For hundreds of years, the wooded hills and glens and the crystal-clear lochs of the Trossachs have inspired visitors from all over the world.
On this exclusive four-day holiday, you will travel over land, sea and loch, with multiple journeys powered by steam. Travelling on the famous Jacobite steam train and the SS Sir Walter Scott, you will take in the impressive sight of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, enjoy a unique experience on the world's first rotating boat lift, and pass over the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films.
You'll also take a voyage on Loch Katrine on the SS Sir Walter Scott. The scenery around the loch is breathtaking - at its northern end is Glengyle, the birthplace of Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy.
In the 1930s, the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals were linked by 11 locks that took almost a day for a boat to pass through. Nowadays, the Falkirk Wheel, opened by the Queen in 2002, does the job in four minutes. As part of your boat journey, you will experience the world's first rotating boat lift for yourself before sailing along the Union Canal below the historic Antonine Wall to its visitor centre. This UNESCO World Heritage site marked the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, some 99 miles north of the better-known Hadrian's Wall.
The Fort William to Mallaig railway line is frequently voted the world's greatest railway journey. Your steam train round-trip begins at the southern end of the Great Glen, in the shadow of Ben Nevis at Fort William. Hopping aboard The Jacobite, you will puff past rugged scenery, craggy coastlines and inland lochs, including Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. After a stop for local seafood or fish and chips in the port of Mallaig, you will return to Fort William and enjoy Champagne back at the hotel.
Franceska and John Neeve, from Somerset, who previously joined the trip, say:
"The train was comfortable and very nostalgic. We all enjoyed the ride. Chugging around the actual bend to see the viaduct was a very exciting moment."
You can read more about their trip here.
Bestselling novelist and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, has been presenting the weather for more than 20 years and famously danced with Pasha Kovalev in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing. Carol grew up in Morar on Scotland's west coast. Her latest novel, Secrets of the Villa Amore, is set on the Amalfi Coast.
Additional information
Pick-up points
Departure
Edinburgh airport (tram terminus) 11.30
Edinburgh town (Outside the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road) 11.45
Return
Edinburgh airport (tram terminus) 15.30
Edinburgh town (Outside the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road) 15.45
Single supplement
£195
Accommodation
The Winnock Hotel, Drymen
*This information is indicative and subject to change*
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £195. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. If the Jacobite is out of action, an alternative journey will be arranged. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).
Depart from your chosen pick-up point and travel to the Falkirk Wheel, the world's first rotating boat lift. We shall start the journey on the water at New Port Downie, from where you will sail into the Falkirk Wheel. Enjoy the truly spectacular scenery as the wheel commences its graceful ascent to join the Union Canal 35m above. We sail along the Union Canal and under the historic Antonine Wall - the Roman's most northern frontier - before you enjoy a wander through the Visitor Centre, where lunch is available (not included).
We continue to The Winnock Hotel, where dinner with wine will be served in the evening.
After breakfast, you'll head for Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest inland body of water, and depart on a 60-minute 'Northern Highlights Cruise' with full commentary.
As you cross to the far side of the loch you'll hear the story of 'Rob Roy' MacGregor who was born by Loch Katrine in the 17th century and lived at Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond. After fighting in the Jacobite Rising he became a respected cattleman but defaulted on a loan and was branded an outlaw - legends abound of his secret prison and hiding place in local caves.
You'll then cross the mountain pass known as the 'Rest and Be Thankful' and descend to the shores of Loch Fyne, a long fjord-like sea loch.
This afternoon you'll visit Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century. The house is a mostly mid-18th century neo-Gothic design. The interior includes a number of neoclassical rooms created for the 5th Duke of Argyll.
Today, following an early start, we will journey back in time on the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most memorable and spectacular railway journeys in the world - the famous Fort William to Mallaig line following The Road to the Isles. "The Jacobite" combines the romance of the steam era with the opportunity to drink in the stunning views of this wild and historic part of Scotland. From the slopes of Ben Nevis the line runs through rugged mountains, past sea and inland lochs and onto the shores of the Atlantic at Mallaig. The route also takes us over the massive Glenfinnan viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745.
There is time to enjoy lunch (not included) in Mallaig, whether you choose fish and chips, crab sandwiches or freshly landed lobster, but do leave room for a special treat, as, on arrival in Fort William we'll return by coach to the hotel, where we'll enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne before dinner.
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart for a cruise on Loch Katrine, the tranquil loch which serves as Glasgow's water supply. Sit back and relax as we glide across the water and savour the famed charms of The Trossachs, a highly scenic area of lochs, hills and woods.
Following our cruise we continue through The Trossachs to Callander, where there will be an opportunity for lunch (not included). Thereafter we return to the airport or make onward connections.
Former coaching inn in the heart of Loch Lomond National Park
A former coaching inn, The Winnock Hotel has been lovingly restored and tastefully extended to its present day form. The hotel boasts 73 bedrooms, cosy lounges with open log fires, a characterful restaurant, function room and public lounge bar. Bedrooms include satellite TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, en-suite toilet with bath and/or shower and direct dial telephone. Fine food, wines, ales and whiskies are on offer from the Merlin Restaurant and Ptarmigan Bar, and occasionally a Ceilidh Party Night is held in the Capercaillie Room, when you can dance away into the wee hours.
To view Brightwater Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £195. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. If the Jacobite is out of action, an alternative journey will be arranged. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).