Queen of Scots & Edinburgh

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Edinburgh and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Mercure Haymarket Hotel, our base for this evening. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we enjoy time at leisure to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, stroll along the historic Royal mile or visit the imposing castle, maybe try some retail therapy along the world-renowned Princes Street. We reconvene at our hotel this afternoon and transfer to the station to begin our journey via Glasgow to Crianlarich and our hotel for the next three nights is the Crianlarich Hotel, just a short walk from the train station, where we enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 3

Today, a day of lochs, glens, and islands awaits as we take a spectacular Great Railway Journey on the western branch of the West Highland Line to Oban where we cruise to the Isle of Mull and onto Iona with time to view Iona's famous abbey. On return to Oban, we have some free time before making the rail journey back to our hotel in Crianlarich in time for our evening meal.

DAY 4

After breakfast today, we explore the Trossachs National Park and enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine on board the 'Lady of the Lake', named after the famous poem by Sir Walter Scott. When we are back on dry land, we head to a local distillery for a tour and tasting of Scotland's biggest export - whisky - before returning to the hotel for our evening meal together.

DAY 5

Today, we transfer to Fort William to continue our adventure aboard the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig journeying over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, capturing views of Bonnie Prince Charlie's monument, Loch Eilt, and Loch Shiel. There is time to explore the picturesque harbour town of Mallaig, with its majestic views across to the Isle of Skye, before we return to Fort William and board our private coach to Inverness. We travel through the dramatic Great Glen alongside the serene Loch Ness to our hotel for the next four nights, The Palace Hotel & Spa, where we enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 6

Today, we take the amazing Kyle Line train, Scotland's original "Great Railway Journey of the World", coast-to-coast through stunning scenery and across mountain plateau. Look out for wild deer, eagles, and the palm trees of Plockton Village, before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh. Here we enjoy a light lunch in the renowned Kyle Hotel, overlooking the Isle of Skye, before retracing our steps to Inverness.

DAY 7

After breakfast this morning, we begin a wonderful circular trip commencing with a steam excursion on the preserved section of the Highland Line known as the Strathspey Steam Railway passing through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey on a nostalgic journey. We continue by coach to Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens, a remarkable Highland Estate where we can explore 500-years of history, acres of beautiful gardens, and riverside walks before continuing by road through fantastic Highland scenery to Inverness in time for our evening meal.

DAY 8

Today, we spend the day at leisure to relax at the hotel or discover Inverness at your own pace. You may wish to make use of the hotel's spa facilities, explore the iconic castles of Inverness, visit the magnificent cathedral church, or take an excursion to spot the Loch Ness Monster. This evening, we reconvene at the hotel for our final evening meal together.

DAY 9

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner