INSIDER INFO
Discover......Scotland
Small and bursting with personality, Scotland is a
remarkable country with a rich history, diverse culture and
breathtaking scenery. What it lacks in size, Scotland makes
up for in diversity with vibrant, cosmopolitan cities as well as
rugged, remote countryside. Whether you're a city slicker or a
nature lover, you'll be captivated by this fascinating
country.
Beyond its urban centers, Scotland's incomparable scenery, rare
wildlife and wide variety of terrain will thrill even the most
adventurous traveler. But all too often Scotland's
breathtaking countryside, especially the highlands and islands, is
dismissed as being remote and too difficult to access.
Traveling by rail, your Great Rail Journey makes getting there
convenient and comfortable, giving you the opportunity to sit back,
relax and take in the incredible landscapes passing outside your
window.
Read on to learn more about the most popular areas of this
mystical, intriguing country.
The Highlands
When people imagine Scotland, the Highlands is what
they picture. Stretching for hundreds of miles, it is
arguable the most beautiful area of Scotland. Here you'll
find mighty mountains, rugged coastlines, windswept islands,
mysterious lochs and of course one very famous monster. The
idyllic, remote and untouched landscape is simply magical and will
leave you awestruck.
The best way to view the Highlands is onboard
the West Highland
Line, which travels from Glasgow into the
Kilpatrick Hills. Giving wonderful views of the towns of the Clyde,
the line heads towards the 'Arrochar Alps', offering stunning
panoramas at Garelochhead, across the Loch Lomond and through
superb mountain scenery towards Oban.
Featured tour: Highland Adventure
5-days from $1,255
Edinburgh & Glasgow
Dramatically handsome and famous for is majestic castle and enchanting old town, Edinburgh is the perfect place to start your adventure. Located close to the North Sea, Scotland's capital city sits perched atop an extinct volcano overlooking the sea and is full of medieval and classic architecture. Its winding, cobbled streets are crowded with cozy pubs, upscale restaurants and shops brimming with tartan and cashmere.
Glasgow may only be an hour west of Edinburgh, but it's worlds away in terms of character. Scotland's biggest city was once a sprawling industrial metropolis, but today it's a vibrant, welcoming city bursting with character and culture. World-class museums, stunning architecture, friendly locals and a legendary music scene are just a few of the things you'll remember about your visit to Glasgow.
Featured tour: Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
9-days from $2,425
The Islands
Scotland is home to close to 800 islands, which are
divided into four main groups: Orkney, Shetland, Inner Hebrides,
and Outer Hebrides. In the north, the isles of Orkney and Shetland
were once part of the kingdom of Norway and retain an identity and
culture that is distinct to the rest of Scotland. Explore
some of Europe's best-preserved prehistoric sites, including ruins
from the Bronze, Iron and Pictish eras as well as the Viking
age.
Lying close to the mainland west of Scotland, the Inner Hebrides
are a scattered archipelago, popular among nature lovers and
photographers. Two of the biggest isles, Skye and Mull, draw
visitors because of their rugged terrain, spectacular mountains and
variety of things to see and do. The Outer Hebrides are a
more off-the-beaten-path group of islands best known for
captivating vistas, endless beaches, rich history and feral
wildlife.
Featured tour: The Outer Hebrides & the
Highlands
8-days from $2,275
