The Royal Scotsman - Grand Tour of Great Britain

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The Royal Scotsman

Grand Tour of Great Britain



Tour Description:

JOURNEY ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN THROUGH EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPES OF SWEEPING GLENS, TOWERING PEAKS AND MIRROR-CALM LOCHS ON THIS ROUND-BRITAIN ITINERARY.

Explore some of Great Britain's most historic and noteworthy cities on this 8-day luxury rail journey through Scotland, Wales, and England. Beginning and ending in Edinburgh, make a grand circle as you travel to Aviemore, down through the Lake District to Chester, stopping to visit heritage railways of Wales, and continuing on to Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, and York aboard the renowned Royal Scotsman.

Highlights:
* Rail travel aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train (7 nights on train)
* Steam-train journey to Snowdonia National Park via the Welsh Highland Railway
* All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours
* All beverages including alcoholic drinks
* Visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
* Tour of Culloden Battlefield and the Strathisla Distillery
* Visit to Chester Cathedral
* Private evening drinks reception at Gwydir Castle
* Private tour of Plas Cadnant Gardens
* Visit to Bath with guided tour of Roman baths
* Tour of Cambridge with private tour of the Parker Library
* Guided walking tour of York including the York Minster
* Private Gala dinner at Alnwick Castle
* Traditional entertainment on board
* 24-hour steward service

Map for The Royal Scotsman - Grand Tour of Great Britain
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Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Edinburgh
Depart from Edinburgh and travel through Perth, enjoying afternoon tea on the Highland Line to Aviemore. Arrive early evening in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten. Cocktails are served followed by an informal dinner. Overnight train.

Day 2 - Keith
Start the day with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate, where a variety of activities await including clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks. Return to the train for lunch before visiting Culloden battlefield, which marks the site of the historic battle between the Duke of Cumberland and “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” Afterwards, the Royal Scotsman continues its journey east to Keith for an opportunity to visit the Strathisla Distillery. After rejoining the train, the journey continues through Speyside toward Dundee on the banks of the Firth of Tay. Overnight train.

Day 3 - Chester
The Royal Scotsman heads south into England today, passing the Lake District National Park. Arrive in Chester, located near the border of Wales, and embark on a historical walking tour of the city including a reception in the cathedral. Return to the train for an informal dinner as the Royal Scotsman crosses into Wales. After dinner, enjoy a visit to Gwydir Castle, a manor house dating back to the 1500's. Overnight train.

Day 4 – Snowdonia
Today visit the royal town of Caernarfon, best known for the picturesque Caernarfon Castle built by King Edward I, and enjoy a ride on a steam train into Snowdonia National Park. Later, travel to the Isle of Anglesey for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Estate, one of North Wales' best kept secrets. Return to the Royal Scotsman this evening in time for dinner. Overnight train.

Day 5 – Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
This morning enjoy breakfast on board the train as the Royal Scotsman makes its way south to Bath, one of the oldest tourist towns in England and a historic Roman spa city. This World Heritage Site is famous for its three main hot springs and medieval heritage and architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the Roman baths with free time to explore this unique city. Next, enjoy a light lunch and time to relax before disembarking in Oxford for dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. Afterwards, rejoin the train for an after-dinner drink as the train travels south through Berkshire and then through the outskirts of London before heading north to the private Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough. Overnight train.

Day 6 - Cambridge
Visit the university town of Cambridge today. See one of its ancient colleges, historic Corpus Christi College, including the Parker library with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. The train overnights in Scarborough tonight.

Day 7 - York
Enjoy breakfast as the train makes its way from Scarborough to York. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the walled city including York Minster. Rejoin the train for the journey through Northumberland into Alnmouth. Upon arrival early this evening, disembark the train for a celebratory private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. Return to the train this evening for the final night onboard. Overnight train.

Day 8 – Edinburgh
Depart Northumberland early this morning, cross the border back into Scotland, and arrive at Edinburgh Waverly Station after breakfast, where your rail journey comes to an end.