| The Royal Scotsman
- Western Journey (3 Nights) |
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Journey
Highlights:
On the West Highland Line, one of the
world’s most scenic rail journeys, The
Royal Scotsman passes glens, lochs and
mountains, steeped in the lore of giants
such as Rob Roy McGregor and Bonnie
Prince Charlie. Off train visits, such
as to the spectacular, gothic Mount
Stuart House, are included. Think of the
finest country house on wheels, add in
great food, conversation and sunsets
over unforgettable landscapes, and you
have a taste of the Royal Scotsman.
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Itinerary:
Day One: Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The Royal Scotsman departs from
Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west
through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton
to skirt Glasgow and so reach the
northern bank of the Clyde.
Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies
Craigendoran, the starting point for the
majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy
afternoon tea as you travel along the
edge of Gare Loch. Loch Long comes into
sight to your left, and after vanishing
for a while, returns with a view of Ben
Arthur (The Cobbler) with its
distinctive peak.
Passing Arrochar you will get your first
view of Loch Lomond. The train descends
almost to the water's edge at Ardlui,
and then has a hard climb up Glen
Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide
an impressive display.
As you continue north you will pass
through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy.
There are spectacular views of Rannoch
Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge
where the train stables overnight. After
a formal dinner you meet Ray Owens, a
Highlander who brings to life the
stories of Scottish heroes. Listening to
Ray, you will gain a true sense of the
past and learn how life in the Highlands
has changed over the centuries.
Day Two: Spean Bridge – Bridge of
Orchy
Breakfast is served as your journey
continues west, passing through Fort
William with views of Ben Nevis
(Britain's highest mountain). Travelling
by the side of Loch Eil you then pass
Glenfinnan and Lochailort, before
turning north along this stunning
coastline until reaching Arisaig. Here
you can disembark for a romantic walk
along the beautiful Morar Sands, a
magnificent expanse of gleaming white
sand, where you can enjoy excellent
views across the Sound of Sleat to the
beautiful Isle of Skye with its
awe-inspiring Cuillin Mountains.
Rejoining the train, your lunch is
served as the train retraces the route
towards Fort William. Here you will
disembark and enjoy a relaxing boat
cruise on Loch Linnhe. While taking in
the breathtaking scenery you may also
spot some of the local wildlife.
After your leisurely boat cruise you
will return to the train and enjoy an
informal dinner as you head south
towards Bridge of Orchy where the train
stables overnight.
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Day Three: Bridge of Orchy –
Wemyss Bay
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning
enjoy breakfast en route south towards
Glasgow and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay,
board the ferry across to the Isle of
Bute. The island embraces a variety of
landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland
and forest. The natural history,
geography, geology and ancient history
of the island are revealed at every
turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the
south of the island to the abandoned
townships in Glen More at the north, it
seems that every stone has its tale to
tell.
Mount Stuart is Britain's most
spectacular Victorian Gothic house. This
was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd
Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir
Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning,
mysterious interiors reflect the
romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion
for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology
and religion. At Mount Stuart, there is
arguably the finest privately held
collection of family portraits in
Scotland.
Following your afternoon tea, you will
have time to explore this magnificent
house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee
Garden containing rare plants from the
southern hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden
and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree
Avenue leads you to a secluded stretch
of coastline and one of the most
beautiful beaches in Scotland.
You return to the mainland and rejoin
the train in Wemyss Bay where a formal
dinner is served and the train stables
for the night.
Day Four: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
You depart Wemyss Bay this morning and
enjoy breakfast as you travel east
towards Edinburgh where your journey
ends.
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**Schedule & Pricing 2008:
$4,960 Per person (based on 2 people per
cabin)
$7,936 Single occupancy
**Rates are per person per journey in
Twin or Single cabins and are fully
inclusive of accommodation with en suite
bathrooms, meals, wines, alcoholic and
other beverages, visits and
entertainment. |
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Friday |
18-April |
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Friday |
25-April |
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Friday |
02-May |
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Friday |
09-May |
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Friday |
16-May |
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Friday |
30-May |
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Friday |
06-June |
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Friday |
13-June |
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Friday |
20-June |
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Friday |
04-July |
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Friday |
11-July |
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Friday |
25-July |
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Friday |
01-August |
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Friday |
08-August |
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Friday |
15-August |
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Friday |
22-August |
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Friday |
29-August |
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Friday |
12-August |
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Friday |
19-September |
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Friday |
26-September |
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Friday |
10-October |
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