Itinerary

Day 1: 16 Sep 24

Arrive into Glasgow and make your own way to the hotel.  After check in take the opportunity to take a look around this quaint town.

Day 2: 17 Sep 24

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take your private transfer from your hotel to Oban where the Hebridean Princess awaits. Beautifully decorated in the finest quality furnishings, her relaxed, floating country house party atmosphere and impeccable service from a warm, welcoming and friendly crew have earned her an unrivalled reputation. From the starboard Conservatory to the cosy Look Out Lounge; from the luxurious Tiree Lounge to the peaceful Library or the quiet of the teak Skye Deck (b,l,d)

Day 3: 18 Sep 24

Cruise the Sea of the Hebrides. Lochboisdale, South Uist – Island tour and Kildonan Museum. (b,l,d)

Day 4:  19 Sep 24

Berthing in Castlebay, under the gaze of romantic Kisimul Castle, we tour the lovely island of Barra with its unique beach airport, and head to neighbouring Vatersay to explore on foot this island with dramatic beaches, rich wildlife and a history dating back to the Bronze Age.
(b,l,d)

Day 5:  20 Sep 24

Onwards to the Inner Hebrides and sunshine isle of Tiree to learn of the hazardous tale of the construction of the Skerryvore Lighthouse, an engineering wonder lying 11 miles out to sea. Colonsay exudes peace in the 20 acre informal woodland garden of Colonsay House, planted in the 1930’s with many exotic species from the southern hemisphere.(b,l,d)

Day 6:  21 Sep 24

Experience the thrill of a beach landing at Loch Tarbert on the tranquil Isle of Jura, where wild roaming deer far outnumber residents. Known for its tranquility, author George Orwell made Jura his home for peace and quiet and completed his most famous book ‘1984’ here.(b,l,d)

Day 7: 22 Sep 24

Famed for its birdlife and malt whisky, Islay beckons. We visit Kilchoman, the only independent farm distillery on the island. Delight in remote, Gigha, now owned by its community, where the woodland gardens of Achamore House laid by Sir James Horlick bloom spectacularly.(b,l,d)

Day 8:  23 Sep 24

While away our final day at the picturesque, fishing village of Tayvallich situated on the shores of Loch Sween, and discover one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes at Kilmartin Glen. (b,l,d)

Day 9: 24 Sep 24

After breakfast you will disembark at Oban.  Your driver will be waiting to take you back to Glasgow for one nights stay.  The rest of the day is yours to explore.   (b)

Day 10: 25 Sep 24

This morning, make your own way to the train station and board the local train to Edinburgh.  make your own way to the hotel where you will be staying for 2 nights. (b)

Day 11: 26 Sep 24

Today you have the chance to explore Edinburgh.   Highly recommend exploring taking this walking tour of Edinburgh Castle.  Or walk along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh and grab some souvenirs for the family at home. (b)

Day 12: 27 Sep 24

Shortly after breakfast, you will transferred to the station where you will embark on the luxury train Belmond Royal Scotsman.  The train departs Edinburgh and heads north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. (b,l,d)

Day 13: 28 Sep 24

Head west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, the most scenic railway route in the UK. Travel onwards through Achnasheen, then commence the climb to the Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest, before descending to Strathcarron for a visit of Attadale Gardens.  Alternatively, stay on board the train to the picturesque village of Plockton, which boasts an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains.  Set off on a woodland walk, and enjoy a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Back onboard, a formal dinner is served, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car. (b,l,d)

Day 14: 29 Sep 24

Join your host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Breakfast is served as the train retraces part of yesterday’s route as far as Dingwall — have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor set the stage.  Disembark in Garve for a bespoke shopping experience. Alternatively, stretch your legs and join our Highland storyteller for a walk along the old military road leading to Silver Bridge. Lunch is served as the train departs Inverness en route to Carrbridge where you disembark for an afternoon visit to Ballindalloch Castle, in the beautiful Speyside.  Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour or an exclusive look at Scotland’s only single estate distillery. The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.

Day 15: 30 Sep 24

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. Rejoin the train at Kingussie, where lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld. Disembark the train for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Alternatively, you may want to visit the quaint town of Pitlochry and Blair Athol Distillery for an afternoon tour.   In the afternoon, return to the train in Perth for a gala dining experience, entertainment and an overnight stay on board in Dundee.

Day 16: 1 Oct 24

After breakfast, the train heads south to Edinburgh where your magnificent rail journey ends.  You will be transferred back to your hotel for one last night in Edinburgh (b)

Day 17: 2 Oct 24

Pack your bag one last time after breakfast and check out of your hotel.  This is where your journey finishes but by all means we can organise additional transfers and flights - simply ask.

(b = breakfast ,l = lunch ,d = dinner)