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A Classic Scottish Steam Break
From $805
Summary
Steam locomotion has an enduring fascination for many of us and combined with the wonderful scenery of Scotland it becomes utterly irresistible. 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.
*Subject to Waverley timetable. If the Waverley is unavailable we will instead take a boat trip on Loch Lomond, during which we learn of the life and times of the outlaw Rob Roy, and visit impressive Inveraray Castle, the Duke of Argyll’s family seat on the shores of Loch Fyne.
Our tour includes 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.
Tour highlights:
Departure Points
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Your Departure date
Today's Price
$805
Deposit: $135 Single supplement: $125
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
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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. We continue to the Arrochar Hotel where a glass of Champagne will be served on arrival, followed by dinner in the evening.
| Hotel | Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Dinner |
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. On arrival in Fort William we return by coach to our hotel for dinner.
| Hotel | Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 3 -
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 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.
| Hotel | Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 4 -
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on Loch Katrine, which serves as Glasgow’s water supply and is also one of the most attractive fresh water lochs in Scotland, set amid the famed beauty of the Trossachs.
Following our cruise we continue by Aberfoyle, the Duke’s Pass and Loch Venachar to Callander where we will have some free time before continuing on 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 June 2022 | BSTB220623 | 23 June 2022 (Thursday) | 26 June 2022 (Sunday) | $930 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $130 | Book your trip | |
| 7 July 2022 | BSTB220707 | 7 July 2022 (Thursday) | 10 July 2022 (Sunday) | $835 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $130 | Book your trip | |
| 21 July 2022 | BSTB220721 | 21 July 2022 (Thursday) | 24 July 2022 (Sunday) | $835 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $105 | Book your trip | |
| 11 August 2022 | BSTB220811 | 11 August 2022 (Thursday) | 14 August 2022 (Sunday) | $835 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $130 | Book your trip | |
| 25 August 2022 | BSTB220825 | 25 August 2022 (Thursday) | 28 August 2022 (Sunday) | $835 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $130 | Call for availability | |
| 14 October 2022 | BSTB221014 | 14 October 2022 (Friday) | 17 October 2022 (Monday) | $835 (ex. flights) |
$140 | $130 | Book your trip |
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