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Special
Interest Tours |
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Castle & Manor Houses
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Royal Scotland
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Scottish Heroes
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Cliffs, Coasts & Castles
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Scottish Mysteries & Legends
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Train Tour of Scotland |
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Castle
& Manor Houses
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
Accommodation:
1 night Edinburgh Houstoun House or
Royal Scots Club
1 night Grampians Norwood Hall or
Raemoir House
2 nights Highlands Mansfield Castle or
Knockomie House
2 nights Argyll Stonefield Castle or
Kimberley Hotel
1 night Edinburgh Royal Scots Club or
Houstoun House or similar
Includes:
o 7 nights accommodation in 4 & 3 star
Manor/ Townhouse and Castle style
accommodation;
o Based on sharing a double room with
private facilities;
o Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
o Scottish Heritage Pass, giving fee
entrance to historic properties of
Historic Scotland and the National Trust
for Scotland such as Edinburgh Castle,
Urquhart Castle and many more.
o Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not included: Entrances not listed
above, car hire. A rental car can be
reserved through us.
ITINERARY
CASTLES & MANOR HOUSES
Day 1
Arrive Edinburgh airport and pick up
self driver car. Your visit starts in
Edinburgh, see the elegant Charlotte
Square and the tree lined crescents of
the 18th century Georgian New Town -
both fine architectural examples of the
period. Leave the car at the hotel and
visit Princes Street, the city's main
thoroughfare with its many shops and the
peaceful gardens. Travel through the Old
Town, steeped in history with its
cobbled streets. The High Street was the
centre of all activity in centuries gone
by. Pass St Giles Cathedral, the City
Chambers and John Knox House as you
wander along the Royal Mile which
extends from Edinburgh Castle to the
Palace of Holyrood House. Overnight in
Edinburgh area at Houstoun House Hotel,
Royal Scots Club or similar.
Day 2
Leave Edinburgh and cross the Forth
Estuary via the impressive suspension
bridge on M90 to Perth. The City of
Perth is the former capital of Scotland
and is situated at the head of the River
Tay - famous for its salmon. Near Perth
is Scone Palace, the private home of the
Earl and Countess of Mansfield. The
Palace has been a private home for over
400 years. As the former crowning place
of Scottish Kings, the Palace boasts a
magnificent collection of antiques - in
particular ivories, porcelain and
tapestries. Continue on the A93 north
via Blairgowrie, the Devil's Elbow and
Spittal of Glenshee to Braemar. See
Crathie Church where the Royal Family
attend Sunday service when holidaying at
nearby Balmoral Castle. Overnight in the
Royal Deeside area at Norwood Hall or
similar.
Day 3
Traveling through the Cairngorm
Mountains you will leave the area on the
A941 to Dufftown and the Spey Valley.
Many of the famous Malt whiskies are
produced in this region - Cardhu,
Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Tamdhu to
name but a few. Later in the day you
will reach Elgin, an elegant city with
the ruins of a magnificent medieval
cathedral. Elgin is also a well known
for its cashmere with its visitor centre
and restored old mills. Continuing along
the Moray Firth you will arrive in
Nairn, an attractive family resort, well
known for its beautiful sandy beaches
and golf courses. The A96 will take you
to Inverness passing Cawdor Castle. A
family home for over 600 years, Cawdor
Castle is surrounded by beautiful
gardens and worth a visit. Shakespeare's
Macbeth was thane of Cawdor and the
castle is one for the traditional
settings for Duncan's murder however the
castle itself was built many years after
the events of the play. From here drive
Nairn or further north past Inverness to
the hotel. Overnight in the wider
Inverness area at Mansfield Castle or
Knockomie.
Day 4
Spend your day at leisure in the area.
Do some sightseeing in the city of
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands,
which combines some rich and romantic
history with the present. Alternatively
you can travel further into the
highlands to Gairloch with its turquoise
waters and sandy beaches along the west
coast. Or along the east coast to the
stunning Dunrobin Castle. Overnight
again at Mansfield Castle or Knockomie.
Rabbie’s Top Tip: Wherever you decide to
do today, ensure to include at visit to
the Black Isle Brewing at Muir of Ord.
This is a small, independent organic
brewery, brewing some extraordinary
beer. There are tours daily over the
summer.
Day 5
From Inverness, follow the A82, south
along Loch Ness, the most famous of all
Scottish Lochs. It is around 800 feet
deep and is famous for its monster ‘Nessie’.
Loch Ness forms part of the Caledonian
Canal which runs through the Great Glen.
Continue via Invermoriston and to the
next lochs in the canal – Loch Oich and
Loch Lochy. You will arrive in Fort
William situated at the foot of Ben
Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at
1344 meters. Continue the route along
the coastal road A 828 into Argyll.
Overnight at Stonefield Castle or
Kimberly Hotel or similar.
Day 6
Today is free to discover this beautiful
area. We recommend visit to Campbeltown,
set on a deep bay sheltered by Davaar
Island and the surrounding hills. Enjoy
a guided tour and find out the secrets
of whisky making in Kintyre at the
Springbank Distillery, founded in 1828
by the Mitchell family - and still in
their hands today. It retains the old
distilling methods to make Longrow
whisky, and welcomes visitors, provided
you phone beforehand. Close by, Glenbarr
Abbey is an 18th century Gothic mansion
and visitor centre, offering a
fascinating glimpse of family life in
years gone by. The Heritage Centre is a
treasure-trove of interesting
information, artifacts and exhibits,
with a comfortable tea room too. At the
mouth of Campbeltown Loch is Davaar
Island, reached by foot at low tide,
with its cave paintings depicting the
crucifixion. Far from ancient, they were
painted in 1887 by Archibald MacKinnon,
inspired by a dream. Overnight again in
the area.
Day 7
You have the choice this morning to take
the A85 or A83 towards Crianlarich. From
here you can take a small detour to
Killin to see the Falls of Dochart, the
dramatic waterfalls rushing through the
centre of the picturesque village. Drive
along Loch Lubnaig through the beautiful
Strathyre Forest towards the charming
market town of Callander where you may
wish to stop Loch Lubnaig through the
beautiful Strathyre Forest towards the
charming market town of Callander where
you may wish to stop. The city of
Stirling is also worth a visit. The
historic Royal Burgh stands on a bend on
the River Forth and is known as the
'Gateway to the Highlands' due to its
strategic position. The imposing castle
towers above the town on a 250 foot rock
overlooking the nearby battlefield of
Bannockburn. Around the town are various
monuments commemorating famous Scottish
patriots such as Robert the Bruce and
William Wallace. Last overnight in
Edinburgh area at Houstoun House Hotel,
Royal Scots Club or similar.
Day 8
Breakfast at the hotel and return to
Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport. Drop-off
of car before departure flight.
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Royal Scotland
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
Accommodation:
2 nights in Edinburgh
1 night in Perthshire
1 night Aberdeenshire
1 night Inverness
1 night in Oban area
1 night in Trossachs area
Includes:
o 7 nights accommodation in hotels as
per category given, in rooms with
private facilities;
o Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
o Entrance voucher to Royal Yacht
Britannia;
o Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not Included: Entrances not listed
above, car hire. A rental car can be
reserved through us.
ITINERARY
ROYAL SCOTLAND
Day 1
Arrive Edinburgh Airport and pick up
self-drive car. Your first night will be
spent in Edinburgh where we would
recommend some visits that have a very
firm royal connection. Of course there
is Holyrood Palace, the official
residence of the Queen on her visits to
Scotland. There is also the Royal Yacht
Britannia which has provided a home on
the sea to the Royal Family on their
travels. The Yacht is berthed in Leith
and gives a great insight into Royal
life. Overnight Edinburgh.
Day 2
Leave Edinburgh this morning and head
over the Forth Road Bridge which was
opened in 1964 by the present Queen,
into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. From
the bridge you will enjoy views of the
Forth Rail Bridge. We recommend that you
travel the coastal route to St Andrews,
this will take you through some of the
beautiful fishing villages. St Andrews
has an ancient history - named after the
patron saint of Scotland and said to be
the final resting place of his remains.
It is also widely known as the
birthplace of Golf and more recently the
location where the young royal couple
William and Kate met and fell in love
while attending St Andrews University.
Where ever your interest lies, there
will be a lot to see and do in this
charming place. Rabbie’s Top Tip: Look
in at ‘Fisher & Donaldson’ for fudge
donuts and strawberry tarts in St
Andrews! Later in the day leave St
Andrews head north west into Perthshire.
Overnight tonight will be in Perthshire
area.
Day 3
This morning we would recommend a visit
to Glamis Castle. Glamis Castle was the
childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes -
Lyon, best know as Queen Elizabeth, the
Queen Mother. Her second daughter,
Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdown,
was born in the Castle. Did you know
that since 1987 an illustration of the
castle has features on the reverse side
of the Royal Bank of Scotland's ten
pound notes. Later that day, follow the
A93 to Blairgowrie through an area known
as 'Royal Deeside'. The road now climbs
steadily through the skiing reigns of
Glenshee towards Braemar. You will pass
Crathie where you can stop to see the
church where the Royal Family attends
Sunday service when on holiday at
Balmoral Castle. You can also visit
Balmoral Castle but check in advance
regarding opening times as the Castle is
closed to visitors if the Royal Family
is in residence. Overnight in the Royal
Deeside/ Aberdeenshire area. Rabbie’s
Top Tip: Visit Royal Lochnagar
Distillery, just a mile or so along the
banks of the River Dee from Balmoral
Castle. It earned its royal warrant in
1848, when Queen Victoria selected
Balmoral Castle as her holiday
residence. Only tee days after she had
arrived, the distillery manager John
Begg made an invitation to Prince Albert
to visit his distillery, knowing he was
interested in all things mechanical. To
his surprise, Queen Victoria, Prince
Albert and their tee eldest children
visited the next day. The rest, as the
saying goes, is history.
Day 4
Travel today through the Grampian
Mountains, along the A939, passing
Tomintoul, the highest village in Great
Britain, and onto Grantown on Spey. Here
you can visit one of the many whisky
distilleries in the area. Continue onto
Nairn, a popular seaside resort famous
for its golf course and beautiful sandy
beaches. Time permitting you may wish
visit to Cawdor Castle. The Castle is
best known for its literary connections
to William Shakespear's Scottish Play -
Macbeth - the title character of the
play was made Thane if Cawdor. The
castle itself was built many years after
the events of the play. Overnight in the
Inverness area.
Day 5
Leave Inverness and drive south. Follow
the shores of Loch Ness - the most
famous loch in Scotland. You may wish to
stop at Urquhart Castle on the shores of
the Loch. The castle is where most
sightings of the famous Loch Ness
Monster "Nessie" are reported. Continue
along the A82 along the Caledonian Canal
to Fort Augustus. Just before Fort
William make a little detour to
Glenfinnan along the A830. The
Glenfinnan Monument is situated on the
scenic "Road to the Isles". Set amid
superb Highland scenery at the head of
Loch Sheil, it was erected in 1815 in
tribute to the clansmen who fought and
died for the Jacobite cause. Despite its
inspired beginnings, the 1745 campaign
came to a grim conclusion on the
Culloden Battlefield in 1746. You can
find out more about Bonnie Prince
Charlie's campaign at the Visitor
Centre. Rabbie’s Top Tip: You will also
see the 21 arch single track viaduct
built between 1897 and 1901 made famous
in the Harry Potter films. From here
continue via Fort William, situated at
the foot of Ben Nevis Britain's highest
mountain and Loch Linnhe before stopping
for overnight in the Oban area.
Day 6
Travel south day from Oban through
Kilmartin Glen. Kilmartin Glen is
located between Oban and Lochgilphead.
The glen is home to more than 350
ancient monuments within a six mitre
radius of the village, with 150 of them
being prehistoric. Spend time at Lady
Glassary Wood - site of standing stones
and the Temple Wood stone circle. Find
out more about the area in the Kilmartin
House Museum of Ancient Culture, located
within the town itself. In the south of
the glen you will find the remains of
the fortress of Dunadd, marking the
royal centre of Dalriada where ancient
kings were crowned. Later follow the
shores of Loch Lomond, the largest and
perhaps most beautiful of all Scottish
Lochs through the Trossachs region,
passing Drymen Aberfoyle. Overnight in
the Trossachs area.
Day 7
Travel to Edinburgh via Stirling and
return car at airport before checking-in
for departure flight. |
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Scottish
Heroes
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
Accommodation:
1 night in Trossachs area
1 night in Fort William area
2 night in Inverness area
2 nights in Royal Deeside
1 night in Perthshire
Included:
o 7 nights accommodation in hotels as
per category given, in rooms with
private facilities;
o Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
o Ferry Mallaig to Armadale
o Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not Included: Entrances & car hire. A
rental car can be reserved through us.
ITINERARY
SCOTTISH HEROES
Day 1
Arrive Edinburgh Airport. Head north
from Edinburgh towards Stirling, where
you may want to visit the Wallace
Monument, a tower standing on the summit
of Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag. It
commemorates Sir William Wallace, the
13th century Scottish hero. Wallace was
said to have watched the gathering of
the army of English King Edward I, just
before the battle of Stirling bridge.
Visitors can climb the spiral staircase
to the viewing gallery inside the
monument’s crown, which provides
expansive views of the Ochil Hills and
the Forth Valley. Later head into the
Trossachs area for overnight.
Day 2
If time allows this morning visit the
Rob Roy Visitor Centre in Callander. At
the centre you will learn more about
this Robin Hood of Scotland and life in
Scotland during his life time. Continue
travelling through the Trossachs, also
called the Highlands in Miniature, one
of the most scenic areas in Scotland
with its pine and heather covered hills,
waterfalls and lochs.
On to Inverary, situated on Loch Fyne.
Inverary Castle, the seat of Clan
Campbell, the Dukes of Argyll, is worth
a visit. Continue your trip from here to
Fort William with overnight in the area.
Day 3
Leaving For William this morning, take
the road to Skye (A830). Make a stop at
Glenfinnan Monument which has been
erected in tribute to the clansmen who
fought and died in the Jacobite cause.
Despite its inspired beginnings, Prince
Charlie's 1745 campaign to claim the
tone of Scotland, came to a grim
conclusion on the Culloden battlefield
in 1746. Continue from here to Mallaig
and take the ferry over to the Isle of
Skye. You can discover the south of the
Island before heading back over the Skye
Bridge back to the mainland and on to
Inverness. Overnight in the Inverness
area.
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: Inverness boasts a
statue of the great Flora MacDonald, who
aided Bonnie Prince Charlie during his
period as a fugitive in the Highlands
and Islands. She was brave enough to
disguise the prince in female clothes
allowing him to assume the identity of
her personal maid servant Betty Burke as
they crossed the stormy waters of the
minch from the western Isles to Skye.
Flora became a heroine outliving her
prince by 2 years. Flora’s was the
biggest funeral ever to be seen in the
Highlands.
Day 4
Today you will have time to discover the
area around Inverness and maybe even
spend the day travelling further north.
We recommend an excursion into remoter
parts, heading along the east coast.
Dunrobin Castle makes a great place for
a visit. Closer to Inverness you might
want to pay a visit to the organic Black
Isle Brewery. Continue on to Inverness
for overnight in the area.
Day 5
Leaving Inverness this morning, head
fist to Culloden Moor, scene of the
crushing defeat of Bonnie Prince
Charlie’s army in 1746. Now continue via
Nairn, a popular seaside resort famous
for its gold courses and beautiful sandy
beaches, on the A939 to Granton-on-Spey.
Continue on this route to Ballater and
Braemar. Overnight in the Royal Deeside
area.
Day 6
You can enjoy the day in the area,
visiting one of the many Castles of the
Grampian Region or travel through the
Cairngorm Mountains on the A941 to
Dufftown, and the Spey Valley, centre of
the whisky industry in Scotland. Many of
the famous Malt whiskies are produced in
this region - Cardhu, Glenlivet,
Glenfiddich, Tamdhu and Macallan, to
name only a few. Return back to Royal
Deeside area later that afternoon to
relax.
Day 7
Time to leave beautiful Royal Deeside.
Leave over the pass of Glenshee, which
in the winter is a popular skiing area.
From here the road descends steadily
towards Blairgowrie. Once in Perth we
recommend you visit Scone Palace, the
ancient seat of Scottish Kings. Today it
is the private home of the Earl and
Countess of Mansfield. Alternatively you
can spend some time sightseeing in the
small market town of Perth. Overnight in
the Perthshire area.
