2017 - TM Great Rail Journeys

33 Edinburgh Inverness Ballachulish Isle of Mull Loch Ness Fort William Mallaig Kyle of Lochalsh Oban West Highland Line Jacobite Steam Train Kyle Line Glasgow Scotland 3 3 2 Coach Cruise Rail Stay (No. of nights) one of Britain's most iconic engineering works, is shown in the film. As we head towards Mallaig, we drop down to the sea's edge and the landscape opens up with the first views of the rugged 'Small Isles' – Rum, Eigg and Muck – which hang tantalisingly close offshore and tease in and out of view near the journey's end. After a lunch stop, it's time to make the return journey to Fort William, then continue by coach along the banks of Loch Ness to Inverness for three nights. Three Nights: Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. BD Day 6. Inverness Enjoy a day at leisure in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Ness, which runs right through the town, or explore further afield. Your options include a visit to Culloden, the Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite forces were defeated, and the site's visitor centre. Alternatively, you could cruise from Inverness to the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, as famous for it's 'monster' as much as for its beauty. Otherwise the mountain resort of Aviemore is a short distance away by train, as are the Speyside whisky towns, Keith and Elgin. BD Day 7. Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle Today, enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in Europe, the Kyle Line. This incredibly scenic route traverses Scotland from the east coast to the west, crossing the Caledonian Canal. Leaving Inverness and skirting the shores of crystal-clear lakes, countless photo opportunities present themselves. The Kyle Line winds through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and seaside towns. The tracks rise and fall over hills and valleys, travelling at low speed throughout most of the journey, giving you time to soak up the terrific views. The train sweeps one way and the next, wild deer grazing beside the tracks that follow a route dictated by politicians and powerful landowners as much as by civil engineers. During the final part of the journey, pass the picturesque white-washed houses in the village of Plockton. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Afterwards, make a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich, it is joined to the mainland by a small, elegant Edinburgh, The Highlands & Islands bridge. The island was part of the Macrae Clan's territory and in the 13th century they built Eilean Donan Castle, which was initially designed to defend the clan's land from invading Vikings but which actually saw more battles between the warring Scottish clans. BD Day 8. Inverness, Edinburgh Leaving Inverness, travel south through the Cairngorms, via Aviemore, Pitlochry and Kingussie, to arrive back in Edinburgh. Check- in to your centrally located hotel then this evening, try some traditional Scottish fare (haggis, anyone?) and listen to a stirring chorus of bagpipes and drums during an unmissable Scottish- themed evening, to mark the end of your journey. Stay: Edinburgh, Radisson Blu Hotel. BD Day 9. Depart Edinburgh Your journey ends with an airport transfer today. B 1. Journey through the Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train 1 SAVE $1,000 per couple* See page 18 for details Tour Notes Prices include transfers and tipping. Porterage is not included unless indicated. Itineraries and hotels may be subject to change. ˆ Accommodation in Ballachulish is best available. Please see pages 88-89 for full terms & conditions. 2017 Dates & Prices (A$) 9 Days – Edinburgh Return (RJTSHS9) Per Person Twin Share Solo Traveller Apr. 20. $3,495 $4,295 May 4, 7, 14. $3,695 $4,495 May 18, 25. $3,795 $4,595 June 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 25. $3,795 $4,595 July 13. $3,795 $4,595 Aug. 31; Sept. 3, 10. $3,895 $4,695 Sept. 24. $3,695 $4,495 travelmarvel.com.au/RJTSHS9

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