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OPTIONAL PRELUDE
ST. ANDREWS
May 30 to June 3, 2008
Spend three nights in St. Andrews, known as
“The Home of
Golf.” Follow in the footsteps of golf legends from Old Tom
Morris to Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods when
you tee up on courses where golf has been played for over 600
years. Pending scheduling, we may play on the championship
Duke’s Course, with magnificent panoramic views over the
surrounding countryside and the sea; Jubilee, a championship
course that many consider to be the toughest in St. Andrews;
Eden, a links course designed by Harry S. Colt; or New
Course, considered one of St. Andrews’ best-kept secrets.
Accommodations are at the Old Course Hotel.
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NEW YORK
Monday, June 2
Depart New York on an overnight flight
to Edinburgh.
EDINBURGH
Tuesday, June 3
Arrive in the morning and transfer to the
Scotsman Hotel, where we will stay for three nights. An
afternoon architectural tour introduces us to Edinburgh
with its medieval Old Town and 18th-century Georgian
New Town. Gather for dinner at the hotel.
EDINBURGH
Wednesday, June 4
Drive today to the lovely Borders
countryside. An architect will lead us on a private tour of
Abbotsford, once the home of Sir Walter Scott. Then visit
Scott’s tomb at Dryburgh Abbey. After lunch at the Dryburgh
Abbey Hotel continue to Mellerstain, a Robert Adam house
dating from the 1770s, for a private reception. This evening
you may wish to dine in one of Edinburgh’s fine restaurants.
EDINBURGH
Thursday, June 5
A morning walk begins in Charlotte Square
to visit the Georgian House. Continue to the National Gallery
of Scotland (left), whose collections are justly famous
for Italian
paintings, the works of Poussin, and
18th- and 19th-century
Scottish artists. Following
lunch visit the former Royal Yacht,
Brittania,
where Her Majesty The Queen entertained foreign
heads of state. Alternatively, for golfers, arrangements
can be
made at a nearby course.
EDINBURGH /
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Friday, June 6
We are invited for a specially arranged visit
to Edinburgh Castle, where we will enjoy a light lunch.
Then depart for Edinburgh Waverley Station where we will
be “piped” aboard the classic Edwardian-style Royal Scotsman.
Our luxurious train journey features an ever-changing
landscape, which you may wish to photograph from the
Observation Car. Of special interest is the cantilever Forth
Railway Bridge, one of the greatest engineering achievements
of the Victorian Age. Afternoon tea with scones and clotted
cream is served as we continue to Huntly, where we disembark
for a whiskey tasting and traditional Highland ceilidh at
Strathisla. Dinner is served on board in the mahogany-paneled
dining carriages.
KYLE OF LOCHALSH
Saturday, June 7
Following breakfast enjoy a visit to
Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Earls of Sutherland since the
13th century. In the formal gardens, observe a demonstration
of falconry, the traditional sport of kings. Lunch is served
on board as we continue westward toward Kyle of Lochalsh,
passing through the Torridon Mountains on what is one of
the most scenic routes in Britain. Arrive this afternoon in the
picturesque village of Plockton. You may wish to participate
in a seal-watching cruise or visit Eilean Doonan Castle (above left),
situated on an island where three great lochs meet. This
evening enjoy dinner, entertainment and the magnificent
view from the train’s veranda, as we travel over Loch Alsh to
the Isle of Skye.
BEAULY / BOAT OF GARTEN
Sunday, June 8
Departing from Kyle we will retrace part of
yesterday’s route. Across the bay we will see whitewashed
cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.
Following lunch on board visit Culloden Moor, site of
Scotland’s most famous battle. We continue to 14th-century
Cawdor Castle, still home of the Cawdor family and forever
linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Alternatively, for those
who prefer to continue to Boat of Garten, tee times are
reserved at the Boat of Garten Golf Club. Rejoin the train
for dinner and evening entertainment by a Highlander who
will bring to life the stories of Scottish heroes.
AVIEMORE
Monday, June 9
Travel by motorcoach to the Rothiemurchus
Estate, which offers a range of outdoor activities including
guided walks, clay pigeon shooting and fly fishing. Rejoin
the train in Aviemore. Lunch will be on board as we
continue to Glamis Castle (right), childhood home of The Late
HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Rejoin the train
in Perth for our farewell dinner on board.
EDINBURGH / NEW YORK
Tuesday, June 10
Arrive in Edinburgh after breakfast and
transfer to the airport for the flights home.
Photo Credits:
St. Andrews/Glyn Satterly/Visit Scotland/Scottishviewpoint; National Gallery/National Galleries of Scotland;
Eilean Doonan Castle/S. Greg Panosian; Glamis Castle/P. Tomkins/Visit Scotland/Scottishviewpoint
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