine in the hotel's restaurant and lounge, and take advantage of complimentary parking and Wi-Fi throughout their stay. Whether visiting for a leisurely getaway, a family holiday, a business trip, or a special celebration, the King Robert Hotel provides excellent service and a comfortable home away from home. Conveniently located just minutes from Stirling city centre with easy access to major transport links, the King Robert Hotel is the perfect destination for discovering the beauty, history, and hospitality of central Scotland.
Hotel Services/Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bruce’s Bistro
- Lounge Bar offering Sky And BT Sports
- Outside heated patio
Room Types Available
- Double Room - sleeps max. 2
- Twin Room - sleeps max. 2
- Single room (available upon request at a supplement)
Guest Rooms
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Tea/coffee maker
- Heating
- Desk and seating area
- TV with streaming services
- Telephone
- Electric kettle
*Some services may have additional charges
Please Note
- The itinerary may be amended due to availability or operational reasons and is subject to change at the discretion of the Tour Manager.
- Full payment required 12 weeks prior to departure.
- Meals on-board the ferries are not included in your tour price.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Journey to Scotland & Free Time in Glasgow Meet your coach at your chosen pick-up point and travel to Belfast Port for the early morning ferry crossing to Scotland. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey across the Irish Sea before arriving at Cairnryan.
From here, we continue to the vibrant city of Glasgow, where you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Renowned for its rich industrial heritage, impressive Victorian architecture, and lively cultural scene, Glasgow offers something for everyone. Browse the city’s excellent shops, visit one of its world-class museums or galleries, or simply relax in one of its many cafés and soak up the atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon, rejoin your coach at the designated meeting point and time, as advised by your Tour Manager, before continuing to the historic city of Stirling.
Arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon, you’ll check in and have time to settle into your comfortable surroundings before enjoying a delicious evening meal and a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2 – The Kelpies & Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway Following breakfast, join your coach as we travel to see the magnificent Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures. Standing an impressive 100 feet tall, these iconic landmarks celebrate Scotland’s rich industrial and equine heritage and provide a striking photo opportunity.
After your visit, enjoy some free time in the nearby town of Falkirk, where you can explore at your leisure, browse the shops, or relax in one of the cafés while purchasing lunch.
This afternoon, we continue to the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway for a memorable heritage rail experience. Step aboard a beautifully restored vintage train and enjoy a scenic 10-mile return journey to Manuel. The route follows the picturesque Forth Estuary, passing through tranquil woodlands, alongside cascading waterfalls, and across the magnificent Avon Viaduct, offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
After this nostalgic journey, rejoin your coach for the return journey to your hotel, then relax and freshen up before your evening meal.
Day 3 – Culross & Forth Bridge Cruise with Cream Tea After breakfast, we travel across the Kincardine Bridge to the charming village of Culross, one of Scotland’s finest and best-preserved 16th-century settlements. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and beautifully restored historic buildings, this picturesque village feels like stepping back in time. Enjoy free time to wander at your own pace, browse the quaint shops, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of this hidden gem.
We then continue to the Firth of Forth, where we board our vessel for a relaxing 90-minute sightseeing cruise. Sailing beneath Edinburgh’s world-famous Three Bridges, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of these remarkable engineering landmarks and the surrounding coastline. Keep watch for the area’s abundant wildlife, including seabirds and, if you’re lucky, seals basking along the shoreline.
During the cruise, indulge in a traditional cream tea served on board, adding a special touch to this memorable experience.
Following the cruise, we rejoin our coach and return to our hotel in Stirling. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax before enjoying dinner and another comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4 – Discover Stirling After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, where an immersive and interactive experience brings one of Scotland’s most significant battles vividly to life. Discover the story of the famous 1314 victory and gain a fascinating insight into this pivotal moment in Scottish history.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure as you explore the historic city of Stirling. Dominating the skyline, the magnificent Stirling Castle (entrance payable locally) stands proudly atop a volcanic crag, commanding breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. One of Scotland’s grandest castles, it boasts a wealth of attractions, including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens, and the beautifully restored Renaissance Royal Palace.
Alternatively, take time to wander the charming streets of Stirling’s Old Town, browse its independent shops and welcoming cafés, or visit the nearby Church of the Holy Rude (entrance payable locally). Renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows and remarkable history, it is one of the few churches in Britain to have hosted a royal coronation and is well worth exploring.
Later in the afternoon, return to your hotel to relax before enjoying dinner and your final evening in Stirling.
Day 5 – Homeward Journey After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Stirling as we begin our journey home. Travelling by coach to Cairnryan, with a comfort stop en route, we board the afternoon ferry for our return sailing across the Irish Sea to Belfast.
On arrival in Belfast, we continue by coach to your original departure point, bringing to a close a memorable Scottish escape. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, unforgettable experiences, and the warm hospitality that makes Scotland so special.
Ferries & Dates
Ferry Times
- Depart Belfast 07:30 / Arrive Cairnryan 09:52
- Depart Cairnryan 15:30 / Arrive Belfast 17:45
Optional Extras
- Single Supplement Cost£160 per person
