Scotland in the Summer
Holiday Highlights
- Return journey on the Jacobite steam train
- Strathspey Steam Railway
- Full day tour of the Orkney 'mainland'
- Time to explore Edinburgh, Inverness, Thurso and Glasgow
- All evening meals included
- 11 days from £2,155pp
Tour Dates:
Thursday 1 June to Sunday 11 June 2023
An exciting mix of spectacular rail travel, ancient sites and stunning scenery blended into a memorable holiday. This 11-day rail tour aims to showcase the very best that the Scottish Highlands have to offer.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Welcome to Edinburgh
Meet in Edinburgh for a welcome dinner and a 1-night stay.
Day 2 – Morning at Leisure
Spend the morning exploring this great city with its Castle, Royal Mile, Botanical Gardens and the former Royal Yacht Britannia. We take a mid-afternoon train to Inverness for a 3-night stay. Our hotel sits on the banks of the River Ness and has its own swimming pool and spa.
Day 3 – Free Day in Inverness or…
Take the stunningly spectacular train ride out to Kyle of Lochalsh and back. This is one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world. Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy a boat excursion on nearby Loch Ness (advance booking recommended).
Day 4 – Strathspey Steam Railway
Morning train to Aviemore for a return journey on the lovely Strathspey Steam Railway. Lunch is included on board as we travel past heather-clad moors and woodland to Broomhill in the heart of "Osprey country", via Boat of Garten. Return to Inverness late afternoon.
Day 5 – To the North
A free morning in Inverness before taking another spectacular train journey to the Pentland Firth for a 3-night stay in Thurso. The run over the wild moorland is unbelievably beautiful, one of the few wilderness areas left in the UK.
Day 6 – On to Orkney
A full day excursion to Orkney, beginning with an early sailing to Stromness, where a local guide will meet us. Our day's tour of the mainland will include the ancient sites of Scara Brae, Ring of Brodgar and the Italian Chapel. Lunch is included today. We return to Thurso on a late afternoon ferry back to Scrabster for our coach transfer back to the hotel.
Day 7 – A Day of Exploration
Use your travel pass to explore the local area. A very rewarding excursion is a circular route by bus along part of the renowned North Coast 500. This passes through the former Viking town of Wick, as well as John O'Groats and Mey – home to the Castle of Mey.
Day 8 – South to Fort William
An early morning train takes us back to Inverness where we have a break for lunch before boarding our private coach and transferring to Fort William for a 2-night stay.
Day 9 – Jacobite Steam Train
The highlight of many a Scottish holiday is the famous "Road to the Isles" behind a classic steam locomotive. This 84 mile round trip crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. There will be time in Mallaig to have lunch before the return journey.
Day 10 – Head to Glasgow
We take a late morning train to Glasgow, arriving mid-afternoon for a 1-night stay. There is free time to explore this vibrant city before we enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 11 – Farewell
After breakfast, we travel home from Glasgow independently.
Selected Hotels
Hotel Indigo - Princes Street, Edinburgh
Best Western Palace & Spa, Inverness
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso
Nevis Bank Inn, Fort William
Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- All rail travel as stated in standard class
- Accommodation in good quality hotels on a half board basis
- 2 lunches
- Spirit of Scotland pass
- All ferry and coach travel as specified
- All excursions as stated
- Services of a tour leader from Edinburgh and throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: | £2,155 |
Single room supplement: | £570 |
Deposit for this holiday: | £100 |