Day 8
Head back to Edinburgh this morning and
on to the airport to drop off your car
and check in for your departure flight. |
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Cliffs, Coasts & Castles
9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS
Accommodation:
1 night in Fife
2 nights in Grampian/ Royal Deeside area
2 night in Gairloch/ Wester Ross area
2 night in Fort William area
1 night in Stirling area
Tour includes 1 overnight in a castle
style hotel!
Included:
o 7 nights accommodation in hotels as
per category given, in rooms with
private facilities;
o 1 night in a castle style hotel;
o Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
o Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not Included: Entrances, car hire, ferry
booking to Skye. A rental car and the
ferry crossing can be reserved through
us.
ITINERARY
CLIFFS, COASTS & CASTLES
Day 1
After arrival at Edinburgh airport,
cross the impressive suspension bridge
over the Forth Estuary and head into the
ancient Kingdom of Fife. Following the
East Coast and passing through the
quaint small fishing villages of Largo,
Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail.
Overnight in Fife.
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: Anstruther is famous for
Fish & Chips but the locals would choose
Pittenweem Fish and Chip Shop instead!
Day 2
Take some time this morning to discover
St Andrews, Scotland’s famous university
town and centre of golfing history.
Continue to travel north via Dundee on
to Coupar Angus, where you may want to
visit 17th century Glamis Castle, the
childhood home of the Queen Mother.
Later travel via Blairgowrie and the
Pass of Glenshee to Braemar, where the
Royal Highland Games take place each
year, attended by the Royal Family.
Overnight in the Royal Deeside area.
Day 3
For a day excursion in the area follow
the A92 coastal road to Stonehaven. Take
a walk and visit nearby Dunnotar Castle,
a ruined fortress perched on a rocky
cliff 160 feet above the sea. Return
inland towards Banchory. Here you could
visit Crathes Castles which is famous
for its beautiful gardens, before you
follow the A93 road, pass Aboyne and
arrive in Ballater. If open, see nearby
Balmoral Castle, the family holiday home
of the Royal Family for over a century.
Returning back to your hotel in the area
later in the afternoon. Overnight as day
2.
Day 4
This morning it is time to leave the
Royal Deeside and travel through the
Spey Valley, with its many famous Malt
whisky distilleries, such as Cardhu,
Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Tamdhu, to
name only a few. Continue via Nairn,
popular seaside resort famous for its
golf course and beautiful sandy beaches,
to Inverness. Heading further northwest
from here and into Wester Ross. You will
pass beautiful Loch Maree, if time
allows stop for a short nature walk
here. Later arrival at Gairloch for
overnight.
Day 5
Today you have all day to spend in this
beautiful part of the world. You can
drive through Badaco on the B8056 to Red
Point beach where you can go for a walk
between the beautiful high sand dunes.
On a clear day you will be able to look
over to the Isle of Skye. Or visit Rua
Reidh Lighthouse – leave the car behind
at the signposted parking spot and walk
the last 3 miles to the lighthouse.
There is a small visitor centre and the
option to look over the Atlantic from
the viewing area. Overnight in the
Gairloch area.
Rabbie’s Top
Tip:
The seafood platter at the Old Inn in
Gairloch is excellent and comes straight
off the ships from the harbour across
the road. There is also a good selection
of beers available!
Day 6
Time to leave Wester Ross and travel
through some spectacular scenery this
morning. You head back to Loch Maree and
turn onto the A896 to Torridon and
Shieldaig. Travelling along the A896
there is a turnoff to Appelcross, a
beautiful little highland village worth
visiting. Be careful though, the single
track road leading there is not for the
faint hearted. Later continue to Loch
Carron and to Dornie. Here you can visit
Eilean Donan Castle which has been made
famous by the film ‘the Highlander’.
Continue on to Fort William, which lies
in the shadow of Ben Nevis - Britain's
highest mountain at 1344 meters. If you
travel via Invermoriston and Fort
Augustus you can also take a glance at
the south end of famous Loch Ness!
Overnight in Fort William area.
