The Royal Scotsman – Heritage Homes & Gardens

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The Royal Scotsman – Heritage Homes & Gardens



Tour Description:

ROMANTIC CASTLES WITH OUTSTANDING GARDENS ARE SHOWCASED ON THIS GUIDED TOUR, WHICH IS HOSTED BY AN EXPERT HORTICULTURALIST, PHOTOGRAPHER AND GARDEN WRITER.

Gain a wonderful insight into some of Scotland's finest properties. Discover untold stories as you are taken on guided tours, often led by the clan and estate owners themselves.

Highlights:
* 4 nights aboard the Royal Scotsman in a private cabin
* All meals aboard the train including alcoholic and other beverages
* On board entertainment
* A visit to Brechin Castle Gardens
* A tour of Foulis Castle led by a member of the Munro clan
* Visit to Attadale Gardens
* Day Trip to Isle of Skye and Clan Donald estate
* Evening drinks reception at Ballindalloch Castle and a tour or the Walled Rose Garden
* Visit to Rothiemurchus Estate
* Visit to Ruthven House and Pitmules Garden

Map for The Royal Scotsman – Heritage Homes & Gardens
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Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Day 1 - Edinburgh
Depart early afternoon. The train heads north, crossing the splendid Forth Railway Bridge. Disembark at Montrose to visit Brechin Castle Gardens, one of the finest private gardens in Scotland.

Day 2 - Kyle of Lochalsh
During a leisurely breakfast, the train makes its way to Inverness and north to Invergordon, where guests alight for a visit to the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of the Clan Munro. Mrs. Munro of Foulis and her son, Hector, the Clan Chief, welcome you, after which you can explore the grounds and courtyard garden. Alternatively, join Hector in the drawing room for a whisky tasting. Return to the train for lunch as you travel towards Kyle of Lochalsh past the Torridon mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron. Disembark at Plockton for a visit to Attadale on the west coast, this magnificent estate boasts a Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden among other treasures. The night is spent in Kyle of Lochalsh, where an informal dinner is served followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

Day 3 - Kyle of Lochalsh
Disembark after breakfast to drive across to the mystical Isle of Skye and the 2,000-acre Clan Donald Estate. You can also spend time in the award-winning museum and discover the history of the Highlands and Islands. Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh and enjoy a leisurely lunch as you retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. This evening disembark to visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with its wonderful walled gardens Rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

Day 4 - Rothiemurchus Estate
A coach takes you to the Rothiemurchus Estate, where you can tour the parkland or enjoy some of the many outdoor activities on at this breathtakingly beautiful site beneath the Cairngorm Mountains. After reboarding the train at Kingussie, you journey south to Dunkeld and alight to visit Ruthven House and Pitmuies Garden, near Forfar. Return to the train in Dundee for dinner and a final night on board.

Day 5 - On Route to Edinburgh
Depart from Dundee in the morning and return to Edinburgh.

Please Note
A September departure, featuring autumnal gardens of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Southwest Scotland, is also available. Speak with a rail specialist for inclusion and itinerary details.