We are delighted to present a four day weekend tour to the Highlands of Scotland featuring not only some of the most dramatic and spectacular scenery as we journey up the highland main line and along the remote route to Kyle of Lochalsh, but also optional off train excursions to magnificent castles, and even a whisky distillery. Our journey includes a trip along the world famous Settle to Carlisle line and we return over the Forth Bridge. Accommodation for three nights is at the luxuriously appointed Macdonald Highland Resort in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park at Aviemore.
Friday 9th May:
 Following passenger stops as above we have a fast run through Stafford and Crewe to just south of Preston where our train takes the ‘middle route to Scotland’ high into the Pennines for a memorable journey over the world famous Settle to Carlisle line when we can marvel at this masterpiece of Victorian engineering, including a slow run over the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct at Blea Moor. At Carlisle there will be a short break for a leg stretch before we continue over the border at Gretna Green and the climb to Beattock before joining the highland line which takes us through Stirling and Perth – then over the highest railway summit in Britain at Druimuachdar, to Aviemore with an arrival at approx 21.50. Guests in Pullman and Premier will be served a full English breakfast, followed by a two course luncheon and three course dinner.
Saturday 10th May:
 Breakfast is taken in the hotel before the short stroll to Aviemore station where our train will be waiting to depart at 10.15 on one of the ‘great railway journeys in the world’ - the scenic route to Kyle of Lochalsh. After travelling over the high plateau at Achnasheen, where great herds of wild deer roam, we begin the descent down to sea level and around the shores of beautiful Loch Carron to Kyle of Lochalsh for a two hour break. An optional excursion is detailed below. We return in the late afternoon retracing our scenic outward journey to Aviemore for a 20.20 arrival. Guests in Pullman and Premier will be served a two course luncheon and three course dinner.
 Eilean Donan Castle: Road coaches will take us on the short journey to visit one of the most iconic images of Scotland - ‘Eilean Donan Castle’ situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by majestic scenery; it was used as the location for the movie ‘Highlander’ and around 45 minutes will be available for a stroll around the ramparts and photographs. Price £10 per person.
Sunday 11th May:
Following breakfast in the hotel the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure - with Aviemore being set in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park the resort offers boundless opportunities to experience numerous activities including a journey beside the River Spey on the steam hauled ‘Strathspey Railway’, or perhaps take the regular bus service to the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway for a journey to the mountain summit which offers spectacular views. We have not arranged any evening meals today but the hotel restaurants (pre-booking required) and numerous eateries within Aviemore are available. There is an optional excursion should you wish to partake:
 Ballindalloch Castle and a ‘wee dram’: Road coaches will leave the hotel around 10.45 for the 60 minute scenic drive to the Glen Grant Distillery built in 1840 where a guided tour has been arranged, followed by a walk around the Glen Grant garden and is a fine example of a Victorian woodland garden set out by the Major himself – and a tasting of the ‘highland nectar’ in the heather thatched dram pavilion. We then travel to Ballindalloch Castle, known as the pearl of the north it is located in the heart of Speyside surrounded by majestic hills and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds the setting is truly magnificent being the home of the oldest Aberdeen Angus herd in the world. It is one of the few privately owned castles to have been lived in continuously by its original family - the Macpherson-Grants have resided here since 1546. A tour of the house and gardens are included. Our return to Aviemore is in the late afternoon: Price £20 per person.
Monday 12th May:
 An early breakfast will be served in the hotel for standard class guests and our train will be waiting at 06.50 to transport us homeward as we journey south through the highlands to Perth where we take the route through Ladybank and over the magnificent Forth Bridge. We then journey over Beattock and back into England, thence via Shap summit with spectacular views over the Lakeland mountains arriving back into Poole shortly after midnight. Guests in Pullman and Premier will be served the great Scottish breakfast, followed by a sumptuous four course ‘taste of Scotland’ luncheon and evening supper.
Accommodation:
The hotel accommodation for all guests will be at the Macdonald Highland Resort for three nights which comprises of two different hotels and are situated a short 200 yard walk from Aviemore station in a woodland setting. Leisure facilities are available at the resorts highland leisure arena, a 2 min walk from the hotel.
Pullman Class: Accommodation will be in twin or double rooms in the luxurious 4 star “Highland Hotel” with breakfast served in the contemporary ‘Aspects’ restaurant. Seating on the train is in air conditioned ‘Pullman’ carriages with panoramic windows, wide seats and extra legroom at tables of 4 or 2. Included in the price is a complimentary ½ bottle of wine served with three or four course lunches or dinners.
Premier Class: Accommodation will be in twin or double rooms, in the 3 star “Academy Hotel” with breakfast served in the Highland Food Court, 200 yards from the hotel offering a buffet and continental breakfast option. Seating on the train is in 1st class carriages with wide windows and opening top lights at tables of 4 or 2.
Pullman and Premier Passengers intending to join the train at Birmingham & Crewe should note they will not be served breakfast on the outward journey, or supper on the return due to timing constraints.
Standard Class: Accommodation will be in twin or double rooms in the 3 star “Academy Hotel” with breakfast served in the Highland Food Court, 200 yards from the hotel. No other meals are included in the tour but a buffet car will be available on the train for the sale of hot & cold beverages and snacks. Seating on the train is in standard class carriages with wide windows and opening top lights at tables of 4.
Locomotives: The train will be hauled between Poole and Carlisle by a modern class 67 diesel engine and north of Carlisle it will be double headed by two class 37 heritage diesels.
Luggage: Please be aware that passengers are responsible for the conveyance of their own luggage and as such it is advisable not to ‘overload’ one and to ensure cases are easily manageable. These should be stored between the seats or on luggage racks.
Insurance: We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance when booking any UK holiday for your own protection and peace of mind. We are regrettably unable to arrange this for you.
Dress Code: Smart casual wear is the order of the day on board our train (but not shorts) except in the hotel restaurants where more formal wear is customary. The weather can still be on the chilly side in Scotland even in May so please ensure you carry practical clothing.
Optional Excursions: Spaces on the optional tours are strictly limited and they should be pre-booked at the same time as the main tour.
Timings: All timings shown are approximate and should be treated as a guide only, they are subject to confirmation by Network Rail and final confirmed timings and tickets will be posted to all guests no later than 5 days prior to departure.
On Train Meals: We respectfully advise guests in Pullman and Premier class that all meals are to a set menu and a Vegetarian alternative can only be arranged if this has been pre-booked through our reservations office. We are unable to cater for any other dietary requirement other than Vegetarian. The meal service on board our train is provided by ‘Rail Gourmet’ – Royal Train caterers to Her Majesty the Queen.
Standard Class…......................£295
Premier Class………................£580
Premier Class (table of 4).......£2220
Pullman Class............................£675
Pullman Class (table of 4)......£2600
A very limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of £75 per person
Guaranteed window tables for 2 are available in Premier Class & Pullman Class at a supplement of £40 per person.
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