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The Society of International
Railway Travelers
presents:
The Royal Scotsman
July 26-30, 2005
Optional Extension: July 30-August 2, 2005
A magnificent journey on one of the world's most luxurious trains
Featuring the scenery, history and culture of beautiful Scotland
Join Owen and Eleanor Hardy on this historic journey
limited to only 36 pampered members of
The Society of International Railway Travelers.
Enjoy unparalleled comfort, sumptuous meals, and impeccable service
while taking in Scotland's breathtaking landscape.
The Royal Scotsman Classic Tour
July 26-30, 2005
Day One (July 26): Edinburgh - Keith
Meet Owen and Eleanor Hardy and fellow members of The Society of International Railway Travelers at Edinburgh's Waverley Station this afternoon. The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh at
2:25 p.m. and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as the eighth wonder of the world.
 We
enjoy afternoon tea as we continue our journey through the former Kingdom
of Fife
and across the Tay Bridge.
Following the East Coast we pass through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen
before arriving in Keith, where we disembark for a traditional Scottish
ceilidh at Strathisla Distillery, "the Home and Heart of Chivas Regal."
We rejoin the train for an informal dinner and overnight stabling.
Day Two (July 27): Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh
Breakfast is served this morning as we depart Keith and travel west
towards Elgin. We disembark in Elgin where our motorcoach is waiting
to take us to the Glen Grant distillery. Founded by James and John Grant
in 1840, the distillery is set around a small courtyard with turreted
and gabled offices in the "Scottish Baronial" style.
We return to the train before heading west to Inverness, the capital
of the Highlands. Afterwards we continue westwards towards Kyle of Lochalsh,
on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain.
Lunch is served as we pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under
the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the
Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. Geologists
believe that they were formed before any life began. We pass through
Achnasheen, and climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before
descending to Strathcarron. We then follow the edge of Loch Carron through
Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.
In the afternoon we disembark in Plockton. Here you have the opportunity to choose how you wish to explore this Scottish Highland village. You may wish to take an exclusive boat trip to see the seals at one with nature and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Alternatively, visit the local art gallery or simply wander through the charming village. Afterwards we rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach.
We return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh where we stable overnight. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Three (July 28): Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
After breakfast there is time to visit Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed in Scotland. The castle stands on a rocky promontory at the meeting point of three sea lochs, and its beginnings reach back to the Picts (Scotland's ancient race). It survived many bombardments, until in 1719 it was razed to the ground during the Jacobite rebellion. Two hundred years later it was restored to its former glory.
We depart Kyle and retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, we cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.
We continue south to Carrbridge where we disembark for our visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546 and exemplifies the elegant and comfortable country house so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands.
We return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private
Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. After our formal dinner we
meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish
heroes. We gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands
has changed over the centuries.
Day Four (July 29): Boat of Garten - Stirling
We depart the train at Boat of Garten where you can choose from a number
of different options. Golfers can enjoy a round at Boat of Garten Golf
Club, a demanding test of sporting skill and a magnificent Highland
setting. For those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside, there
is a guided woodland walk with a countryside ranger. There will be an
opportunity for fishermen to try their hand on the River Spey or alternatively,
enjoy some time on your own in this beautiful Highland environment.
We rejoin the train and enjoy lunch as we continue south through Blair
Atholl and Pitlochry to Perth, where we disembark for our visit to Glamis,
Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood  home
of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Bowes-Lyon families
have lived at Glamis since 1372, when King Robert II granted Sir John
Lyon the thaneage of Glamis. Since then the castle has been visited
and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families.
We rejoin the train in Perth and enjoy an informal dinner as we travel
to the historic town of Stirling, dominated by its magnificent royal
castle, where we stable overnight.
Day Five (July 30): Stirling - Edinburgh
After breakfast we leave Stirling and return through Larbert and Linlithgow
to arrive in Edinburgh at 9:43 a.m.
Optional extension on The Royal Scotsman:
The Western Tour: July 30-August 2
Day Five (July 30 cont.): Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The morning will be at your leisure in Edinburgh. We depart Edinburgh for the second part of the tour at 2:08 p.m. and head west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow and so reach the northern bank of the Clyde.
Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the starting
point for the majestic West Highland Line.
