Insider's Scotland
Featuring the 2 Nights Aboard the Royal Scotsman and
Loch Lomond - Inverary Castle - Isle of Mull, Iona & Skye - A Private Tea With Sir Lachlan MacLean - Loch Ness - Dunvegan Castle - Gleneagles - St Andrews - Stirling - Edinburgh - Private Dinner at Prestonhall
This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the magical and romantic western isles of Scotland, the beauty and mystery of the Highlands and the glamour and grace of the world-renowned “Royal Scotsman” train all in one visit. It is indeed hard to find a more luxurious or romantic way to travel the Scottish Highlands than aboard The Royal Scotsman, which passengers liken to staying at a select country house—which just happens to be travelling through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The meticulously refurbished period carriages are complemented by the finesse of the on-board cuisine, and by the experienced and gracious train staff. But luxury and grace do not end there, for during this tour you also enjoy a private invitation to tea with Sir Lachlan MacLean at Duart Castle, and dine with Major Callander at magnificent Prestonhall. Meanwhile, you will marvel at the glories of Scotland’s pride, both natural and man-made. The gorgeous islands, such as Skye, Mull and Iona, scattered along the country’s Atlantic coast, the majesty of the great Highland region, the dramatic and mysterious ancient castles that recount the country’s proud and complex history…all these will be shown to you, as well as the renowned Gleneagles Hotel, an optional visit to famous St. Andrews and lovely Edinburgh. Scotland beckons—join us and indulge!
Your Insiders’ Scotland land arrangements include :
Not included: personal expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication charges; cost of obtaining passports or visas; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares; airport departure taxes; gratuities to your Guide.
Day 1: Sunday, USA or Canada – Glasgow, Scotland
Day 2: Monday, Glasgow – Loch Lomond
Day 3: Tuesday, Loch Lomond – Inverary Castle – Ledaig
Day 4: Wednesday, Ledaig — Isle of Mull — Isle of Iona — Ledaig
Day 5: Thursday, Ledaig — Loch Ness — Isle of Skye
Day 6: Friday, Portree – Dunvegan Castle – Black House Folk Museum — Portree
Day 7: Saturday, Portree – Fort William – Glen Coe – Gleneagles
Day 8: Sunday, Gleneagles – St. Andrews — Gleneagles
Day 9: Monday, Gleneagles — Stirling — The Royal Scotsman
Day 10: Tuesday, The Royal Scotsman with Scottish Moorlands and the town of Elgin
Day 11: Wednesday, Royal Scotsman — Edinburgh
Day 12: Thursday, Edinburgh –USA or Canada
Depart from the USA or Canada on an overnight flight to Glasgow
You are met at the airport and driven by private car to your lakeside hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, meet your Guide and fellow travellers over drinks and a light dinner.
Cameron House Hotel D
Take a scenic drive along Loch Lomond’s romantic shores for a seafood and oyster lunch at Loch Fyne. After a guided visit of Inverary Castle, clan seat of the Campbells, we continue towards the scattered islands of Scotland’s West Coast. This evening we check into our secluded hotel before a welcome dinner.
Isle of Eriska B,L,D
We transfer by coach and ferry to the little-known island gem of Mull, continuing to holy Iona and on to Ledaig, a peaceful island where no motorized vehicles are allowed. A gentle walking tour shows us St. Columba’s Abbey with its graveyard of Scottish kings. Back on Mull, we are privileged to join Sir Lachlan MacLean for afternoon tea, and a tour of his fortress, Duart Castle.
Isle of Eriska B,L,D
This morning we head into the Highlands to mysterious Loch Ness. Later, we drive to the Kyle of Lochalsh, where we cross the road bridge to the Isle of Skye and check into our charming hotel, overlooking Portree Bay with magnificent views to the Cuillin Mountain Range.
Cuillin Hills Hotel B,L,D
We visit the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle. After lunch, visit a 19th-century folk museum.
Cuillin Hills Hotel B,L,D
After a ferry crossing to the mainland, we continue to Fort William and enjoy lunch overlooking Loch Linnhe. Later, drive through Glen Coe, scene of the MacDonald massacre of 1692, and continue to Gleneagles for dinner à la carte.
The Gleneagles Hotel B,L,D
Today we are free to relax and enjoy the many facilities offered by our hotel, such as the spa, golfing, horseriding, shooting, fishing or falconry. Alternatively, we can join an optional excursion to St. Andrews, famous for its golf course and university.
The Gleneagles Hotel B,L,D
This morning we visit nearby Stirling, with its mighty cragtop castle. Later we board The Royal Scotsman and begin our journey heading north to romantic Ballindalloch Castle in the Spey Valley. This evening, as the train continues along the private Strathspey Railway, we enjoy a fine dinner on board.
The Royal Scotsman B,L,D
Today we visit the estate of Rothiemurchus for some clay pigeon shooting and off-road driving. Back on board, we continue east to Elgin to visit a woolen mill and, later this evening, stop at the whisky distillery of Strathisla to sample some of the local products and experience Scottish ceilidh dancing!
The Royal Scotsman B,L,D
We disembark in Edinburgh for a morning sightseeing tour. The afternoon is free to explore further on our own. This evening we enjoy a private farewell dinner at Prestonhall, a magnificent Georgian house surrounded by gardens and parkland. We are welcomed by the owner, Major Callander, and entertained in traditional Scottish manner.
The Balmoral B, D
After breakfast, transfer to the airport by private car for our return flights to the USA or Canada.
B
Land Arrangements
$7,995 per person, based on double occupancy
Airfare from New York
$1,495 Single Supplement (includes single cabin on board the train)
Economy Class, from $ 525
Business Class, from $3855
May 12 - May 23
June 2 - June 13
June 23 - July 4
July 21 - August 1
Tours on the Train
The Classic Tour |
The Highland Fling |
The Caledonian Retreat
A&K Tours That Include the Train
Insider's Scotland
 |
To check availability or receive additional information on The Royal Scotsman, drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739 |
reprinted with permission of Abercrombie & Kent.
Content provided by Online Travel Content, Inc.