A Castle on the Shores of Loch Fyne

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A Castle on the Shores of Loch Fyne



Tour Description:

FIND YOURSELF ENTRANCED BY THE SCENES OF SCOTLAND AS YOU RIDE ABOARD THE WORLD-FAMOUS WEST HIGHLAND LINE, VISIT ANCIENT CASTLES, FERRY TO BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE RICH CULTURE OF THE REGION ON THIS WEEK-LONG TOUR FROM GLASGOW.

The idyllic surroundings of coastal Scotland await your exploration on this rail tour. Glasgow is both the beginning and the ending point for this journey, and in between, we take two magnificent journeys aboard the West Highland Line, spend four nights in a castle from the 1800s, visit two islands, peruse historic buildings and lovely gardens, and enjoy the tastes of Scotland. Beginning in Glasgow, we board the West Highland Line and spend the day traveling through the Scottish Highlands to coastal Oban. A coach takes us inland to Stonefield Castle, our home base for the next four days. Daily excursions offer a glimpse at Scotland’s West Coast, including the village of Tarbert, the Isle of Bute, Inveraray Castle and Crarae Gardens. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore the sites and offerings of each destination and immerse yourself in the culture through lore, food and drink. The best of Scotland awaits.

Your vacation start or end can be tailored to meet your travel needs.

Highlights:
* Standard Class rail
* 6 nights' hotel accommodations
* 13 meals including 6 breakfasts , 1 lunch and 6 dinners, including 1 farewell dinner in Stonefield Castle
* Journey on the West Highland Line
* Whisky tasting
* Visit to Crarae Gardens
* Excursion to Mount Stuart with afternoon tea
* Guided tour of Inveraray Castle
* Stonefield Castle on Loch Fyne
* Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides for touring

Map for A Castle on the Shores of Loch Fyne
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Meeting in Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow, and transfer to the 4-star Indigo Hotel, where you meet your tour manager. Enjoy free time to begin your explorations of this bustling city before returning to the hotel this evening for dinner with your fellow travelers. Overnight Glasgow. (D)

Day 2 - Glasgow to Stonefield Castle
One of the world's most spectacular scenic railroad lines, the West Highland Line - known as the “Iron Road to the Isles” - is our guide today. From Glasgow, we travel to the boast at Oban, surrounded by idyllic bay scenery. During your leisure time here, you may wish to visit the War & Peace Museum, which details the history of the area, especially its pivotal role as a naval port during World War II. Alternatively, tour McCaig's Tower. With a design inspired by the Roman Colosseum, this tower is the focal point of the town that provides wonderful views of Oban and its harbor. Of course, no tour to Oban is complete without a visit to the Oban Whiskey Distillery, and the Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel are also within walking distance. Later, we travel by coach to Stonefield Castle for the first of four nights. Overnight Stonefield. (B, D)

Day 3 - Morning at leisure and Tarbert
This morning is spent at leisure at the castle.  Explore the grounds and the Loch. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.  A coach takes us to Tarbert, where upon arrival, you are at leisure to explore the charming Scottish village. Built around an inlet to the nearby Loch Fyne, this destination features an ancient 13th-century castle, a charming harbor surrounded by colorful homes and a vibrant heritage. This evening, we return to Stonefield Castle for dinner. Overnight Stonefield. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Mount Stuart
Today, a short ferry crossing takes us to the Isle of Bute, where we visit one of the world's most spectacular Victorian Gothic mansions, Mount Stuart. The ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute was designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson for the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the late 1870s. The house is the seat of the Stuarts of Bute, direct male-line descendants of John Stewart, the illegitimate son of King Robert II of Scotland, the first Stuart King. The main part of the house provides a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and features stunning red stone walls, a Marble Hall with a map of the stars on the ceiling and an elaborate Marble Chapel, complete with a spiraling spired tower. The two wings of the home are built in a contrasting Georgian architectural style and continue to impress with their luxurious furnishings and innovative design. Outside, 300 acres of gardens offer a glimpse at the living history of Mount Stuart, as some of the smaller gardens were first planted over 300 years ago. We enjoy an afternoon tea here, relaxing on the charming grounds of this heritage home. Overnight Stonefield. (B, D)

Day 5 - Inveraray Castle & Crarae Gardens
A scenic drive takes us to Inveraray Castle, the imposing ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll, this morning. During our guided tour, we explore the lavish rooms and learn about the folklore and legends that have shaped this region of Scotland. The 18th-century Gothic Revival castle is surrounded by 16-acres of verdant gardens, which we also admire. Following, enjoy free time in the nearby town of Inveraray on the western shore of Loch Fyne. During your explorations, learn about prison life in the 1800s at the historic Inveraray Jail, listen to the pleasing brass acoustics at the Bell Tower, learn about the lives of early inhabitants at Argyll Folk Museum or simply admire the historical architecture of the town. In the afternoon, we take a coach to Crarae Garden - a lovely Himalayan-inspired garden that features cliffs, waterfalls and an impressive collection of flora. The day concludes as we join for a farewell dinner. Overnight Stonefield. (B, D)

Day 6 - Return to Glasgow
The day’s journey begins as we transfer by coach to Oban at the edge of the Highlands. From here, we retrace our route to Glasgow, enjoying another spectacular journey on the West Highland Line. Overnight Glasgow. (B, D)

Day 7 - Tour Conclusion
Our Scottish adventure concludes after breakfast. (B)