Enjoy Scotland’s GREATEST RAIL JOURNEY with CAROL KIRKWOOD
Steam through the Highlands on the famous Jacobite train on this exclusive break with the popular weather presenter
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Joining you in her native Scotland will be meteorologist and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, and has been presenting weather forecasts for more than 20 years.
There’s nowhere more atmospheric for romantic steam train travel than the Scottish Highlands. On this four-day break, you’ll ride The Jacobite with proud Scotswoman Carol Kirkwood.
Your 42-mile journey starts near Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, passes its deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar, and travels over the 21-arch viaduct to arrive on the Atlantic shore beside Loch Nevis. It’s no surprise that Harry Potter was filmed using The Jacobite as the Hogwarts Express.
You’ll pass through Morar, where Carol grew up, and she’ll tell stories of the Loch Morar monster, as well as her train journey to school in Fort William. The itinerary also includes three unique boat rides: one on the Falkirk Wheel, another on the tranquil waters of Loch Katrine, and finally a cruise that follows the trail of Rob Roy on Loch Lomond.
THE HIGHLIGHTS MEET CAROL KIRKWOOD
Carol will talk about her career, love of Scotland, Strictly Come Dancing experience and growing up in Morar.
THE FALKIRK WHEEL
The world’s first rotating boat lift will take you from the water at New Port Downie to the Union Canal 35 metres above. In the 1930s, the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals were linked by 11 locks that took almost a day for a boat to pass through. Nowadays, the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, does the job in four minutes.
DISCOVER THE LOCHS
Enjoy a beautiful cruise on Loch Lomond and hear the story of Scotland’s celebrated outlaw, Rob Roy. You’ll also sail the waters of Loch Katrine on the Lady of the Lake.
SCOTTISH HISTORY
You’ll visit Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell.
Alakeside paradise in northern Italy awaits you on this eight-day trip to the region’s beautiful and elegant gardens. You’ll travel by train in style and comfort through France and Italy, before arriving at Lake Orta.
From these glorious surroundings, you’ll move on to Lake Maggiore, taking in the majestic villas and gardens of Stresa on the western shore, including the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto.
Other highlights of your holiday will be a trip to Locarno in Switzerland and a visit to Lake Como, to enjoy breathtaking views across the water as you explore the picture-perfect villages, villas and parks of Como and Tremezzo. You will also discover Lake Lugano with its town’s beautiful squares, arcaded walkways and gardens adorned with subtropical plants.
You’ll then return to Lake Orta, where there will be some days to relax, discover the towns along the lake or even visit the exquisite island of San Giulio. Sandwiched in between is a day trip to Milan and its historic and artistic attractions such as the Duomo and Pinacoteca di Brera.
THE HIGHLIGHTS BREATHTAKING LAKES
It’s the perfect place for a restorative break, with picturesque towns next to sparkling blue waters and romantic leafy scenery, making for an unforgettable trip.
BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto are a treat for the senses, with a huge number of colourful and fascinating plant species, fountains, ponds and other water features.
DISCOVER MILAN
Soak up the bustle of this cosmopolitan city, climb the Duomo, stroll along Via Montenapoleone, marvel at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and discover the elegant neighbourhood of Brera.
LAKESIDE HOTEL
Four-star Hotel Giardinetto is located on the shores of Lake Orta. There’s a sun deck and inviting restaurant with picture windows, a private beach and outdoor pool.
NO-FLY HOLIDAY
Travelling by Eurostar to Paris and then on to Stresa means you’ll avoid the hassle of flying and reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday.