Thomson Family Adventures

Butler

October 2024

Number of Travellers: 8

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

A luxurious adventure awaits, with a train journey through breathtaking scenery you will get under the skin of this special place. Enjoying delectable locally sourced foods, the renowned warm hospitality, Golf in iconic locations, and tasting the best Scottish Whiskies, this will be a journey you will never forget.

Highlights

See the best of Scotland's iconic scenery aboard a luxury train
Play a round at the 'home of Golf', St Andrews
Explore the hidden gems of Edinburgh's underground

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive in Edinburgh

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport where you will be met by a private driver and taken to your city centre accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique city of Edinburgh with your guide who will take you on a walking tour to visit some of the famous historic attractions, wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture and this tour will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - All Aboard the Royal Scotsman - Taste of the Highlands (Day 1)

Settle into your luxury train as you depart from Edinburgh. Heading North you will begin to notice the scenery change as you make your way to the stunning Highlands. This evening, indulge in a formal dinner followed by entertainment in the observation car. The Royal Scotsman arrives in the village of Boat of Garten, its stabling point for the night.

Overnight: Royal Scotsman | The Belmond
Room Type: Twin Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - The Royal Scotsman - The Cairngorms & Culloden (Day 2)

Wake up to majestic vistas and head to the restaurant car for a delicious breakfast. Travelling by coach, you will head to the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. There you can choose from a number of different activities, from clay pigeon shooting or fishing, a tour of the estate or perhaps a wander in the incredible forests. After lunch, you will head to the iconic Culloden battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. In the evening, you will have the chance to enjoy some of Scotland’s best whiskies at a local distillery. Enjoy a gala dinner this evening, sharing the wonderful memories of your journey so far.

Overnight: Royal Scotsman | The Belmond
Room Type: Twin Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - The Royal Scotsman - Return to Edinburgh (Day 3) & transfer to St Andrews

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave the Highlands behind and make your way back to Edinburgh. You will be collected at the train station by your private driver / guide who will take you to the incredible costal city of St Andrews, where you will enjoy an afternoon of golf on one of Scotland’s best courses. For those who are not playing, you can explore the historic city of St Andrews with your guide or choose to rest and relax at your luxury hotel.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks Hotel
Room Type: Rusacks Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Golf and the East Neuk

Today you will play one of the most scenic rounds of golf in the country, which is ranked in the top 100 courses in the world and enjoys wonderful views along the whole 1.8 miles of coastline. For those who are not playing, you can explore the traditional fishing villages in the East Neuk area, now popular with artists and writers, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Sampling the traditional fish and chips here is a must!

Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks Hotel
Room Type: Rusacks Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Transfer to Pitlochry

You have a few options as you travel to the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry today. En-route, you can choose to stop at the V & A museum in Dundee. With a diverse collection the museum stands on the waterfront at the heart of the city. Another option is to stop at the historic Scone Palace in Perth. With a rich history as the crowning place of Scottish Kings and a residence to nobility, it is worth a stop.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Exploring Perthshire

There are a couple of options for you to choose today. Enjoy an incredible adventure exploring the Highlands in an iconic 4 x 4 land rover, taking in the breathtaking scenery as you keep an eye out for local wildlife including deer and golden eagles. Or you could choose to take a hike in the spectacular hills of this incredible region. Discovering picturesque lochs and hidden vistas will leave you with no doubt of the beauty of Scotland. There is also an option for the golfers to have a game on one of the world class courses at Gleneagles.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Transfer to Edinburgh & Depart

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport in time for your onward travels. Taking with you special memories of your travels together which you will treasure for a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast