Journey Through Time on Steam Trains and Lochs
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly direct from Toronto to Edinburgh.
We arrive in Edinburgh and drive to Glasgow stopping for a visit at the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies. We will later check in and enjoy our Welcome Dinner.
Today we visit the spectacular 700-year-old Blair Castle to learn about its turbulent history as the home of the Atholl Highlanders. We will stop at a distillery to learn how whisky is made and sample a wee dram of the area’s famous single malt.
Today we visit the spectacular 700-year-old Blair Castle to learn about its turbulent history as the home of the Atholl Highlanders. We will stop at a distillery to learn how whisky is made and sample a wee dram of the area’s famous single malt.
We travel by coach to the base of Cairngorm Mountain and board the UK’s highest funicular, where we enjoy a light refreshment of cake and hot drink with panoramic views. The afternoon is free to enjoy Pitlochry on your own.
In the morning we ride the Strathspey Steam Train alongside the majestic River Spey. An afternoon tea will be served as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the Highlands. In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of Inverness, before we check into our hotel where we will stay for the next 4 nights.
We drive along the Great Glen to the beloved village of Drumnadrochit, enjoy a cruise on the legendary Loch Ness ending with a visit to Urquhart Castle with some free time to explore. The afternoon is yours to explore Inverness on your own.
Today we enjoy a dolphin and wildlife cruise on the Moray Firth, the triangular North Sea inlet north and east of Inverness. In the afternoon, we visit historic Culloden Battlefield for a guided tour.
April/May Departure: Today we will have a royal day with a visit to the Royal Balmoral Castle a favorite home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, before travelling through the Royal Deeside, a scenic Scottish region centered around the River Dee in Aberdeenshire to the Royal Deeside Railway. Back in 1966 this line was regularly used by the Royal Family to get to and from Balmoral. Sit back and enjoy a cream tea on a nostalgic steam or heritage diesel train journey, taking in the scenic landscapes and rich railway heritage of the Scottish Highlands.
September Departure: INVERNESS CASTLE / KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY. Today we visit the iconic Inverness Castle, overlooking the River Ness, before travelling through the beautiful Speyside countryside on the historic Keith & Dufftown Railway. Sit back and enjoy a nostalgic steam or heritage diesel train journey, taking in the scenic landscapes and rich railway heritage of the Scottish Highlands..
We travel to the Isle of Skye, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, faeries, and feuding clans. We visit the iconic Old Man of Storr and the charming harbour town of Portree, where we enjoy a traditional fish and chip lunch and free time to explore. Returning to the mainland, we stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle, set on a tiny island amid majestic scenery, before continuing to our hotel in the western Highlands for the next four nights.
Today we explore Oban with a guided walking tour, the gateway to the Isles, with free time to explore in Oban and enjoy our packed lunch. On our way back we will stop and visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre.
Today we enjoy a walking tour and some free time in Fort William before taking a relaxing boat ride through magnificent Highland scenery and see the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
If this historic train looks familiar, it’s because it appeared in the Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express! We will take a scenic return journey across the spectacular viaduct at Glenfinnan and along the coast to Mallaig. We will have free time after our local pub lunch in Mallaig before the return train ride back.
We board a leisurely cruise to Inchmurrin Island and ancient Lennox Castle, where Robert the Bruce hid before becoming King of Scotland. Afterwards, we enjoy a guided introduction to haggis, exploring its origins and links to poet Robert Burns, followed by a generous tasting of traditional or vegetarian haggis. We then travel to Edinburgh for our final two nights.
Edinburgh, famous for The Royal Mile and more. We’ll explore this ancient city on a guided coach and walking tour in the morning, then you can explore on your own in the afternoon. You may want to visit Holyrood Palace or walk up to Arthur’s Seat for a spectacular view of the city. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home to Toronto.
Please note: Excursions that involve a ferry trip are subject to weather conditions. If a sailing is cancelled by the boat/ferry company, a suitable alternative will be provided.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
