Day 1
This morning we shall depart on a morning train (approx 9am departure) from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh. For passengers wishing to travel from other mainline stations or for 1st class upgrades please contact our reservation department for assistance on 01334 657155. On arrival at Edinburgh Waverley we shall be met by our coach 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’s Centre.
We continue to our hotel, the comfortable Loch Fyne Hotel, Inveraray, Argyll. All rooms are en-suite with TV, telephone, trouser press and tea/coffee making facilities. Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne, the hotel’s facilities include a bar, restaurant, and a spa with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, tanning cabin, massage chair, pool and outdoor hot tub. Dinner will be served on arrival.
Day 2
Today following breakfast we will head for Helensburgh where we will commence our sail 'Doon ra Watter' on the world's last seagoing paddle steamer - The Waverley. The Waverley is the last ocean-going paddle steamer plying its trade on the River Clyde. It was built in 1946 to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk at Dunkirk and is an extremely impressive sight with its immense 2100 horsepower steam engine. On board facilities include a self-service restaurant, cafe, bar and souvenir shop. We will leave the ship at Tighnabruaich where our coach will be waiting to take us back to the hotel, over the "Rest and Be Thankful" and through stunning Argyllshire scenery. Dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 3
Today 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. "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 takes you over the massive Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. We return to our hotel for dinner.
Day 4
This morning after breakfast, we will have a tour through The Trossachs, followed by a cruise on the steam ship SS Walter Scott on Loch Katrine. The Sir Walter Scott is one of the last surviving screw steamers in regular passenger service in Scotland. The grand old lady has been sailing majestically on Loch Katrine since 1900. She was launched in 1899 and today retains her original engines, which are powered by steam using smokeless solid fuel.
We return to the hotel in time for dinner.
Day 5
Sadly today we must check out of the hotel and head for home. This morning, after breakfast we will travel to Edinburgh where we will have a short panoramic tour taking in some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, towering majestically over the Old Town and providing a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful skyline.
Following this we will return to Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station early afternoon for our return rail trip to London Kings Cross.