Scottish Freedom Tour

A 9 day tour exploring Scotland by rail, Scottish Freedom takes you on some of Britain's most spectacular rail journeys including passing throught the Highlands lanscapes and over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. Enjoy the highlights of Scotland including Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William and Edinburgh.

The Tour

Day 1 - City of Glasgow

Landing in Edinburgh, make the short rail trip to Glasgow to explore Scotland's largest city, a thriving contemporary metropolis with unique Scottish character. Discover the glamorous West End visiting the Kelvingrove Museum and Park before wandering down the famous Sauchiehall Street to central Glasgow where the air is often filled with the sound of the bagpipes of the street entertainers on Buchanan Street. View Glasgow Cathedral and discover the tales of St Mungo before a visit to George Square to see the Victorian Statues and Georgian facaded buildings. In the evening enjoy the fashionable Merchant city with its host of bars and restaurants.

Overnight Glasgow

Day 2 Loch Lomond and Fort William

Today's rail journey speeds you out of the city and in to the stunning countryside of the Loch Lomond National Park , along larges stretches of shores of the Loch itself and through quaint Scottish towns and villages. Passing in to the Highlands the Railway line leaves all signs of roads and settlements leaving you with nothing but mile after mile of beautiful scenery. Finally running along the banks of Loch Treig the line turns for the coast to the quaint fishing town of Fort William. Spend the afternoon exploring the harbour, town-centre and take a bus or taxi ride south to Glencoe infamous and eerie setting for a massive clan massacre in the 1600s.

Overnight Fort William.

Day 3 - The Isle of Skye

A short but spectacular rail journey, crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct (famed from the Harry Potter movies and the Hogwarts Express), takes you to Mallaig where you can pick up the ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye . From here take the bus north to the heart of the island and the main town of Portree with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Explore Portree on foot taking in the bustling harbour, the quaint pastel shaded homes, Somerled Square and the Portree Visitor Centre.

Please Note: We do not recommend travel to or from Skye on a Sunday or on public holidays due to the reduced public transport service on these days.

Overnight Portree, Isle of Skye.

Day 4 The Highlands and Inverness

Return by bus to the Kyle of Lochalsh where you can once again board a train for a spectacular journey crossing the heather covered Scottish Highlands . Arriving in Inverness spend the afternoon exploring the "Capital of the Highlands" wandering the banks of the River Ness and visiting both Inverness Castle and Museum.

Overnight Inverness.

Day 5 Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Today make a bus trip South West from Inverness along the banks of Loch Ness to try and capture some picturesof the famous monster himself. Enjoy a boat trip on the Loch and make a visit to the beautiful twelfth century Urquhart Castle nestling on the banks overlooking the murky waters. In the afternoon take a second bus trip to visit either Culloden Moor or Fort George .

Overnight Inverness

Day 6 The Grampian Highlands and Aberdeen

Getting back on the rails, todays journey takes you through the Grampian Highlands of the North East with possible stops at the home of malt Dhallas Dhu in Forres and Elgin, where you'll find the Glen Moray distillery, Elgin Cathedral and Spynie Palace Spynie Palace. Arriving in Aberdeen spend the afternoon exploring this martitime city.

Overnight Aberdeen.

Day 7 - Stirling and Stirling Castle

Returning towards southern Scotland take the train from Aberdeen to Stirling, home of the sites of some of Braveheart's Battles. Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town up to the stunning Stirling Castle once home to Mary Queen of Scots. A short bus or taxi ride takes you to the national Wallace Monument where you can climb to the top of the tower perched on a rocky precipice to give you unrivaled views over Stirling, the distant castle and the magical valleys and landscapes of Stirlingshire.

Overnight Stirling.

Day 8 Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

A short train ride and you'll find yourself in Edinburgh. Amble the cobbled streets of the medieval old town and the Townhouses of the Georgian New Town. Enjoy shopping on the world-famous Princes Street and Head up the royal mile to Edinburgh Castle overlooking the bustling city. Visit the "Spirit of the Tattoo" and "Water of Life - Whiskey Experience" exhibitions before climbing to Arthur's seat for unrivaled city views and don't miss out on a visit to the grand Holyrood House and modern Scottish Parliament buildings.

Overnight Edinburgh

Day 9 Return Home

Make your way back tot he airport in Edinburgh for your return flight home.

What's Included

• 8 nights hotel accommodation.
• 8 in 15 day Britrail Scottish Freedom Pass (includes ferry crossings to Skye and bus links throughout Scotland).
• Our myguideBritain vacation documents package.
• Toll-free calls to your Britain Vacation Specialist.

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