Day 7
After breakfast, take the A861 road
towards the West Coast, passing
Glenfinnan Monument. Onto Arisaig and
Mallaig where you take the ferry to
Armadale on the Isle of Skye, the
largest of the Inner Hebrides islands.
Maybe there is time to visit the Clan
Donald Centre near Armadale, before
driving along the main road to Broadford
and Portree. Later that day return back
to Fort William via the Skye Bridge.
Overnight again in Fort William.
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: Why not take the Steam
train from Fort William to Mallaig. The
train is also known as the Hogwarts
Express! Bookings can be made through
Rabbies, prices from £34.00 per day
return.
Day 8
Leaving Fort William today, follow the
A828 which takes a winding route through
beautiful coastal scenery. At Connel
turn off to travel over the Pass of
Brander. At the north side of Loch Awe
is Kilchurn Castle which is worth a
visit! Continue past Tyndrum and later
follow the banks of Loch Lomond on at he
A82, Scotland’s largest and probably
most beautiful loch. Make a stop at the
conservation village of Luss. Overnight
in the Stirling area.
Day 9
Depending on departure time there might
be time to pay a visit to Stirling this
morning and see the castle. Later
transfer to Edinburgh airport for check
in and departure. |
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Scottish Mysteries & Legends
10 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS
Accommodation:
1 night Edinburgh
2 nights Royal Deeside
2 nights Inverness area
2 nights Isle of Skye
2 nights Trossachs area
Included:
o 9 nights accommodation in hotels as
per category given, in rooms with
private facilities;
o Mercat’s Tours ‘Ghost & Ghouls’
Walking Tour in Edinburgh;
o Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
o Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not Included: Entrances not listed
above, car hire, ferry booking to Skye.
A rental car and the ferry crossing can
be reserved through us.
ITINERARY
SCOTTISH MYSTERIES & LEGENDS
Day 1
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, collect
your hire car and make your way to the
hotel to check-in. In the afternoon you
may want to travel south of Edinburgh to
explore the myths and legends of the
ancient Rosslyn Chapel. Alternatively,
discover the mysteries of Edinburgh,
Scotland’s Capital City. The Old Town in
particular, is host to many mysterious
stories such as that of Major Weir, a
wizard who lived near the Grassmarket
and sent his walking stick out on
errands! Tonight, you will join the
‘Ghost and Ghouls’ walking tour with
Mercat Tours. Leaving the Mercat Cross
on the Royal Mile, you will learn about
the dark past of Edinburgh’s Old Town as
you follow your guide (English Speaking)
through the narrow closes and haunted
underground vaults that witnessed
centuries of murder, torture, hangings
and plague. Overnight Edinburgh.
Day 2
Leaving Edinburgh today, follow the
signs to Perth and take the A94 to
Glamis Castle. With over 600 years of
history, the Castle is full of intrigue
and has been described as the most
haunted Castle in Scotland! Head further
North on the A90 towards Brechin and
from here, take the minor road towards
Bridgend. This road passes between the
White and Brown Caterhuns – the remote
remains of two Iron Age forts which sit
on neighbouring hilltops. On the
Northern banks of the White Caterhun you
will find a magic stone which, according
to folklore, will make you rich if
touched in moonlight! Continuing on this
road you will reach Edzell Castle where
a white lady roams the area. Follow the
B974 over the Cairn-O-Mount and into
Royal Deeside. Overnight Royal Deeside
area.
Day 3
Today you have some time to spend in the
area of Royal Deeside, which has so much
to offer! Keep an eye on the kirk yards
of Royal Deeside, many of which date
back over 1000 years. While in the area
you might also want to include a visit
to a whisky distillery and let the guide
tell you about the ‘angel’s share’!
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is close by
and will lend itself for a visit. As a
child, Lord Byron stayed at a farm just
east of Ballater. He wrote the poem
'Dark Lochnagar' about the area, which
was later arranged by Beethoven. Also
nearby is Balmoral Castle, the holiday
residence of the Queen. The Castle
itself will offer some ghostly stories
and there are some lovely nature trails
around to be enjoyed. Please check
Balmoral Castle opening times to avoid
disappointment. Further shorter forest
walks can be found around Dinnet and
Glen Tanar. Overnight again in Royal
Deeside area.
