Intimate
England & Scotland:
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Monday, July 10: York (D)
Arrive Great Britain. You may choose to fly into Manchester, London, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Make your way to York, England, by train upon arrival. Meet your tour leader, Geoff Cooke, and fellow tour participants this afternoon. Together we’ll take a tour of York Minster—the largest Medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps. A welcome dinner will be included this evening. Overnight in York (3 nights).
Tuesday, July 11: National Railway Museum (B, L)
We spend the morning at the National Railway Museum—world’s largest railway museum. This unmatched collection includes: one of Queen Victoria’s private railway cars, a Japanese shinkansen train (only one outside of Japan) and a replica of a current-day mail train. Return to York for lunch and a walking tour of the city. We’ll stop off at the Model Railway Museum—with over 1,000 feet of track and up to 14 model trains running at one time. We’ll also visit the Jorvik Viking Centre, which recreates daily life in 10th-century York.
Wednesday, July 12: North Yorkshire Moors Railway (B, L)
This morning we travel by motorcoach to Grosmont where we will first visit the locomotive workshops of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Then we’ll travel in our private saloon car behind a steam train that takes us through 18 miles of moor scenery to Pickering. On the return, we’ll lunch in our private, historic dining car. Return to Pickering, stroll through this quaint market town and visit its castle and medieval church. Then travel to York.
Thursday, July 13: Edinburgh (B)
This morning, we board a GNER train to Edinburgh—Scotland’s stately capital. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Royal Yacht Britannia for a look at what life was like at sea for the Royal Family, and tour the city with local guide. Overnight in Edinburgh (2 nights).
Friday, July 14: Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway (B, D)
This morning our first stop will be at the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, a massive, modern structure that transfers boats between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. Ride a canal boat through the Scottish engineering marvel. We will continue our coach tour with a visit to Stirling Castle, where there will be time for lunch. This afternoon we’ll take a ride on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, a steam-powered line running along the south shore of the Firth of Forth. We’ll also visit the Scottish Railway Exhibition, which contains a number of restored engines and rolling stock.
Drive to South Queensferry, where we will view and photograph the magnificent Forth Bridge—with luck in perfect sunlight! Alternatively, take an optional tour to two exquisite private gardens with time for tea. We’ll enjoy dinner together at a great restaurant along the Royal Mile back in Edinburgh.
Saturday, July 15: Blair Castle / Strathspey Steam Railway (B, D)
Transfer to Waverley Station in Edinburgh by coach, where we will catch a train over the Forth Bridge to Pitlochry. We will have time to wander through the town before meeting our coach and continuing to Blair Castle for a conducted tour and lunch. Drive to the Strathspey Steam Railway where we will enjoy a roundtrip steam train ride before continuing to Inverness. Overnight in Inverness (2 nights).
Sunday, July 16: Caledonian Canal cruise / Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness (B, D)
Enjoy a cruise through the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness. Here you can visit the Loch Ness Visitor Center and see the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle. This afternoon we will drive along the shore of Loch Ness to Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast.We’ll make a brief photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle. With its scenic location at the meeting of three lochs, the castle is a photographer’s dream. Board a train for the return to Inverness over one of the most scenic railways in Great Britain, riding through the Wester Ross Mountains along lovely lakes.
Monday, July 17: Distillery Tour/ Fort William (B)
This morning we’ll travel south to Fort William, touring a local distillery en route. This afternoon, we arrive in Fort William, where you can enjoy the "Neptune’s Staircase" right by our hotel, and a walk along the lovely path. Overnight in Fort William (2 nights).
Tuesday, July 18: Jacobite steam train (B, D)
Today we catch the famous Jacobite steam train to Mallaig, crossing over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct en route. After a break for lunch at the fishing village of Mallaig, the train will return to Fort William and overnight. Dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday, July 19: Glasgow (B, D)
Depart Fort William for Glasgow by regular train. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Stop at the Glasgow Transport Museum, which has an excellent railway section. Free time this afternoon, followed by our farewell cocktail party and dinner in a restaurant overlooking Glasgow. Overnight in Glasgow (1 night).
Thursday, July 20 (B)
Tour ends after breakfast this morning.
Pricing:
$4,500 per person, double occupancy
$ 982 single supplement
*Rates do not include railpass required for the tour. A minimum 8-day Britrail Flexipass is required. First-class pass rates are: $598 8-day Flexipass; $508 8-day Senior Flexipass (60+ years). Call for longer pass prices.
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