Day 1 to day 4

Day 1

Assemble at our pick-up point in Edinburgh where we are met by our coach and guide and travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. We shall start the journey on the water at New Port Downie from where you will sail into the Falkirk Wheel. Enjoy the truly spectacular scenery as the wheel commences its graceful ascent to join the Union Canal 35m above. We sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall – the Roman’s most northern frontier – before you enjoy a wander through the Visitor Centre, where lunch is available (not included). We continue to the 3-star Buchanan Arms Hotel in Drymen, where a welcome drink will be served on arrival followed by dinner with wine in the evening.

Meals Included Dinner

Day 2

Today following breakfast we head for Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest inland body of water, and depart on a 60-minute ‘Northern Highlights Cruise’ with full commentary. As we cross to the far side of the loch we hear the story of ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor who was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid here on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw – legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves.

We then cross the mountain pass known as the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch. This afternoon we visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. Designers who worked on the house include Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt and Robert Adam; the interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke by Robert Mylne. This evening we are joined by special guest Carol Kirkwood, who will give a talk on her grandfather’s experiences in helping to build the Fort William to Mallaig railway.

Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Today, following an early start, we will journey back in time on the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most memorable and spectacular railway journeys in the world – the famous Fort William to Mallaig line following The Road to the Isles. We will be joined on the excursion by Carol Kirkwood. “The Jacobite” combines the romance of the steam era with the opportunity to drink in the stunning views of this wild and historic part of Scotland. From the slopes of Ben Nevis the line runs through rugged mountains, past sea and inland lochs and onto the shores of the Atlantic at Mallaig. The route also takes us over the massive Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard. There is time to enjoy lunch (not included) in Mallaig, whether you choose fish and chips, crab sandwiches or freshly landed lobster.

On arrival in Fort William we return by coach to our hote

Dinner is served in the evening Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on Loch Katrine, the tranquil loch which serves as Glasgow’s water supply. Sit back and relax as we glide across the water on the newly restored SS Sir Walter Scott and savour the famed charms of The Trossachs, a highly scenic area of lochs, hills and woods. Following our cruise we continue through The Trossachs to Callander, where there will be an opportunity for lunch (not included). Thereafter we return to our original departure point. Meals Included Breakfast