A Train Ride, Bonnie Banks & Bens

21st - 26th August 2012

This new tour for 2012, based at the crossroads of three glens in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, allows visitors to explore the scenic beauty of the highlands, enjoy a relaxing loch cruise and take one of Scotland’s most memorable rail journeys past Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe to the coastal town of Oban. We also briefly explore the city of Glasgow.

Tuesday - We travel to Scotland including a brief visit to the city of Lancaster for an extended lunch break. On then to our overnight stop at Gretna Green in time to explore before evening dinner.

Wednesday – A hearty Scottish breakfast then we journey north to Tarbet for a cruise on Loch  Lomond, a delightful way to enjoy the scenery of the “bonnie banks”, Ben Lomond and the dramatic northern end of the loch. The skipper’s live commentary and a cup of tea or coffee are included. We continue via the Trossachs National Park to the Crianlarich Hotel for a 3 night stay and in time for dinner. 

Thursday - After breakfast this morning we transfer to Crianlarich Train Station to board Scotrail’s scenic rail service to Oban passing through the beautiful Glen Lochy, Dalmully and the ancient ruin of Kilchurn Castle and onwards to Loch Awe and finally the coastal town of Oban. Here there’s time at leisure to include lunch of your choice before rejoining the coach and travelling to the towering Ben Cruachan and ‘Hollow Mountain’for a guided tour of the power station deep within the mountain: a truly unique visit. We enjoy spectacular scenery as we return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Friday - Breakfast starts the day then witness some beautiful Scottish scenery with an excursion to Perthshire. We travel via Crieff to Pitlochry, a popular tourist destination since Victorian times where lunch may be taken. We continue via Loch Tay to Aberfeldy, Scotland’s first Fairtrade town and onwards to the conservation village of Kenmore. Finally we view the mighty falls of Dochart in the village of Killin before returning to the hotel for evening dinner.

Saturday - A Scottish breakfast before we leave Crianlarich and travel to Glasgow with a brief stop to explore the city before our overnight stop at Gretna Green.

Sunday - A farewell Scottish breakfast before heading South on our homeward journey to arrive in the local area during late afternoon.

• The Hotel: 

Our base hotel, the 3 star Crianlarich Hotel at Crianlarich was built in Victorian times, has won awards for its food and offers welcoming accommodation for leisure guests. It’s location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the Loch Lomond National Park, the west coast and Perth and Kinross. Our overnight hotel - the Gretna Hall Hotel has been completely refurbished and is a modern style without losing its period charm. Both hotels have all expected comforts and ensuite facilities.

• What’s Included:

All coach travel, 2 overnights half board at the Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green, 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the Crianlarich Hotel, a cruise on Loch Lommand including tea or coffee, a single rail journey from Crianlarich to Oban, a tour of ‘Hollow Mountain’ Cruachan Visitor Centre, excursions as listed, complimentary on board coach drinks, a Travel & Information pack and the services of a Tour Director throughout.

• £498.00 Single Supplement £85

 

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