A Classic Steam Break - 4 day tour
A Classic Steam Break
4 day/3 night
Our nostalgic journey starts with a visit to the unique Falkirk Wheel, where we board a canal boat and ascend through 35m to join the Union Canal for a cruise along this historic waterway. Next day tour through the Highlands to reach Fort William, where the Jacobite Steam Train will take us on a return journey along the super-scenic West Highland Line to Mallaig. The following day embark the PS Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer, for a cruise through the Clyde Estuary. The holiday concludes with a tour through the picturesque Trossachs region and a cruise on beautiful Loch Katrine.
The Falkirk Wheel - take in the views over Central Scotland when you take a ride on the World’s only rotating boat lift
Jacobite Steam Train - experience one of the most incredible railway journeys in the World
Mallaig - enjoy time in this historic fishing port to enjoy the views of Skye and the Small Isles
PS Waverley - cruise “Doon the Watter” to see the magnificent scenery of the Kyles of Bute
The Trossachs - discover the picturesque region of lochs and mountains known as “Scotland in Miniature.”
Loch Katrine - sail the tranquil waters and admire the scenery that inspired Sir Walter Scott
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Outlander and Jeopardy
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Falkirk Wheel - Stirling/Arrochar
Departing from Edinburgh, we make the short drive to New Port Downie near Falkirk, where a canal boat awaits our arrival. Once onboard, we sail into the gondola of the Falkirk Wheel, the World’s only rotating boat lift. Soon this feat of engineering will lift us effortlessly 35 m (115 ft) to reach the Union Canal.
There are amazing views over the surrounding countryside during the ascent. Once the Union Canal is reached, our boat takes us on a cruise, passing underneath the Antonine Wall, which marked the frontier of the Roman Empire. The destination is the Canal Visitor Centre, where there is free time to explore.
Later we make our way to our hotel, where a glass of bubbly awaits followed by dinner.
Overnight: Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling/Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar (or similar) (3 nights)
Day 2 - Jacobite Steam Train Excursion
With an exciting day in prospect, we have an early breakfast followed by a drive through the beautiful Scottish Highlands to reach Fort William, which sits overlooking Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis.
The gleaming Jacobite Steam Train awaits at the railway station to take us on a memorable journey along the spectacular West Highland Line. Travel aficionados consider this to be one of the World’s great railway journeys as it passes through craggy mountains, alongside glimmering lochs and past stunning beaches.
The highlight is undoubtedly the crossing of the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, which stands at the head of Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
There is free time in Mallaig, to enjoy lunch. The town is a bustling fishing port, so the seafood comes highly recommended!
The train will return to Fort William, where our coach awaits to take us back to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 3 - PS Waverley Excursion
After breakfast, we make our way to one of the piers on the Firth of Clyde, where we will board the PS Waverley for a pleasure cruise through the Clyde Estuary. In past times the workers in Glasgow had limited holidays and would relax by taking a steamer trip “Doon ra Watter”.
Now preserved, the paddle-steamer Waverley is the last traditional pleasure steamer operating in the Clyde. She dates from 1947 and has recently gone through a £2.3 million refurbishment that has restored this popular ship to its former glory.
The during the sail, the ship will call at various ports on the “Clyde Riviera”, then cruise through the dramatic narrows of the Kyles of Bute. We will disembark in the delightful village of Tignabruich.
The journey back to our hotel will take us through the spectacular scenery of the Western Highlands then through the “Rest and be Thankful” mountain pass.
The cruise route is subject to confirmation of the sailing schedule of the PS Waverley. Should the Waverley not be sailing, an alternative excursion will be provided.
Day 4 - Stirling/Arrochar - Loch Katrine - Edinburgh
After breakfast, we depart our hotel and make for the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The Trossachs is a picturesque region famed for its lochs and mountains.
The destination today is Loch Katrine, which, thanks to the ingenuity of Victorian engineers, provides the pure water that Glasgow residents enjoy. At Trossachs Pier, we join the MV Lady of the Lake to cruise on this attractive loch, the birthplace of the famous folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.
Later we tour along the banks of Loch Venachar to reach Callander, where we’ll enjoy some free time. Afterwards, we head back to Edinburgh and the end of this extra special short break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!
You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.
On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.
What type of room should I choose?
Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:
Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed.
Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.
Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed.
Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).
Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
Can you give me advice on tipping?
It is customary to acknowledge excellent service by offering a tip.
We are often asked for guidance on the matter. It's such a difficult question to answer; however, we offer these suggestions as being a fair amount.
If your tour was operated by a driver/guide £7.00 per person per day.
If your tour was operated by a separate driver & guide £5.00 per person per day to each staff member.
Please bear in mind that these amounts are purely discretionary and it is customary to present tips on an individual basis at the end of the tour.
Can you check availability for me?
If you need to check that there are seats available for your party then please contact us by email or by telephone. Please note that availability may change and we are unable to “hold seats' without payment.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 3 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Arrochar or Stirling (3)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (3)
- Table d’ hote dinners (3)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Falkirk Wheel and Union Canal cruise
- Return journey on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
- Cruise on the PS Waverley (if not available, a cruise on Loch Lomond and a visit to Inveraray Castle will be offered instead)
- Cruise on Loch Katrine
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
Departure information
Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh
111 Glasgow Road
Edinburgh EH12 8NF
Check-in: 11:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 11:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:00 hrs
Child details
Please contact us for information on child prices.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Tour departures on 17 May and 12 July will stay at the Stirling Highland Hotel.
All other departures will be accommodated at the Arrochar Hotel.
Departure and Return Times
The departure and return times are given for guidance only and are subject to change.
Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
BW 02987
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 17 Oct 2023
This tour is a wonderful tour of some of Scotlands beautiful areas. Our tour guide and coach driver were both excellent and helped to make our trip very enjoyable. Thanks to all concerned for a wonderful holiday
Douglas from Market Rasen, GB
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