Day 4
Follow the road through the Dee Valley.
West of the Cairngorms you will find the
second highest mountain in Britain - Ben
Macdui. Many people speak of the Grey
Man of Ban Macdui; a giant who is oft
seen wandering the mountain tops in the
fog and snow. Now take the A939 via
Tomintoul to Grantown-on-Spey. Head
north over Dava Moor where the Scottish
King Macbeth met with the tee witches as
described in Shakespere’s play. From
here, follow the signs to Inverness
until you reach Culloden. It is here
that the English army defeated the
Scottish Jacobite troops under Bonnie
Prince Charlie in a gruesome battle
which was to be the last ever fought on
British Soil. Overnight in the Inverness
area.
Day 5
From Inverness, continue North over the
Black Isle. The A832 takes you to
Fortrose, where you will find a monument
for the Brahan Seer. One of the most
famous seers in Scotland in the 17th
century, he predicted the arrival of the
locomotive in the Scottish Highlands.
Unfortunately he came to a terrible end
– he was burnt alive in a barrel of tar
after making an indiscreet prediction!
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: From Fortrose take a
small detour to Chanonry Point – one of
the best onshore sites in Scotland from
which to view Dolphins! Continue to
Cromarty and discover the tale of
Captain John Reid who caught a singing
mermaid in the dropping cave along the
shore. Return back to the Inverness area
for overnight.
Day 6
Today head to Loch Ness, where we
recommend a visit at Urquhart Castle.
Did you know that from this place the
monster had most frequently been
spotted? Now follow the A87 further West
at Invermoriston and over the Bridge
from Kyle of Localsh to Skye. West of
Sligachan, on the main road towards
Carbost, there have been many sightings
of a phantom car (an Austin 1934!)
approaching from behind, overtaking and
then disappearing.
Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 7
You may want to head to Dunvegan Castle
today, the ancient seat of the Clan
MacLeod. At the Castle, you will see the
remains on an ancient silk flag which is
said to date back to the 4th
Century.Legend has it that the banner
was woven by fairies for the Clan to use
just tee times as protection. So far, it
has been used only twice! Rabbie’s Top
Tip: Staying with the theme of fairies
today – at Uig you can visit Fairy Glen.
Take the road to Sheader and runs up
behind the Uig Hotel. This leads to a
glen which at the top end has a number
of small lochs, and small conical shaped
hills, which give the appearance of a
miniature landscape. You can also get a
good overall view of the Fairy Glen from
the Glen Conon road. You will find the
entrance to this road opposite the post
office in Uig. While using these roads
for sightseeing, remember that local
people are also using these roads to go
about their daily business so be careful
not to block the road for others.
Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 8
From the south of the Island, take the
ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Back on
the mainland, the A830 takes you south
to Loch Morar where there have been many
unexplained sightings. The story is that
Loch Morar is home to Morag – a monster
similar to the infamous Nessie!
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: Turn off onto the old
Coastal Road B8008 from Morar and enjoy
the stunning views across to Rum, Eigg
and Muck. Be sure to stop off at
beautiful sands at Cambusdarach Beach,
made famous by the film ‘Local Hero’.
Continue your journey to Fort William
where you can discover more about the
area’s history at the West Highland
Museum in the centre of the town. The
museum is also said to have a ghost – a
former curator who can still be heard
tapping away at the typewriter. Head
south through eerie Glencoe, Crianlarich
and Loch Earnhead into the Trossachs.
Overnight in the Trossachs area.
Day 9
Take some time to explore the Trossachs.
You can visit the Visitor Centre in
Callander and learn about Rob Roy who
lived in the area. Travel via the A821
to Loch Katrine and Aberfoyle towards
the west. Doon Hill and the Old Kirk in
Aberfoyle are associates with the
Reverend Robert Kirk, a priest who is
notorious for his belief in fairies! As
Robert was a seventh son, he was said to
have been gifted with a second sight and
he chatted to fairies frequently. One
night in 1962 he was found dead on Doon
Hill and has haunted the hill ever
since. It is said that by now the
fairies have turned him into one of the
high spruce trees which grow on the top
of the hill. You will find a sign posted
path leading you to the top.
