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Castles and Wildlife of Scotland

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You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
8 days Not yet on sale
3.5 stars(2 reviews)
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Small Group

Discover some of Scotland's most spectacular sights and experiences, with the opportunity to embrace the local wildlife.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: GR-CSSA-23

About the tour

Trains, castles and wildlife galore: These are just some of the things you can look forward to on this 8-day small group rail tour through Scotland. Stay in unique accommodations and immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history and unique environs with culture and wildlife excursions ranging from a dolphin-spotting cruise along the Moray Firth and a guided tour of Eileen Donan Castle to 4x4 adventures in Alladale Wilderness Reserve, where you can meet the local wildlife.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

We meet at our hotel in the distinguished city of Edinburgh where we spend the night.

Day 2 - Wildlife cruise and Tulloch Castle

We join the Scot Rail service to Inverness, where we're met by a coach that transports us to the quayside for a wonderful wildlife spotting cruise along the Moray Firth. After an hour or so at sea, we continue by coach further into the Highlands to Tulloch Castle, our unique accommodation for the next two nights. On arrival, we receive a warm welcome as well as a talk and guided tour of this historic property.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Kyle Line and Eilean Donan Castle

We visit Eilean Donan Castle today. We start with a journey from Inverness on the acclaimed Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways. One notable stop enroute is Achanalt, where the marshlands surrounding Loch Achanalt provide a habitat for rare and interesting plant and bird species. We disembark and transfer to Eilean Donan Castle, perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. Originally built in the 13th century, the fortress was destroyed 400 years later during the Jacobite rebellions. We learn more about the castle's fascinating past during a guided tour.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Alladale Wilderness Reserve

We travel by coach to the utopian Alladale Wilderness Reserve. Along the way we stop at Dunrobin Castle, a turreted stately home set in rolling landscaped gardens. We continue to Alladale, our beautiful Highland retreat. Surrounded by rugged terrain, woodland dells and heather-tinged valleys, Alladale offers remote, rural experiences in a breathtaking landscape. We are welcomed with tea and cakes followed by a walk around the lodge and into Glen Alladale. This evening we enjoy dinner - prepared from fresh ingredients grown on site where possible - cooked by our own private chef, who specialises in traditional Scottish cuisine with a twist.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Wildlife safari

We're taken by expert rangers on a 4x4 adventure through the wonderful reserve, to spot wildlife. You may see red deer roaming the lush terrain or eagles catching a ride on the thermal currents above. We return to the lodge where you could tour the aquaponics garden. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Alladale Wilderness Reserve

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. You may be happy to simply relax in the lovely wilderness setting of the estate, or could book one of the activities on offer such as hiking, fishing, a visit to a whisky distillery or an enjoyable local lunch.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Edinburgh

After a leisurely start, we return to Edinburgh - by rail via Inverness - where we spend our last night. We enjoy a final dinner at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Tour Conclusion

After breakfast this morning, your Scottish adventure concludes.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Alladale Wilderness Reserve

Alladale Wilderness Reserve

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Tulloch Castle

Tulloch Castle

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Trains

Caledonian Sleeper
The Kyle Line

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Reviews

3.5 stars3.5 / 5 · 2 reviews

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X Vacations By Rail GRJ

5 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2022

Great combination of sites. Bill Macintosh, our tour leader, was exceptional.

Collected by Trustpilot

X Vacations By Rail GRJ

2 stars

Submitted 17 Oct 2022

Calledonian Sleeper was the worst experience! Horrible conditions! Tulloch Castle was outdated, lights flickered when walking around room, and felt like we would fall through the soft, creaky floor. Dunrobin Castle tour was wonderful! Alladale Wilderness Reserve was best part of trip! Great staff, amazing food, and beautiful scenery!

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