Scotland in the Summer

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.