Saturday Into Scotland and on to our overnight hotel, the King Robert which is situated on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn on the outskirts of historic Stirling.
Sunday We have our first train ride which is on the Bo’Ness & Kinneil Steam Railway. From here we take the Queensferry Crossing of the Firth of Forth and continue north through the Cairngorm mountains with fabulous scenery. Our late lunchtime stop is in the Highland town of Pitlochry. Then to Kingussie and our hotel for 4 nights.
Monday A free day in our resort of Kingussie. If you wish to explore further afield there is a trainline that travels to either Inverness or Newtonmore.
Tuesday A dramatic day in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Harry Potter, and the Jacobite Rebellion! To Loch Sheil, Hogwart’s Lake in Harry Potter, for a 90-minute cruise with refreshment on board. As part of this cruise, we get to witness the famous scene in the film where the Hogwart’s Express crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Hogwart’s Express is in fact The Jacobite. Later we travel on that famous route, from Mallaig to Fort William, experiencing the great scenery on a diesel train.
Wednesday Along the Spey Valley to Aviemore, a year-round destination with beautiful scenery. Here we catch the Strathspey Steam Railway to Broomhill, a ride that enables you to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew, carriage doors slammed and there was a familiar click-clack rhythm on the rails. Later we travel further into the Highlands and visit Grantown on Spey.
Thursday A different route as we return south taking in Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Loch Lomond. Our hotel for 2 nights is the 4 star Doubletree by Hilton Westerwood, set in 120 acres of gardens against the backdrop of the Campsie Fells.
Friday All day in Edinburgh to experience the city’s skyline, cobbled streets and colorful characters.
Saturday We return home with a stop at Gretna Green.