Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

R omantic H ighlander

A delightful Railtrail tour inspired by the original BBC “Great Railway Journeys of the World” TV series which saw Sir Michael Palin travelling through the spectacular Scottish Highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Our popular Romantic Highlander tour is based at one of Railtrail’s best loved hotels and includes the fabulous Jacobite steam train.

DAY 1 For those on our rail inclusive package the wonderfully picturesque Highland Line takes you through Perth, Pitlochry and over Cairngorm Mountains to Inverness and our hotel is on the banks of the River Ness. (D) DAY 2 Travelling through the Great Glen to Fort William we journey on one of Scotland’s most scenic railway journeys as we join the Jacobite Steam Train * on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig.The train line takes us over the impressive Glennfinnan Viaduct , capturing the views of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument standing proudly at the head of Loch Shiel.The viaduct is now famous for its association with the “Harry Potter” movies. Circumnavigating Loch Eilt, with the small island home to the remnant of the original Caledonian Forest, the steam train continues with astonishing vistas of the Atlantic coastline before arriving at Mallaig overlooking the Isle of Skye. We have a short break for sightseeing in Mallaig before journeying back to Fort William and onto Inverness in time for dinner. (B,D) Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Porterage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Sir Michael Palin’s ‘Great Railway Journey’ to the Kyle of Lochalsh ★ Take the Jacobite steam train on the ‘West Highland Line’ between Fort William and Mallaig ★ Cross the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, of “Harry Potter” movie fame ★ Spectacular mountain scenery of the Highland Line to Inverness ★ Nostalgic steam train ride on the Strathspey Railway ★ Enjoy a light lunch overlooking the Isle of Skye ★ Stay in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands ★ Superb spa hotel leisure facilities Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus light refreshments on the Strathspey Railway and 1 light lunch ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home

Fares From £999

5 DAYS

Jacobite Steam Train

© shutterstock

DAY 3 This morning we travel by train to Cairngorms National Park and the mountain resort of Aviemore. Here we enjoy a wonderful whiff of nostalgia on the Strathspey Steam Railway with refreshments served en route as we steam along the whole length of the line from Aviemore to Broomhill (renowned as Glenbogle in the old TV series ‘Monarch of the Glen’). When we arrive back in Aviemore we board our return train and travel through stunning Highland scenery as we complete our journey back to Inverness. (B,LR,D) DAY 4 After breakfast we take the wonderful Kyle Line train, Scotland’s original “Great Railway Journey of the World” , simply one of the world’s finest coast to coast rail adventures through stunning scenery and across the great mountain plateau. Look out for wild deer, eagles, and the palm trees of Plockton village before dramatic sea vistas are revealed as we arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh . Here we enjoy a light lunch at Kyle Hotel and admire the superb views across to the Isle of Skye, just as Sir Michael Palin did before retracing our steps to Inverness. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Today we bid farewell to Inverness and, if travelling by train, return over the mountains to Edinburgh and homeward stations. (B) *In the unlikely event of the steam train being unavailable we reserve the right to substitute a diesel train or undertake the journey by road coach.

DEPARTS

Tuesday 25 June 2024 Tuesday 24 September 2024

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £1465 £1479 £1525 £1525 £1505 £1349 £1319 £1245 £1199 £1269 £1395 £1355 N/A

STANDARD

£1235 £1255 £1279 £1279 £1285 £1179 £1169 £1139 £1115 £1129 £1209 £1195

HOTEL Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Overlooking the River Ness, just a short stroll from the city centre, this 4-star hotel has well-appointed bedrooms with hospitality tray, radio, TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a stylish bar and restaurant, relaxing lounge and superb newly refurbished leisure club with indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gymnasium. class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal plus light refreshments on the Strathspey Railway and 1 light lunch Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage Scotland £1069 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £1009 SEPTEMBER Departure Supplement £50 Single Room Supplement £255 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard

Strathspey Steam Railway

© shutterstock © SSR

Kyle of Lochalsh & Bridge to Skye

Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel

© shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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