Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk Wheel & the Kelpies

From our base in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, we enjoy a boat trip on the nearby Falkirk Wheel, a unique feat of modern engineering and visit the breathtaking equine sculptures known as The Kelpies. We also discover beautiful Stirling and have the opportunity to see the ancient city of Perth to complete this excellent tour, exploring some of the highlights of the lowlands.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Britannia Hotel, Edinburgh (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Stirling, The Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies- Falkirk Wheel boat tripOptional excursion to Perth (£14pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsStirling (half day)Stirling is nestled within some of Scotland's most scenic countryside, complete with its charming medieval castle and sitting pretty above a network of winding cobbled lanes. Peppered with important battle landmarks, including the famous Wallace Monument, this riverside city has plenty to explore. Explore the many curious shops from the Old Town to the modern centre before having a well-deserved break at one of the lovely cafés and restaurants.Falkirk Wheel & the Kelpies (full day)We head to Falkirk where we embark on a 50-minute boat trip starting at The Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift built for the Millennium that lifts the boat up to join the Union Canal 35 metres above, sailing smoothly from The Falkirk Wheel onto the Union Canal before returning to our starting point.We continue our day with a visit to Helix Visitor Centre to view The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures and a true masterpiece of engineering, designed by Andy Scott. Their name reflects the mythological transforming beasts with the strength of 100 horses, echoing the transformational change of the region's landscape and the strength of its communities. The story of The Kelpies is brought to life on our walking tour, which allows us to see a Kelpie from the inside for an exclusive look at their ingenuity.Optional ExcursionPerth (£14pp) (full day)The beautiful and historic city of Perth is located on the banks of the River Tay. Due to its location, it is often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'. Scotland's ancient capital for five centuries, Perth is now a compact and cosmopolitan city offering sprawling parks, elegant Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets, outstanding monuments, art galleries, museums, independent shops and award-winning eateries.Hotel
Britannia Hotel, EdinburghJG2 ratingSituated on the banks of the Water of Leith in the West End of Edinburgh, the simple yet conveniently located Britannia Hotel offers an ideal base from which to explore the city's many attractions. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. Hotel features include a bar, lounge, restaurant and free Wi-Fi in public areas.Hotel RatingJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.