Rabbie’s Top
Tip: You can take the ferry
to Inchmahome Priory which sits on an
idyllic island in the middle of the Lake
of Mentieth. Overnight in the Trossach
area.
Day 10
Time to head toward the airport. If time
allows we recommend at visit to the
Royal Burgh of Stirling, maybe even
visit Stirling Castle with its newly
refurbished Royal Apartments. Find out
all about the famous Stirling Heads!!
From here Edinburgh and Glasgow are
easily reached. Drop off hire car and
departure. |
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 Train Tour of Scotland
8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
Accommodation in:
1 night Edinburgh
1 night Pitlochry
1 night Inverness
2 nights Isle of Skye
1 night Fort William
1 night Glasgow
Recommended arrival days:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday,
Sunday
(due to limited bus services on Skye,
Sunday stays on the island should be
avoided).
Note: Clients might find that not all
hotel accommodation booked is within
walking distance, comfortable to them.
We recommend that all accommodation
location is checked by the client in
advance of their travel. Clients are
responsible for their own transport to
the hotel, where required.
Includes:
• 7 nights accommodation in a mixture of
3 and 4 star accommodation (hotel, inn,
guest house);
• Breakfast daily, Scottish or
Continental depending on hotel;
• 8 Day Freedom of Scotland Travel Pass
including handling fee and postage
within the UK. Tickets are based on
standard class (valid on all trains
except for travel before 0915 Mondays to
Fridays, (with exception of trains
between Glasgow-Oban/Fort William/Mallaig
and Inverness- Kyle/Wick/Thurso.). NOT
valid on the Jacobite Steam Train
service between Mallaig- Fort William.
Travel pack information to be downloaded
by clients from the internet with code
provided. Caledonian MacBrayne ferry
from Armadale to Mallaig
• Service charge and VAT at 20%;
Not included: Entrances
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Edinburgh or indeed Glasgow
(Glasgow to Edinburgh trains run every
15 minutes and take 50 minutes). Spend
the rest of the day to visit some of the
capitals tourist attractions, such as
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia,
and the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2
Today, you will catch the train to
Perth. This service leaves Edinburgh
across the Forth Estuary, travelling on
the famous Forth Rail Bridge. During
your journey you will see beautiful
coastal and inland scenery. On arrival
in Perth, free time for sightseeing of
this small market town which was once
the capital city of Scotland. With
accommodation in Pitlochry, jump back on
the train and make the short journey to
this charming highland town, the gateway
to the highlands.
Overnight in Pitlochry.
Day 3
Today take a morning train to Inverness
and spend the afternoon exploring the
city they call capital of the Highlands.
Take a stroll to Inverness Castle,
currently used as a courthouse. Enjoy
the fine circular walk from the castle
along the river and through the Ness
Islands. Time permitting take the free
shuttle bus from the Tourist Information
centre at Bridge Street, which takes you
to Loch Ness pier. From here you can
take a boat trip on this famous loch,
best known for its fabled Loch Ness
Monster.
Overnight in the Inverness area.
Day 4
Today take the train for the 2 hours 40
minutes journey to Kyle of Lochalsh on
the West coast of Scotland along this
most scenic railway! Arrive at Kyle of
Lochalsh and board the local bus
service, which will take you across Skye
Bridge and onto the Isle of Skye or the
misty isle as it is called.
Overnight on Isle of Skye.
Day 5
Free day for exploring the Isle of Skye.
Visit can include the Clan Donald centre
near Armadale, or if you’d like to
venture further why not hire bicycles to
explore the rest of the island?
Overnight on Isle of Skye
Day 6
Today you will catch the ferry from
Armadale to Mallaig, back on the
mainland. This beautiful little town is
the gateway to the Western Isles. In the
afternoon board the train to Fort
William, on the route described as one
of the great railway journeys.
Overnight Fort William/ Corpach.
Day 7
Depart in the morning by train to
Glasgow. In the afternoon spend some
time discovering this vibrant and
stylish city, with its various galleries
and shops. The open top bus tour is
highly recommended as it will take you
round the main sights. Overnight in
Glasgow.
Day 8
Today you will leave Glasgow by train
and return to Edinburgh for departure
home. |
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