INTRAV's
Waterways of the Scottish Glens
June 12-23, 2002
Optional Pre-tour on the Royal Scotsman
June 8-11
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1, June 12
Depart U.S.A.
For those taking the cruise only, fly from the U.S. today en
route to Glasgow via London.
Day 2, June 13
Arrive Edinburgh, Scotland
Arrive in London, England, for connecting flight to Edinburgh,
Scotland. Check in to the deluxe Balmoral Hotel. Get to know
your fellow travelers and tour director at a welcome cocktail
reception at the hotel this evening.
Day 3, June 14
Edinburgh
On a panoramic city tour that precedes the visit to Edinburgh
Castle, view the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence
of the Queen when she visits Scotland; Old and New Towns; Calton
Hill; and much more.
Our final stop will be to tour Edinburgh Castle, the place where Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI of Scotland, later to become James I of England. Among other highlights in the castle complex, see the Scottish Crown jewels; the Great Hall; the War Memorial; St. Margaret's Chapel; and the Stone of Scone, on which kings and queens (including the present Queen Elizabeth) have been crowned for more than 1,000 years. This stone has only recently been returned to Scotland from England, where it resided in Westminster Abbey as part of the Coronation Chair. Have dinner in Edinburgh this evening.
Day 4, June 15
Blair Atholl/Inverness (Embark the Lord of the Glens)
After breakfast, we transfer by motorcoach from Edinburgh to
Inverness, with sightseeing en route. Enjoy a tour of a local
distillery followed by a transfer to Blair Castle, where you
can enjoy a self-guided tour. After lunch is served, you will
also visit the nearby House of Bruar, where you may shop for
fine cashmere, wool, tweeds and other distinctive goods. From
there we will return to Inverness, where our ship, the Lord of
the Glens, will be waiting. Embark the ship and relax in your
cabin until the Captain's welcome reception and dinner, served
on board.
Day 5, June 16
Inverness
After breakfast, head out to explore Inverness. Visit Culloden
Moor, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle. On Culloden Moor, walk
the battlefield where Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie)
and his 5,000 Jacobites perished in the 1746 battle led by the
Duke of Cumberland. At nearby Clava Cairns, explore the cluster
of Bronze Age stones and monuments that forms a large 
ring with passage graves reached via
a tunnel. Transfer back to the ship for lunch before visiting
Cawdor Castle. Listen for echoes of Shakespeare's Macbeth in
the halls of the 11th century castle where, as "thane of
Cawdor," he allegedly murdered King Duncan. Enjoy tea in
the café before rejoining the ship in Inverness.
Day 6, June 17
Urquhart Castle / Fort Augustus
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and pass through Dochgarroch Lock
this morning as we approach Loch Ness, largest and deepest loch
on the canal. Sail toward Fort Augustus, a tiny village literally
built around the five locks of the same name. Townspeople will
gather to watch our beautiful ship as it is lowered through the
locks of Fort Augustus. The view from the top of these locks
and the transit through them are highlights of this journey.
From our docking spot at the base of the locks, visit nearby
Urquhart Castle - the plundered medieval fortress set on a promontory
overlooking Loch Ness and a favored spot for sighting the loch's
legendary "monster." Return to the ship docked at Ft.
Augustus, and enjoy the remain of the afternoon and evening at
leisure, including dinner on board.
