The Heart of Scotland
Holiday Highlights
• With stays in historic Inverness, the city of Stirling, then Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, you’ll explore all the unique cultural and natural attractions grouped around the Trossachs, the Cairngorms, and Bute.
• Steam highlights include a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard steam launch ‘Sir Walter Scott’, and a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway heritage line in the shadow of the Cairngorms.
• Visit Culloden near Inverness and explore the scene where the Battle of Culloden took place in 1746, in the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
• Enjoy a cruise on Loch Lomond, sailing past the lands of some of the ancient Scottish Clans, followed by lunch and a ferry transfer to the Isle of Bute.
• You’ll also discover the diverse wildlife in and around both of Scotland’s National Parks, showcasing the variety of flora and fauna in the rugged Scottish landscape.
• From unspoilt beaches to inspiring coastlines, with convenient point-to-point transfers on ScotRail service trains and by private coach included, this is a unique holiday opportunity for seasoned traveller and newcomer alike.
What's Included
• First Class rail travel from London King’s Cross to Inverness by East Coast express train and from Glasgow Central to London Euston by Virgin Pendolino service
• Standard Class rail on Scotrail services
• 6 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
• 4 lunches and 6 dinners
• All rail and boat trips as detailed in the itinerary
• All road coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary
• All seat reservations and transfers
• The services of a tour manager
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Itinerary
Day - Wednesday 8th July - London to Stirling on the ‘Highland Chieftain’
From the comfort of the First-Class Lounge at London’s King’s Cross Station you join the ‘Highland Chieftain’ passenger train for the journey north to Scotland, following the route of the scenic East Coast Main Line (ECML). A light lunch will be served at your seat as you travel First Class in relaxed, spacious comfort, as nearly the length of Britain rattles past. Your train stops at York, taking on those connecting by service train from Peterborough before continuing via Newcastle and Edinburgh to historic Inverness, where you will spend the next two nights at the Best Western Hotel & Spa. A welcome dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Day - Thursday 9th July - Sightseeing in Inverness; Tour of the Battlefield at Culloden
Today you have a free morning to sightsee in Inverness, the northernmost city of Scotland and famous for its Victorian-era marketplaces, cathedrals, and museums. A visit here should also include a walk over the Ness Bridge and a stroll along the banks of the river, which offers beautiful views of this bustling city. You’ll be able to have lunch before you have a trip to Culloden in the early afternoon. The last ever pitched battle to be fought on British soil took place here on 16th April 1746 on Drummossie Moor, overlooking Inverness. You’ll enjoy a private tour around the battlefield and a visit to the feature packed Museum. On the way back to Inverness, you’ll also visit Clava Clairns, an ancient burial site dating back over 4000 years. Once again, dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.