Scottish Circular Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1 – To Edinburgh

Arrive Edinburgh independently and enjoy a 3-night stay at the Scottish Capital’s Radisson Blu Hotel.

Day 2 – Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway

We arranged for the couple to spend a day on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, a 20 minute journey by train from Edinburgh Railway Station to Linlithgow and a further 30 minute bus journey to Bo’ness. All trains on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway are steam hauled. There are three departures per day from Bo’ness and tickets are valid to travel on as many or as few journeys as you wish. A traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam and a pot of coffee or tea was booked and served to our Ffestiniog Travellers on board. Bo’ness Station is also home to the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest railway museum and well worth a visit.

Day 3 – Explore Edinburgh

We also arranged entrance tickets to two of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and a tour of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 4 – Via Aviemore and Strathspey Railway to Inverness

A morning departure on the Forth Bridge Railway arrived in Aviemore late morning, allowing time to enjoy a round trip on the Strathspey Railway, a 10 mile long preserved railway that runs from Aviemore to Broomhill via Boat of Garten. The Ffestiniog Travellers then had a further half hour train journey from Aviemore arriving in Inverness late afternoon where they had a 2-night stay at the Royal Highland Hotel.

Day 5 – Loch Ness

Explore the landscape and legends of Loch Ness and the Highlands on a sightseeing tour from Inverness by Mercedes mini-coach. Join a guide and small group at a central location in Inverness, then board a top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach for the short trip to Loch Ness. Upon arrival at the storied loch, opt to see the area on a sightseeing cruise (boat trip own expense). As you explore Loch Ness, enjoy great views of the dramatic Urquhart Castle, historic ruins at the edge of the water. And of course, keep your eyes and cameras on the water—there have been reports of a monster in Loch Ness for hundreds of years, and the guide shares some of the most fascinating tales and sightings. Return to shore and head to a nearby restaurant for lunch (own expense). After your meal, continue to the Highland village of Invermoriston, where you can stretch your legs on a walk past pretty rivers, a ruined stone bridge, and a historic summer home. Keep driving to the Caledonian Canal, then turn back towards Inverness. This full-day Highland tour concludes with drop-off in Inverness.

Day 6 – Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye

A scenic journey on the Kyle of Lochalsh Railway took our travellers to beautiful Skye for an overnight stay at the Cullin Hills Hotel, situated in the island’s largest town of Portree. The journey included a short bus ride over the bridge that connects the mainland and Isle of Skye.

Day 7 – Fort William

Following a morning bus journey and ferry back to the mainland, our couple boarded the train at Mallaig and travelled through amazing scenery to Fort William, crossing the famous 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct which overlooks Loch Shiel. On reaching Fort William they enjoyed an overnight stay at the Nevis Bank Inn. Why not extend your stay in Fort William and take a return trip on the iconic Jacobite steam train? It is an experience often described as the greatest railway journey in the world.

Day 8 – West Highland Line to Glasgow

The West Highland Line took our Ffestiniog Travellers through more dramatic landscapes as it travelled along Scotland’s wild west coast. It is another scenic journey that took our travellers to their final Scottish destination, Glasgow, for an overnight stay at the Grand Central Hotel. Leisure time to explore the city and its award-winning Riverside Transport Museum where entrance is free of charge.

Day 9 – Homeward Bound

Our travellers enjoyed a leisurely morning before making their journey home.