DAYS 1 & 2

Arrive in Glasgow on Day 2, Scotland’s second city and home to intriguing museums, historical sites and lively culture. 

Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow

DAYS 3 – 5

Cruise on Loch Lomond, “Queen of the Scottish Lochs,” then wind your way through rugged hills and moorlands to the fishing port of Mallaig. After a ferry ride to the Isle of Skye, back on the mainland, take an exhilarating ride on the Nevis Gondola up the Aonoch Mor mountain for spectacular views. You’ll spend three glorious nights at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, renowned as the finest country house hotel in Scotland. We also explore other renowned castles: Eilean Donan and Urquhart Castles. 

Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William

DAY 6

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Scottish countryside, stopping to explore Stirling Castle, a favorite residence of the Stuart monarch. We will also discover the splendid Renaissance Palace of James V, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Later, browse the shops of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. 

The Balmoral, Edinburgh

DAYS 7 & 8

Hearken back to the era of luxury train travel as you board The Royal Scotsman. Savor afternoon tea, dinner and entertainment in the luxurious observation car en route to the splendid Scottish Highlands. Enjoy a visit to the Dalwhinnie distillery before arriving in Rothiemurchus where a variety of Highlands activities await. 

The Royal Scotsman Train

DAYS 9 – 11

Visit the traditional British Woollen Mill, Johnston’s of Elgin, that processes some of the world’s rarest and most luxurious fabrics. Witness the unique spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. You’ll never forget the color and pageantry of the Scottish Regiments, the Massed Highland Dancers and the world-famous Massed Pipes and Drums. Depart Edinburgh on Day 11. 

The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 & 2

Arrive in Glasgow on Day 2, Scotland’s second city and home to intriguing museums, historical sites and lively culture. 
Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow

DAYS 3 – 5

Cruise on Loch Lomond, “Queen of the Scottish Lochs,” then wind your way through rugged hills and moorlands to the fishing port of Mallaig. After a ferry ride to the Isle of Skye, back on the mainland, take an exhilarating ride on the Nevis Gondola up the Aonoch Mor mountain for spectacular views. You’ll spend three glorious nights at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, renowned as the finest country house hotel in Scotland. We also explore other renowned castles: Eilean Donan and Urquhart Castles. 
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William

DAY 6

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Scottish countryside, stopping to explore Stirling Castle, a favorite residence of the Stuart monarch. We will also discover the splendid Renaissance Palace of James V, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Later, browse the shops of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. 
The Balmoral, Edinburgh

DAYS 7 & 8

Hearken back to the era of luxury train travel as you board The Royal Scotsman. Savor afternoon tea, dinner and entertainment in the luxurious observation car en route to the splendid Scottish Highlands. Enjoy a visit to the Dalwhinnie distillery before arriving in Rothiemurchus where a variety of Highlands activities await. 
The Royal Scotsman Train

DAYS 9 – 11

Visit the traditional British Woollen Mill, Johnston’s of Elgin, that processes some of the world’s rarest and most luxurious fabrics. Witness the unique spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. You’ll never forget the color and pageantry of the Scottish Regiments, the Massed Highland Dancers and the world-famous Massed Pipes and Drums. Depart Edinburgh on Day 11. 
The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens
Glasgow, Scotland

This luxury 5-star boutique hotel is renowned for its comfort and individuality. The public areas of the hotel reflect the grandeur of a bygone era, with large comfortable sofas, soft lighting and a roaring fire. There are five fine dining restaurants.

The bedrooms have been individually designed and equipped to provide every possible feature of a first class hotel. Each bedroom has satellite TV, direct dial telephone, mini bar, fresh tea & coffee and a luxury bath with a bathrobe and full selection of toiletries.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Fort William, Scotland

The 5-star Inverlochy Castle Hotel is Scotlandʹs finest hotel and restaurant, uniquely nestled among the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland. It was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, near the site of the original 13th-century fortress. In September 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting, where she wrote in her diaries “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” The hotel offers various activities and services including tennis, fishing on the “loch,” and clay pigeon shooting.

Dinner at Inverlochy is an experience to savor in any of the three dining rooms, each decorated with period and elaborate furniture presented as gifts to Inverlochy Castle from the King of Norway. The menu features modern British cuisine, which is internationally recognized and awarded a Michelin Star.

Inverlochy had been a private residence for over a hundred years until 1969, when it was converted from a family home to Scotland’s finest country house hotel. In its unique atmosphere of 17 very individual rooms, each is decorated differently. All rooms feature amenities including 30-inch TVs, internet access, an in-room safe, hairdryer, deep tubs and bathrobes.

The Balmoral
Edinburgh, Scotland

The 5-star Balmoral offers stunning views towards Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town or the internal courtyard. Centrally located near the leading luxury department stores and next to Waverley Station, The Balmoral is the ideal accommodation from which to enjoy many events held in Edinburgh, including the Military Tattoo.

The Balmoral has many culinary delights on offer: Michelin-starred number one restaurant with outstanding cuisine; Hadrianʹs for informal dining; Palm Court for cocktails or traditional afternoon tea; NB’s Bar for drinks with live entertainment. There is also the Balmoral Spa, an exclusive retreat in the heart of the city.

The 168 guest bedrooms and 20 suites have been individually designed. Each has its own characteristics, borrowed from Scottish heritage. Each room has individually controlled air conditioning, spacious marble and ceramic bathrooms with fluffy towels, robes and luxury amenities, two telephone lines and independent data port connection, fax machine and printer, interactive national and satellite televisions and in-room refreshment facilities.

The Royal Scotsman Train
Edinburgh to Rothiemurchus to Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edwardian splendor of The Observation Car provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the exclusivity of The Royal Scotsman. Its many windows give a panoramic view of the constantly changing scenery, which may be enjoyed from the comfort of the interior or from the exhilarating open verandah. Comfortable sofas and armchairs provide seating for all 36 guests and conviviality and conversation are assured. After dinner, the country house party ambience is enhanced by entertainment that creates a distinctly Scottish mood.

Dining on The Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. The fixed menus reflect the seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as the best in any hotel in the world. The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinners, and a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies is offered. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a Continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany paneling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides 16 elegant settings grouped in two or four, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of your travelling companions.

The Sleeping Cars provide 16 twin and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry. All cabins have lower beds, dressing table, full-length wardrobe, hairdryer, individually controlled heating, cooling ceiling fans, opening windows and cabin service call button. Each cabin has its own private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet, constant hot water, high quality toiletries and fresh fluffy, white towels. With the train stabled at night in a quiet siding or station, you are assured a good night’s sleep.

John Wootton

After years spent aboard ships and traveling in South Africa, John joined the Travcoa family. He has been leading our journeys for 30 years, in which time he has traveled on most itineraries, covering all seven continents.

Travel Dates: August 12, 2010