Scotland by Land & Train
July 23, 2024 thru August 2, 2024
Travel across Scotland by train, with historic cities, ruined castles, deep blue lochs, mountain peaks and wild moorland along the way. This land and railway journey takes you from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and heads north to the coast and into the Scottish Highlands – and includes some of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes.
From its historic castles to its stunning landscapes, to its exciting cities and charming, small towns, Scotland has it all. Along the way, we’ll visit some of its historic castles; witness its unspoiled, breathtaking scenery, experience its cities and some of its small towns, and learn about its fascinating history. Throughout this tour, we’ll experience Scotland at its best—the breathtakingly wild and unspoiled scenery, miles of yellow-sand beaches on the northern coast, and waterfalls and jagged, dark peaks These are only matched by the inspiring hills, green woodlands, and spectacular beaches on the “Road to the Isles.”

Transportation
Roundtrip Air Transportation

Transportation
Deluxe Motorcoach

Transportation
Train

Duration
10 days, 9 nights

Activity Level 4
Active

Meals
15 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 dinners) included

Availability
Available

Documents Required
Passport
Tour Highlights
- Edinburgh Castle
- Forth Railway Bridge train
- Stirling Castle
- The Trossachs National Park
- Queen of Scottish Lochs cruise
- Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
- Jacobite Steam Train
- West Highland Line train to Glasgow
- Loch Ness
- Glen Coe Valley
- Glengoyne Distillery
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare ABQ to Scotland (not including airline baggage fees or in-flight charges)
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- 9 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
- Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
- 15 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 dinners)
- Admission to all listed attractions
- Sightseeing as listed
- Your Professional European Tour Guide
- Your SUN TOURS Escort (with 15 or more travelers)
- All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Days 1 - Albuquerque to Edinburgh
We depart from Albuquerque on our overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Day 2 - Edinburgh City Tour
We arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, where we stay for 2 nights. Upon arrival, we enjoy a City Tour, including visiting Edinburgh Castle, with a long history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress. This evening, enjoy a group Welcome Dinner tonight hosted by your Tour Director.
Meals included: (D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Delta by Marriott Hotel or similar.
Day 3 - Edinburgh Castle
Morning city sightseeing with a local guide introduces us to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” we drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Brittania.
Meals included: (B)
Overnight in Standard Room at Delta by Marriott Hotel or similar.
Day 4 - Forth Railway Bridge Train & Stepps
Today we depart Edinburgh for touring north in the countryside and a highlight is our train ride across Forth Railway Bridge, which had the world’s longest spans (541 m) when it opened in 1890. We then drive to Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland, for a tour. We check in for a 3 night stay in Stepps.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Best Western Garfield House Hotel or similar.
Day 5 - The Trossachs National Park
Our motorcoach takes us through the countryside to the River Clyde, where we follow the route to Lake Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a vast expanse of mountains, water and countryside. Sit back and relax on a cruise of the Queen of Scottish Lochs.
Overnight in Standard Room at Best Western Garfield House Hotel or similar.
Day 6 - Southern Scottish Countryside Tour
We tour the Southern Scottish countryside and visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, and Culzean Castle, Robert Adam’s cliff-top, romantic masterpiece.
Meals included: (B)
Overnight in Standard Room at Best Western Garfield House Hotel or similar.
Day 7 - West Highland Line Train to Fort William
After a scenic drive we make our way to Glasgow, where we board the West Highland Line for a four hour train journey to Fort William. This is often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. 3 nights stay with dinner in Ballachulish.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Ballachulish Hotel or similar.
Day 8 - Jacobite Steam Train
We tour the local area this morning before we board the Jacobite Steam Train. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this takes you past impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, passes close by the deepest freshwater loch and the shortest river in Britain finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe!
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Ballachulish Hotel or similar.
Day 9 - Loch Ness & Glen Coe
Today we enjoy a cruise on famous Loch Ness, from Fort Augustus, before visiting a to visit Glencoe. The deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were formed over millenniums of shifting glaciers and volcanic eruptions.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Ballachulish Hotel or similar.
Day 10 - Glengoyne Distillery
On our final full day of touring we visit the Glengoyne Distillery for a tour and tasting, heading back to Edinburgh, where we enjoy a hearty Farewell Dinner with wine and a Scottish show.
Meals included: (B, D)
Overnight in Standard Room at Bruntsfield Hotel or similar.
Day 11 - Return Home
Today we depart from Edinburgh, taking indelible memories of our scenic land and rail journey with us!
Meals included: (B)
Itinerary subject to change
**PASSPORT REQUIRED**
No vaccines or immunizations are currently required for travel into Ireland, England, or Scotland.
Package Pricing
$6,995 per person
Double Occupancy
Deposit: $250
$7,895 per person
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $250
Final Payment Due:
March 23, 2024
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
• Roundtrip airfare ABQ to Scotland (not including airline baggage fees or in-flight charges)
• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• 9 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
• Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
• 15 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 dinners)
• Admission to all listed attractions
• Sightseeing as listed
• Your Professional European Tour Guide
• Your SUN TOURS Escort (with 15 or more travelers)
• All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
**PASSPORT REQUIRED**
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: March 23, 2024
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None – Through March 23, 2024
- $250 – March 25 – April 30, 2024
- $4,000 – May 1 – June 5, 2024
- 100% – After June 5, 2024
TRAVEL PROTECTION IS AVAILABLE STARTING AT $422
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 4: Active
Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 2-3 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day.
Visit our Activity Level Ratings page for full information on the ratings system.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A Driver’s License or Passport is preferred. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Afternoon temperatures are usually around 60-67°F. Most days have a fine, clear sky. It gets mild at night with minimum temperatures around 50°F. We advise you bring a jacket and hat just in case of inclement weather and to wear layers for best insulation. Shoes should be comfortable and sturdy for walking in small towns. There are no dress codes to places we visit on this tour.
Inquire About This Tour
Submit your inquiry for more information about a tour. We will get back to you with a (human) response as soon as possible. During the week that’s usually within a couple of hours. Evenings and weekends may take us a little bit longer. Please note that this is an inquiry for tour bookings only and does not constitute or confirm a reservation on a tour.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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