Journey Through Time on Steam Trains and Lochs
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly direct from Toronto to Edinburgh.
We arrive in Edinburgh and upon arrival drive to Glasgow. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Glasgow, and later our Welcome Dinner.
We journey east for a cruise along Scotland’s beautiful coast, then head to seaside St. Andrews for some free time to explore before we end in Blairgowrie in our family owned traditional coaching inn for the night.
Today we visit Balmoral Castle, a favorite home of the late Queen, then proceed to Glencoe, a beautiful region of mountains and waterfalls, where we check into the charming country hotel that will be our home base for the next 10 nights. NOTE: Due to the Royal Family in attendance at Balmoral Castle the castle will be closed for the months of August & September. For these tour dates we will visit the Scone Palace.
We drive along the Great Glen to the beloved village of Drumnadrochit, enjoy a cruise on legendary Loch Ness, then head to Inverness to explore.
If this historic train looks familiar, it’s because it appeared in the Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express! We will take a scenic journey across the spectacular viaduct at Glenfinnan and along the coast to Mallaig, where we will have time to wander the town’s bustling port.
Today we take a relaxing boat ride through magnificent Highland scenery and see the Jacobite train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct as we enjoy an afternoon tea.
We travel by coach to the base of Cairngorm Mountain and board the UK’s highest funicular, where we enjoy a cream tea with panoramic views. In the afternoon, we take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Train.
Today we head to Oban. After some free time to explore, we make our way to the spectacular 700 year-old Blair Castle to learn about its turbulent history as the home of the Atholl Highlanders. We will stop at a distillery to learn how whisky is made and sample a wee dram of the area’s famous single malt.
Choose your own adventure today! Explore the countryside on a walking trail, go shopping in nearby Fort William, or ask your Tour Manager for suggestions
We travel to Kyle of Lochalsh by ferry to the Isle of Skye, famous for dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, faeries and feuding clans: our tour takes us to the Old Man of Storr, and the quaint town of Portree. Enjoy a true fish and chip lunch with some free time to explore Portree on your own. On our return we cross the bridge to the mainland, we stop at Eilean Donan Castle, built on a tiny island and surrounded by majestic scenery.
We visit Inveraray Castle and Gardens, then board a leisurely cruise towards Inchmurrin Island and ancient Lennox Castle, where Robert the Bruce hid before becoming King of Scotland.
Today we travel to remote Rannoch Moor, Loch Ba, and Loch Tulla viewpoints to Loch Awe, where we board the West Highland train to Oban, the gateway to the Isles, with free time to explore.
We proceed to Edinburgh, famous for The Royal Mile and more. We’ll explore this ancient city with a guided tour before heading to our hotel for a 2-night stay.
A free day to explore Edinburgh at our own pace. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home to Toronto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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