Day 7, June 18
Fort William
Pass through a 3 mile section of canal and Cullochy Lock before
arriving into Loch Oich, probably the prettiest of all the Highland
lochs. Experience Laggan's Avenue - a tree-lined section of the
canal where golden eagles are often seen soaring high in the
sky - before arriving at Fort William, a rugged little town nestled
at the foot of the Nevis Mountain Range. A gondola ride takes
you up Aonach Mor adjacent to Ben Nevis, Scotland's (and
Britain's) highest mountain to a restaurant and lookout
point at an altitude of 2,150 feet. Enjoy refreshments while
gazing out over the Highland scenery and western isles. After
descending the mountain, there will be time for independent exploration
in Fort William. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Day 8, June 19
Highlands / Isle of Skye / Fort William
Embark scheduled rail service in Fort William this morning for
an unforgettably scenic journey westward to Mallaig. Traveling
along the Road to the Isles a dramatic region of bog, mountain
and moorland cleaved by sea lochs and fringed by stunning sand
beaches view the Genfinnan Viaduct and Monument from the
train. This historic spots commemorates the moment when estranged
Highland clans set aside their differences to join forces and
rally to the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
After arriving in Mallaig,
cross by ferry "over the sea to Skye" for a visit to
the Clan Donald Center and its gardens located on the southern
end of the Isle of Skye. Then it's over the new bridge connecting
Skye with the mainland the Kyle of Lochalsh to glimpse
Scotland's 
most photographed castle, Eilean Donan,
located in a glen on Loch Duich. Throughout today's itinerary,
experience some of Scotland's most stunning highland and coastal
scenery.
Day 9, June 20
Neptune's Staircase / Tobermory, Isle of Mull
This morning we transit "Neptune's Staircase," a flight
of eight locks that lowers the ship from Loch Lochy into Loch
Linnhe. Revel in the scenery and have a leisurely lunch on board
this afternoon before arriving in Tobermory, a darling harbor
with multi-colored buildings and many docked yachts. Enjoy a
walking tour of the harbor front; visit the Clock Tower, Mull
Museum or Tobermory Distillery. Tonight enjoy a captain's farewell
reception followed by dinner on board.
Day 10, June 21
Isle of Mull / Isle of Iona / Oban
Enjoy a full day tour of the Isle of Mull and Islet of Iona.
Mull is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands and features
rough moorlands and rocky harbor areas. Travel overland across
the rugged highland landscape and see ruins of homes that tenants
were forced to abandon during the infamous Highland Clearances.
Cross by ferry to the small and enchanting Isle of Iona, the cradle of Scottish Christianity and ancient burial site of Scotland's kings. Founded by the Irish St. Columba in 563, Iona's Benedictine abbey is said to house the remains of as many as 60 Scottish kings in its restored graveyard. The absence of automobiles on this small island adds to its tranquil, spiritual atmosphere. Returning to Mull, visit the seat of the Clan Maclean at Duart Castle With granite towers that loom over the bay, it is a sentinel for the island.
Day 11, June 22
Oban (Disembark the Lord of the Glens) / Inveraray / Loch Lomond
After breakfast on board, disembark the Lord of the Glens in
Inverness and travel overland to Inveraray. Tour Inveraray Castle,
hidden among the dark green trees near the waters of Loch Fyne.
Also known as the Fairy Tale Castle, this impressive structure
is home to the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell. Continue
traveling south to Glasgow, where we check in to Cameron House
estate this afternoon. The estate is a delightful combination
of luxury hotel and country club on the shores of Loch Lomond.
This afternoon, walk to the marina, visit the spa or swim in
the indoor pool before joining your fellow travelers for one
final dinner together at the hotel.
Day 12, June 23
Glasgow / Return to USA
This morning depart for the airport and your return flight to
the United States.
Rates:
Category Deck(s) Description
Price
1 David Roberts Deck Full bed, picture window $5,995
2 David Roberts Deck Twin beds, picture window $6,295
3 David Roberts Deck Full or twin beds, picture window $6,595
4 Alexander Graham Bell Twin beds, picture window $6,795
5 James Watt Deck (Single) Twin beds or full bed, portholes $6,795
Rates per person are in U.S. dollars and are based on double
occupancy (except where stated otherwise).
Single Supplement (available in Categories 1 and 2 only): $2,000
Sample Airfares: To/From New York
| Atlanta $213 Chicago $314 Dallas/Ft. Worth $250 Houston $290 Miami $249 Phoenix $464 Raleigh/Durham $174 Seattle $675 Washington, DC $139 |
Baltimore $149 Cincinnati $326 Denver $367 Kansas City $294 New Orleans $250 Pittsburgh $250 San Diego $369 St. Louis $375 |
Boston $217 Cleveland $316 Detroit $188 Los Angeles $500 Philadelphia $195 Portland, OR $622 San Francisco $500 Syracuse $225 |
The above sample airfares are based on airline tariffs in effect September 1, 2000, and are subject to change. Please inquire about airfares from other cities.
