WESTERN (3 nights) > Edinburgh – Spean Bridge – Taynuilt - Wemyss - Edinburgh
The West Highland line is stunning, one of the world"s most scenic railway journeys. As you travel through the dramatic backdrop of Rannoch Moor to Arisaig, The Royal Scotsman"s stately pace allows for plenty of time to reflect and fully appreciate the beauty outside your window. Heading south, you cross to the Isle of Bute for a private view of Mount Stuart, Britain"s most spectacular Victorian gothic house. The weather can be magical in the Western Isles and, when it is, we can never resist stopping for a walk on one of the glorious west coast beaches.
Day 1: Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh in the 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 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 2: Spean Bridge - Taynuilt
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. Rejoin the train whereupon your lunch is served as the train retraces the route towards Fort William then Spean Bridge before turning south.
Arrive at Bridge of Orchy and disembark for a cruise on Loch Awe. In the comfort of your cruise boat, enjoy an hour"s sailing on the loch taking in the beautiful scenery, as you pass Kilchurn Castle which was built in the early 15th century by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Laird of Glenorchy. The substantial ruins are some of the most picturesque in Scotland.
Return to the train at Taynuilt for overnight stabling. After an informal dinner enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day 3: Taynuilt - Wemyss Bay
Leaving Taynuilt you follow the previous day"s route as far as Glasgow before heading south to 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 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.
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 4: Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
During breakfast depart Wemyss Bay to arrive in Edinburgh in the morning where your journey ends.
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ON BOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN >>>
Departure Dates 2017
October 5
Prices – 2017
1 Person in compartment - € 5.696,00
2 People in compartment - € 3.560,00 per person
Eingeschlossene Leistungen:
- 1,2, 3, 4, 5 oder 7 Nächte in luxuriösen Kabinen mit Dusche/WC
- hochwertige Vollpension inklusive aller Getränke an Bord
- Zugfahrt und Ausflüge laut Reiseverlauf
- Unterhaltungsprogramm und Reiseleitung (englischsprachig)
Mindestteilnehmerzahl: 20 Personen
Nicht eingeschlossene Leistungen:
- Anreise
- Trinkgeld für das Kabinenpersonal (ca. 3 % vom Reisepreis)
Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, wine, alcoholic and other beverages, day tours and entertainment. Priced in EURO currency.
We suggest adding trip insurance >>> to any and all bookings.
For exact inquiry on dates and quotations, please, fill in the Personal inquiry >>> form
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