Join weather presenter and proud Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood for an unforgettable steam train journey through the glorious landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Carol will give an exclusive talk, and will spend a day with you as you explore the Highlands by rail.
Hop on board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, to travel on a line that's frequently voted the world's most scenic railway. You'll start at the base of Ben Nevis, before passing Loch Morar and travelling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Loch Nevis.
Your packed itinerary also includes a boat ride to and on The Falkirk Wheel boat lift, and cruises across Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine.
During your trip you'll be staying at a lovely 18th-century inn, The Winnock Hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner each night and an evening of traditional Scottish entertainment on one evening.
Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, has been presenting the weather for more than 20 years and famously danced with Pasha Kovalev in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £150. Deposit £250pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £100pp discount without flights, flights from other airports and/or overnight accommodation before/after the tour available on request and at a supplement. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Depart this morning from London Stansted Airport on a morning flight to Edinburgh.
On arrival at Edinburgh Airport we are met by our coach and guide 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).
You'll then travel to The Winnock Hotel, your base for the next three nights, where dinner with wine will be served following a welcome drink with special guest, Carol Kirkwood.
After dinner this evening we will enjoy some traditional Scottish entertainment, with lively Scottish folk music as well as bagpipes and Highland dancing.
Today you'll be joined by Carol Kirkwood as you take a journey back in time on the incredible Jacobite Steam Train. You'll travel along one of the most memorable and scenic railway lines 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 soak in the stunning views of this wild and historic part of Scotland.
Starting at 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 astonishing Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Shiel, 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, you'll return by coach to your hotel.
Dinner will be served later this evening. After dinner, Carol Kirkwood will give a fascinating talk about her career, her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing, and her grandfather's experiences helping to build the Fort William to Mallaig railway.
After breakfast, you'll head for Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest inland body of water, and depart on a 60-minute 'Northern Highlights Cruise' with full commentary.
As you cross to the far side of the loch you'll hear the story of 'Rob Roy' MacGregor who was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw - legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves.
You'll then cross the mountain pass known as the 'Rest and Be Thankful' and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch.
This afternoon you'll visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. The interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke of Argyll.
After dinner this evening we will enjoy some traditional Scottish entertainment, with lively Scottish folk music as well as bagpipes and Highland dancing.
You'll check out of the hotel following a leisurely breakfast and depart for a cruise on the Lady of the Water on Loch Katrine.
Sit back and relax as you glide across the water and savour the charms of The Trossachs, a highly scenic area of lochs, hills and woods. Following your cruise you'll continue through The Trossachs to Callander, where there'll be an opportunity for lunch (not included).
After lunch, it's time to return to the airport or make onward connections as your four-day Highlands adventure draws to an end.
Cosy former coaching inn by Loch Lomond
A cosy former coaching inn by Loch Lomond dating back to the late 1700's, The Winnock has offered lodging to weary travellers passing through the Trossachs for centuries. The Winnock has been lovingly restored and tastefully extended and offers 73 bedrooms, cosy lounges - many with open log fires - a characterful restaurant, function room and public lounge bar.
Guests take time to savour the fine food, wines, ales and whiskies on offer at the Merlin Restaurant and Ptarmigan bar, or in the light and airy Conservatory or snuggled up by a log fire.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £150. Deposit £250pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. £100pp discount without flights, flights from other airports and/or overnight accommodation before/after the tour available on request and at a supplement. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).