International Air Credit:
$500
Passengers electing to use this air credit are solely responsible
for all air transportation.
Here's What Your Voyage
Includes:
- Round-trip, international air transportation
from the New York to Glasgow via London, returning from Edinburgh
via London
- One night at Cameron House in Loch Lomond, with
breakfast, reception, and dinner
Two nights at the deluxe Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, including
breakfast each morning and a reception
- Seven nights aboard the Lord of the Glens in
air-conditioned, all-outside cabins with full- or twin-size lower
beds, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, TV,
telephone, and private bathroom facilities with shower
- All meals aboard the ship, starting with dinner
on day of embarkation and ending with breakfast on day of disembarkation,
served at single leisurely seatings
- Lunches en route to/from the ship
- All sightseeing and shore excursions throughout
the trip, including those en route to/from the ship and in Edinburgh
- Transfers between airports/hotels/ship for INTRAV
air-ticketed passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure
and return, including tips to porters for luggage handling
- Welcome aboard and farewell receptions and dinners
aboard the Lord of the Glens
- The assistance of a professional INTRAV cruise
director and travel director, as well as a local guide throughout
the trip
- Exclusive concierge service at INTRAV hospitality
desks in Loch Lomond and Edinburgh
- INTRAV travel bag, passport wallet, and name
badge
- Full pretrip information and assistance provided
by INTRAV
- Automatic $250,000 travel insurance policy for
each INTRAV-ticketed passenger, subject to policy terms and limitations
Optional insurance coverage for baggage, accident, and trip cancellation/interruption is available.
Optional Trip Extension:
Loch Lomond Extension
Extend your stay by one night at the beautiful country estate,
Cameron House, in Loch Lomond. On your one-day extension, you
can either take advantage of the estate's outdoor pursuits, full-service
spa and health center, or join the included tour that skirts
the Trossachs en route to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's
most historically important fortresses. Also, see Bannockburn,
where Robert the Bruce defeated England in 1314, and then continue
on to Glasgow for a viewing of the Burrell Collection, one of
the richest, most diverse art collections in Europe.
Includes:
One night at Cameron House
American breakfast
Tour of Stirling Castle, Bannockburn, and the Burrell Collection
in Glasgow, with lunch
$415 per person, double occupancy
$505 single occupancy
* Airfare and transfers for this optional extension are included only if the international air is ticketed by INTRAV.
Reservations and Payment:
A deposit of $500 is required to confirm reservations. Final
payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellations:
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure date. All cancellations,
for any reason whatsoever, will be subject to a $100 per-person
administrative fee. The administrative fee can be applied toward
a future INTRAV trip within three years of the date of cancellation.
In addition, cancellations made from 89 days to 60 days prior
to departure are subject to a 10-percent cancellation fee per
tour participant; cancellations occurring within 59 days of departure
or nonappearance will result in forfeiture of the entire cost
of the trip. Domestic airfares are subject to applicable airline
cancellation fees, are subject to change without notice, and
are not included in the trip cancellation fee above. All cancellations
or claims for refund must be submitted in writing to The Society
of International Railway Travelers.
The Newly Refurbished Lord
of the Glens
The 48-passenger Lord of the Glens was completely refurbished
in May 2000 to introduce passengers to the wonders of the Great
Glen and the Caledonian Canal, while conforming to the specific
requirements of this Scottish waterway. Measuring 150 feet in
length, with a 35-foot beam and draft of 10 feet, the Lord of
the Glens provides exacting standards of comfort and safety.
Each cabin features a rich wood finish and offers either one
full- or two twin-size beds, outside-facing window or portholes,
heating, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, music channels, hair
dryer, robe, safe and full facilities en suite.
Public areas aboard the Lord
of the Glens include a spacious, single-seating dining room;
cozy bar; two lounges; and two outdoor viewing areas. The decks
and public areas have been named after remarkable people throughout
Scottish history. On board, chefs create healthy, nutritious
cuisine, making use of the bounty of local produce, fresh Scottish
poultry and, of course salmon and trout.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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