2017 - TM Great Rail Journeys

32 9 Days Day 1. Arrive Edinburgh Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's much-loved capital, and be transferred to your centrally located hotel, close to the station. Stay: Edinburgh, Apex Hotel Waterloo Place. D Day 2. West Highland Line, Ballachulish All aboard for Glasgow this morning, before changing trains for a journey on one of the world's most incredible railway lines, the West Highland Line. Travel along a hillside ledge overålooking Gare Loch before entering the spectacular Highlands, an idyllic, remote and untouched landscape. The incredible route skirts the western banks of Loch Lomond and climbs quickly from Crianlarich to Upper Tyndrum and wild Rannoch Moor, a dramatic region of peat bogs, streams and ancient forests that are only visible from the comfort of your train. Mighty mountains provide an imposing backdrop to the journey on the approach to Fort William. On arrival, transfer to the nearby village of Ballachulish. Three Nights: Ballachulish, Isles of Glencoe Hotel or Ballachulish Hotel ˆ . BD Day 3. Isle of Mull, Duart Castle Venture to the town of Oban where you'll board a ferry and cruise to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Heading through the small islands and across to Mull, the incredible picture-postcard views are truly awe-inspiring; rugged coastline, hills rising sharply from the water's edge, endless greens, purples and browns of the moorland and jagged, exposed rock faces – this is Scotland's stunning west coast just as you had imagined it to be. Approaching the island, you'll notice a lonely castle standing guard above the sea cliffs. This is Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. Visit the castle, taking in its eclectic rooms and stunning views. Later, return to Ballachulish. BD Day 4. Neptune's Staircase, Loch Linnhe. Travel by coach to Neptune's Staircase, an impressive flight of eight locks operated by a team of at least three lock keepers. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, the 22-ton lock gates were originally hand-powered, but are now operated by hydraulics. It takes approximately one-and-a- half hours to pass from one end of the staircase to the other, where water overcomes gravity and nature to climb the hillside. From here, continue to Loch Linnhe and enjoy a scenic cruise. BD Day 5. Jacobite Steam Train, Inverness Departing from Fort William, join the Jacobite Steam Train for a return journey to Mallaig on the final leg of the West Highland Line. During the journey the train steams past Ben Nevis, then climbs into the mountains surrounding Glenfinnan, a small town famous as the rallying point for Bonnie Prince Charlie's assault on the British throne. At Glenfinnan, reach the line's most picturesque section – the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. A magical experience, it's no wonder this train was featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, and a shot of it crossing this section of track, EDINBURGH, THE HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS Edinburgh Return Edinburgh n Glasgow n Ballachulish Isle of Mull n Inverness YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES ✓ Services of a professional Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and expert local guides ✓ Eight nights in premium accommodation ✓ 16 meals – 8 breakfasts (B) and 8 dinners (D) ✓ All sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as specified ✓ Airport transfers and tipping INSIDER EXPERIENCES Enjoy a scenic rail journey on the West Highland Line Visit the Isle of Mull including Duart Castle Navigate Neptune's Staircase and cruise Loch Linnhe Ride the Jacobite Steam Train which has appeared in the Harry Potter films Traverse Scotland on the picturesque Kyle Line Explore Eilean Donan Castle

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