Compare Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Cruise by The Majestic Line vs Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,730 | $ 4,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 390 | $ 430 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
8 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
A cruise through the beautiful sea loch of Loch Linnhe, past the historic Isle of Lismore and the quintessential Scottish Castle, Castle Stalker, is a fitting prelude to the masterpiece of engineering which is the Caledonian Canal. This is one of the greatest waterways of the world, running 60 miles coast to coast from Fort William to Inverness. It passes through charming villages, spectacular lochs, and beautiful countryside. In autumn the colours are stunning and the deer can be heard rutting in the hills. The area is full of historic attractions; the Loch Ness Monster is just one of many myths and legends. |
Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom. |
Typical stopovers and anchorages
Loch Linnhe: A beautiful large sea loch, Loch Linnhe has spectacular views of small islands and mountain ranges. Cruise past the quintessential Castle Stalker with Ben Nevis towering in the distance
Glencoe: View the brooding mountain vista and its beautiful waterfalls from a unique loch-side vantage point
Neptune's Staircase: Experience the ladder of locks that is a wonder of Telford’s engineering
Loch Lochy and Laggan Locks: Enjoy shore walks along the scenic loch-side
Laggan Locks to Loch Oich: Take a canal-side walk amongst towering trees with the chance of spotting red squirrels
The Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre: Drop in for a visit when you explore the picturesque village of Fort Augustus
Loch Ness: Take the boat throught the five locks in the centre of Fort Augustus to reach the level of Loch Ness. Cruise the beautiful, extensive waters of Loch Ness and keep an eye out for monsters!
Urquhart Castle: Anchor off this famous castle on the shores of Loch Ness, steeped in a romantic and turbulent history
Drumnadrochit: Explore a traditional Highland village on a fabulous hillside setting
Muirton Basin: At the end of Loch Ness, enter picturesque Muirton Basin at Inverness for departure
Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry
Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands
Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)
Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 - Edinburgh
This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.
This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)
Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales
This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle
Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)
Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England
This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 9 - London
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Depart London
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)
