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A Classic Scottish Steam Break - Stirling Highland Hotel
From £675
Summary
Our Classic Scottish Steam Break has been a best-seller for years, thanks to the unbeatable combination of steam, scenery and nostalgia. On this new variation we will be based in the 4-star Stirling Highland Hotel, which uniquely is set within a former school, a charming Victorian building with its own rooftop observatory, in the heart of historic Stirling. As well as distinctive rooms with traditional Scottish interiors, the hotel offers an extensive spa and fitness suite, with four treatment rooms, a 17 metre indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. So, if you may have over-indulged in the restaurant or the bar, there’s no excuse not to have a refreshing pre-breakfast swim or workout!
The tour includes our classic combination of four excursions. The Jacobite Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig, is one of the longest steam-hauled rail journeys available in Britain today, an 84-mile round trip through some spectacular scenery, which features an impressive list of superlatives. It starts near Britain’s highest mountain, (Ben Nevis), passes its most westerly mainland railway station, (Arisaig), deepest freshwater loch, (Loch Morar), shortest river, (River Morar) and finally arrives next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, (Loch Nevis). ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine’s 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct is just one of the engineering marvels we encounter on our journey, which is made all the more enjoyable by the sound and fury of the steam locomotive at the head of our train, forging its way along the Iron Road to the Isles.
A gentler pace is set as we sail ‘Doon ra Watter’ on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the PS Waverley*, still elegantly plying her trade on the Clyde. There can be no better way to enjoy the gentle beauty of the Argyll hills and the Kyles of Bute than from the deck of this grand old lady. We also enjoy a relaxed and informative cruise on the calm waters of Loch Katrine amid the spectacular scenery of the Trossachs.
Our tour begins with a unique boat journey on the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel is part of the biggest canal restoration project ever undertaken in Britain, as a result of which the Union and the Forth & Clyde canals, both over 180 years old, are once again linked together and fully operational.
*Subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s sailing schedule.
Departure Points
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Your Departure date
Today's Price
£675
Deposit: £100 Single supplement: £120
Keeping you safe on your next tour
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FREE 'Travel Safe' kits for every traveller
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Self-drive options
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Enhanced Health and Safety audits
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Distanced seating on coaches
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'Get me home' service and private airport transfers
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COVID protocols at our hotels, and aboard our cruise ships
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Packed lunches and flexible dining options
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Flexible balance payment date and COVID-friendly refund conditions
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COVID-testing and training for tour staff
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Constant monitoring and post-tour tracing
Your itinerary
Day 1 -
Depart from your chosen pick-up point 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 4-star Stirling Highland Hotel where Champagne will be served on arrival followed by dinner with wine.
| Meals included | Dinner |
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Day 2 -
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. "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 in 1745. There is time to enjoy lunch (not included) in Mallaig, whether you choose fish and chips, crab sandwiches or freshly landed lobster. In the afternoon the train returns us to Fort William from where we continue by coach back to our hotel.
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
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Day 3 -
Today following breakfast we will head for Kilcreggan* where we will commence our sail 'Doon ra Watter' on the world's last seagoing paddle steamer - The Waverley,* 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, travelling over the "Rest and Be Thankful" and through stunning Argyll scenery. Dinner will be served at the hotel in the evening.
*Subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s sailing schedule.
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
|---|
Day 4 -
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on Loch Katrine, the tranquil freshwater loch which serves as Glasgow’s water supply. Sit back and relax on board the motor vessel Lady of the Lake as we glide across the water 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 points.
| Meals included | Breakfast |
|---|
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Train travel
| Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 October 2021 | BSTH211016 | 16 October 2021 (Saturday) | 19 October 2021 (Tuesday) | £695 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £120 | Call for availability | |
| 27 June 2022 | BSTH220627 | 27 June 2022 (Monday) | 30 June 2022 (Thursday) | £685 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £120 | Book your trip | |
| 8 July 2022 | BSTH220708 | 8 July 2022 (Friday) | 11 July 2022 (Monday) | £685 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £120 | Book your trip | |
| 4 August 2022 | BSTH220804 | 4 August 2022 (Thursday) | 7 August 2022 (Sunday) | £685 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £120 | Book your trip | |
| 13 October 2022 | BSTH221013 | 13 October 2022 (Thursday) | 16 October 2022 (Sunday) | £675 (ex. flights) |
£100 | £120 | Book your trip |
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