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Grand West Highland Five Night Tour on the Royal Scotsman
It's always hard to say farewell to the Scottish Highlands. That's why we've made it possible for you to join us for a much longer journey. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the West Highland Line and an exclusive view of Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Then experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you head north, stopping along the way for a private visit to magnificent Ballindalloch and to try your hand at some outdoor activities on the Rothiemurchus Highland Estate.
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Duration:
5 Nights
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At a Glance
The Royal Scotsman calls at Spean Bridge, Arisaig, Bridge of Orchy, Wemyss Bay (for Isle of Bute), Edinburgh (where you can take time to explore the city). Then rejoin the train for the route to Dalwhinnie, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Nairn and Dundee.
Prices
2012
Twin Cabin: £5,100
Prices are per person and include all table d'hote meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single.
Supplements
2012
Single occupancy of a Twin cabin: £3,060
Itinerary
Day One - The train departs from Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, skirting Glasgow to reach the northern bank of the Clyde. Craigendoran is the starting point for the West Highland Line, while guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur (also called The Cobbler) on your left, a favourite with climbers. Soon you also catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond, followed by a closer view as the train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui. After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night. Enjoy a splendid formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Two - As the train continues west, passing through Fort William, soak up the views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Disembark at the most westerly station in Britain, Arisaig, for a romantic stroll along the gleaming expanse of Morar Sands, marvelling at the views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye's majestic Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served on board as The Royal Scotsman retraces its route back to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands. After lunch, Highlander Ray Owens joins your select group to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the history of the area before tea is served at the Factors Inn. Energetic guests can choose instead to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK. Return to the train for dinner, musical entertainment and overnight stabling at Bridge of Orchy.
Day Three - Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry from Wemyss Bay. The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with abandoned townships, an ancient chapel and varied landscape to explore. Guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. The stunning interiors reflect the 3rd Marquess of Bute's passion for art, heraldry, astrology and mythology. The house also boasts magical gardens and a secluded beach. Return to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner and overnight on board.
Day Four - Soak up the scenery as the train travels back to Edinburgh where the first part of your journey ends. Take the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Edinburgh - explore the historic Royal Mile, visit the Castle, take in an art gallery or simply relax with a coffee. You rejoin the The Royal Scotsman early afternoon and head west to Stirling, onwards past the world-famous golf resort of Gleneagles to Perth, then north into the dramatic scenery and sparkling mountain air of the Highlands. Travelling through Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, whose magnificent castle can be glimpsed once out of the station, you may also spot red or roe deer from the window. After the breathtaking journey you arrive at Dalwhinnie, ready for a tour of the highest distillery in Scotland – and a sample of the "gentle spirit" of the glen. Back on the train, stabled at Boat of Garten, indulge in a sumptuous dinner and a night of musical entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Five - After breakfast, you are taken by coach to the historic estate of Rothiemurchus for a taste of wild Scotland. At the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting or hill walking. Rejoin the train at Aviemore and head north towards to Inverness. Enjoy lunch before boarding your coach to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last major battle fought on British soil in 1746. Following your private tour, you then board the coach again briefly for a visit to Clava Cairns, one of the best preserved Bronze Age burial sites in Scotland, built around 4000 years ago. Rejoin the train in Nairn and travel east towards Keith. Dinner tonight is a formal affair as you travel south towards Dundee.
Day Six - A journey south through the former Kingdom of Fife awaits, including the chance to see the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge up close as you return to Edinburgh.
TIMINGS
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh at 1.32pm on day one and arrives back in Edinburgh at 9.43am on day three.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change and all timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed itineraries and timings will be supplied with your travel documents.
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