 Afternoon
tea is served as we travel along the edge of Gare Loch. Loch Long comes
into sight to our left, and after vanishing for a while, returns with
a view of Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) with its distinctive peak.
As we pass Arrochar we get our first view of Loch Lomond. Then we descend almost to the water's edge at Ardlui and have a hard climb up Glen Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide an impressive display.
As we continue north we pass through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy. There are spectacular views of Rannoch Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge where we stable overnight. After an informal dinner we will again enjoy the stories of Highlander Ray Owens.
Day Six (July 31): Spean Bridge - Taynuilt
Breakfast is served as we continue our journey west, passing through Fort William and views of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) to our right. We travel by Loch Eil, past Glenfinnan and Arisaig, then north alongside the stunning coastline until we reach Arisaig. We disembark here for a walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, a magnificent expanse of gleaming white sand, with excellent views across the Sound of Sleat to the romantic Isle of Skye and its awe-inspiring Cuillin Mountains.
We rejoin the train and enjoy lunch as we retrace our route towards Fort William, then Spean Bridge before turning south. We arrive in Bridge of Orchy where we disembark for Inverawe Smokehouse.
The Smokery, which is situated in grand mountain scenery overlooking the lower reaches of the River Awe, is where locally caught fish are cleaned, cured, smoked, sliced and packed. Robert and Rosie Campbell-Preston invite us into their home to sample the Inverawe delicacies over a glass of wine.
We return to the train in Taynuilt where we stable overnight. After our formal dinner we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Seven (August 1): Taynuilt - Stirling
We leave Taynuilt and take yesterday's route as far as Glasgow before heading south to Gourock. At Weymss Bay we take the ferry across to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. The natural history, geography, geology and ancient history of the island are revealed at every turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to the abandoned townships in Glen More at the north, it seems that every stone has its tale to tell.
Mount Stuart is Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. This was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors reflect the romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. The house contains arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.
Once afternoon tea is served, we have time to explore this magnificent house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee Garden containing rare plants from the southern hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree Avenue leads us to a secluded stretch of coastline and one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.
We return to the mainland and rejoin the train, then we travel through the outskirts of Glasgow to arrive in the historic town of Stirling. We stable overnight here after an informal dinner.
Day Eight (August 2): Stirling - Edinburgh
During breakfast we leave Stirling and return through Larbert and Linlithgow to arrive in Edinburgh at 9:43 a.m. where our tour ends.
Tour Rates*
Classic Tour: $5,190 per person, Single or Double occupancy
Western Tour: $3,990 per person, Single or Double occupancy
Save $950 per person when booking both tours!*
Both Tours: $8,230 per person, Single or Double occupancy
*Discount is subject to availability.
Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, wine, alcoholic and other beverages, off-train tours, visits and entertainment as outlined in the itinerary.
This special departure of The Royal Scotsman will take a maximum of 36 passengers in 16 twin and 4 single compartments. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to secure your space!
Call us today: (800) 478-4881!
TOUR RATE INCLUDES:
a) State cabin with twin or single accommodation with private ensuite shower and toilet facilities.
b) Table d'hôte meals daily, including wine and all alcoholic and other beverages.
c) Service of tour leaders Eleanor and Owen Hardy.
d) All applicable taxes.
e) All visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
TOUR RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
a) Tour insurance. It is highly recommended that you insure yourself prior to departure for injury, illness, loss of property while on the tour and specifically for tour cancellations. A brochure about Travelex's TravelPlus coverage will be sent upon confirmation of your booking or in advance upon request.
b) Gratuities to crew.
c) Articles which may be purchased from The Royal Scotsman's on-board shop.
d) Airfare, hotel nights, transfers or rail tickets needed to connect with the tour.
Extra Hotel Nights:
We recommend overnighting in Edinburgh July 25, the evening prior to the tour, in order to guarantee your timely arrival at Waverley station by the train's 2:25 p.m. departure time. We are happy to make hotel reservations for you in Edinburgh (or elsewhere) in conjunction with this tour upon request. Special rates are available to Royal Scotsman passengers at the five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh. If you wish to continue your vacation in London, special rates are available at The Goring.
Click here for terms and booking
conditions
The Society of International Railway Travelers
1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
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