Castles and Wildlife of Scotland

Meet your Tour Manager and small group of fellow travelers at London Euston station this evening, and board the only overnight service running between London and Scotland: the famous Caledonian Sleeper Train. Since its inaugural journey in 1873, the train has become a bit of a clandestine institution, something many have heard of but few have experienced. Modern furnishings surround in the new train cars and updated the accommodation options allow each passenger just the right amount of comfort. There is an onboard lounge, as well. Settle into your private hotel room on wheels, and enjoy a night on the rails. Overnight train.

A freshly prepared breakfast is served aboard the train this morning ahead of our arrival in Inverness. At the train station, a motorcoach awaits to transport us to the quayside for a magical dolphin spotting cruise along the Moray Firth. We spend approximately an hour at sea, seeking out and admiring pods of energetic cetaceans, then our journey continues by coach further into the Highlands. Our destination is Tulloch Castle, a 12th-century stronghold in Dingwall, where we enjoy unique accommodation for the next 2 nights. On arrival, a guided tour presents the lore and splendor of this historic property, then we join together for a sumptuous meal in the hotel's dining room this evening. Overnight Dingwall. (B, D)

We spend the day discovering Scotland's treasures with an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle on the tiny island in Loch Duich. Our travels begin this morning as we arrive in Inverness and board the acclaimed Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways. Soak in the majestic Scottish scenery - the sparkling lochs, the towering mountain peaks, and the sweeping forests - as the train progresses through the ever-changing landscape. We pass through Achanalt, where the marshlands surrounding Loch Achanalt have been declared a site of Special Scientific Interest and provide a habitat for several rare and interesting plant and bird species, as well as the Achnashellach Forest. We disembark at the end of the line and are transferred to Eilean Donan Castle, which is perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh. This iconic castle was originally built in the 13th century; however, the Jacobite rebellions 400 years ago brought its demise. Learn about this event and many others as we marvel at the castle’s grounds and interiors on our guided tour. This evening, our coach takes us back to Tulloch Castle for dinner. Overnight Dingwall. (B, D)

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at the castle, we journey further north in the Highlands, bound for the Alladale Wilderness Reserve. The dramatic scenery of the Highlands is on full display as our coach meanders out to the coastline where we make a stop at Dunrobin Castle. This stately home is the oldest continually inhabited residence in Britain, with the first Earls arriving in the 1300s. Lush forests and perfectly manicured gardens surround the castle, which is the seat of the Earl of Sutherland - a member of the Sutherland Clan. Enjoy time to wander through the immaculate house and though the gardens during our time here.

Continuing, our route takes us back inland to Alladale Wilderness Reserve, a 23,000-acre Highland retreat. Alladale is one of the largest privately-owned members of the re-wilding project in the UK and is a place where the untamed beauty of the Highlands is brought to life. The rural retreat includes robust mountains and glimmering lochs. There are dramatic glens and colorful, rolling hills aside woodland dells and heather-tinged valleys. We are greeted at the lodge with tea and cakes and have a chance to peruse the lodge and surrounding grounds once settled. Tonight, a private chef specializing in traditional Scottish cuisine prepares an unforgettable dinner for us. Overnight Alladale. (B, D)

Savor a hearty chef-prepared breakfast at the lodge this morning ahead of our full-day 4x4 adventure. We are collected from the Alladale by expert rangers and embark on an off-road adventure through winding valleys and craggy peaks, all the while trying to get up-close and personal with some of the native wildlife. Watch for herds of red deer roaming the lush terrain and eagles, as they catch a ride on the thermal currents high above us. On our return to the lodge, we enjoy coffee, tea, and cake as we participate in a talk about the surrounding region, the history of the reserve and the re-wilding project. Overnight Alladale. (B, L, D)

Your day begins at leisure to unwind in Alladale’s cozy surroundings or to explore the wild outside the `lodge. Later this morning, our coach takes us to Culloden Battlefield, where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising was fought in 1746. A guided tour presents the harrowing past of this historic site and allows us to see some of the preserved artifacts from both sides of the battle. Back on the road, we continue to Inverness, where you have some time at leisure before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper Train back to London Euston. Settle in your cabin for the night, and let the gentle rocking of the rails lull you to sleep once more. Overnight train. (B)

After breakfast this morning, the train arrives in London. As you disembark, your Scottish adventure concludes. (B)