Premier Round Scotland by Train from £1699pp for 7 nts

We are delighted to introduce this new holiday for 2012, which combines some of the best small, luxury hotels in Scotland, travel by spectacular railways and day tours with local guides. It is designed for the individual traveller, happy not to be confined by a group, but looking for personal service and transfers at each destination,

Day One - The West Highland Line

Your journey starts by train from Glasgow by travelling the scenic West Highland line from Glasgow passing by Loch Lomond and over Rannoch Moor, where the line runs many miles away from any roads,  to reach Fort William. Here a short taxi ride away is the unique Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a fine five star country house, your first stop on this journey.

Day Two - Over the sea to Skye

Today travel first class on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct and through some more stunning highland scenery, before reaching the ferry port. Next travel by ferry over the sea to southern Skye, where a local taxi will whisk you the short journey to reach your white-washed hotel in a superb loch side setting. Kinloch Lodge is also a Michelin Award winning restaurant so dining here is a memorable experience.

Day Three - Touring the Isle of Skye

A day to relax and explore with the service of our local guide. He will design the day around your preferences, whether it is to enjoy the superb mountain and coastal scenery which have made Skye such a favourite with visitors for generations, discover the historical castles of Dunvegan and Armadale, find quality arts and crafts, or visit the Talisker distillery. Return to Kinloch for a second night.

Day Four - to Loch Ness

Another taxi ride across the Skye bridge, then catch your next train, at Kyle of Lochalsh, for a majestic and dramatically picturesque trip to Inverness. On arrival you will transfer to the perfectly situated Loch Ness Lodge, a 5 star famliy run small hotel with superb views of Loch Ness. Ideal for a spot of gentle Nessie- spotting.

Day Five - boat trip on Loch Ness

Time perhaps to explore the nearby highland capital of Inverness. You will also enjoy getting close to the Loch with a boat trip from a nearby jetty, perhaps also visiting Castle Urquhart. Stay a second night at Loch Ness.

Day Six - To Perthshire

Return to Inverness by road then join the first class Scotrail service south through the highlands to the popular tourist town of Pitlochry. Overnight tonight in the nearby village of Killiecrankie, where you will stay in a comfortable country house hotel.

Day Seven  - free day to relax

Time to explore the adjacent National Trust gorge, site of another famous battle, or take a taxi to visit nearby Blair Castle, with the adjacent House of Bruar - a mecca for Scottish souvenir shopping, or simply relax in comfortable country house surroundings. We can also arrange a full day tour with private guide, perhaps to visit the many castles within a short drive, including Stirling. (Extra cost, see below)

Day Eight - to Edinburgh

Return to Pitlochry for your final train journey to Edinburgh - with options to extend your stay in the city.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from April to October.  Holidays from 14th May onwards include the Jacobite steam train. Outside these dates the same route can also be booked, but a standard train service operates to Mallaig.

The price is £1699 per person for October, £1729 for April, £1769 for May & June, £1789 per person for July, August & September. Price is based on two adults sharing a double or twin room and includes 3 nights bed & breakfast, and 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in our hand-picked selection of small 4 and 5 star hotels. Train travel where possible will be in 1st class including the Jacobite steam train, but standard class from Glasgow to Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness. Taxi transfers are included in Skye, Inverness & Pitlochry. The holiday includes a private guided tour of Skye, and boat trip on Loch Ness. A day tour with private guide can be arranged in Perthshire for an extra £120pp

We would also be delighted to assist with hotel reservations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, from our selection of centrally located, high quality 4 and 5 star hotel options.

All train touring holidays include a map of Scotland, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday. As porterage is not included in this largely self-guided holiday, and assistance at train stations is somewhat sporadic, we recommend packing just one suitcase per person.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

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