2008 All Manner of Manors

THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN

       Tour of Scotland - October 21-29, 2008

train by loch

 

                  Itinerary

Tue 21            DEPART USA for Edinburgh, Scotland

 

Wed 22          ARRIVAL in Edinburgh. Transfer to Bonhams Hotel, where a

bottle of Roederer champagne welcomes you to beautiful Scotland!

 

Edinburgh City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING & EDINBURGH CASTLE

Board the very convenient Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus stopping when and where you like!  The bus takes you to all theNational Gallery of Scotland Palace of Holyroodhousetop sights: Edinburgh Castle (entrance included), Palace of Holyroodhouse –Official residence of her Majesty the Queen when in Scotland and once home to Mary Queen of Scots, Princes Street – Edinburghs main shopping centre, The Royal Mile – the famous cobblestone street linking the Palace with the Castle - St. Giles High Kirk (church), John Knox House, The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Camera Obscura, The New Town and Scottish Parliament, and National Gallery. Just decide where you wish to hop-off, visit the sight, then hop back on!

 

ROSE STREET PUB CRAWL & DINNER

Dirty Dicks - Edinburgh

 

This evening we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll down famous Rose street, (with a pub every few yards for almost a mile) sampling a few “halfs” in some of the more interesting pubs (such as The Abbotsford; Milne’s, and the Kenilworth) before enjoying a hearty pub dinner. Afterwards the more adventurous ale-smiths will enjoy further exploration along the mile long Rose Street.

 

 

 

Thu 23            EDINBURGH AT LEISURE

After a leisurely full Scottish Breakfast, the day is yours to explore some of Edinburgh’s great attractions. Whether it’s

shopping along Princes Street, visiting the world renown National Art Gallery or delving into the samples at the Scotch

Whisky Heritage Centre or a visit to Caledonian Brewery, Edinburgh has pleasures for everyone. This evening you might

opt for one of Scotland’s best restaurants. We suggest Atrium for really superb Scottish Modern cuisine.

 

Fri 24              BOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN:                                            Edinburgh – Keith

                        Visit Strathisla Distillery & Scottish Ceilidh, Afternoon tea and Dinner

 

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station early afternoon, and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as the eighth wonder of the world. 

 

 

 

Enjoy your afternoon tea as you journey

through the former Kingdom of Fife

and across the Tay Bridge. 

Follow the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly, where you will disembark for a traditional Scottish Ceilidh (party) at Strathisla Whisky Distillery. 

 



You then rejoin the train in market town of Keith for an informal dinner and overnight stabling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                     Strathisla Whisky Distillery

 

Sat 25             ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN:      Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh

Tain - visit Glenmorangie Distillery; Plockton - boat trip and explore village
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train departs Keith and travels west towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands, passing through Dingwall before continuing north to the village of Tain where you disembark and visit Glenmorangie Distillery. 

Returning to the train, lunch will served as you travel towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably
the most scenic route in Britain. 

You pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. Geologists believe that they were formed before any life began. On through Achnasheen, then the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig. 

 

At Plockton you will have an opportunity to become your own guide and explore this picturesque Scottish Highland village. Be at one with nature, as you take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals, and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is also a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Alternatively visit the local art gallery or simply wander through this charming village.  Afterwards rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach.

You return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight stabling. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car. Marvel at the view from the train’s veranda as you gaze over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye. 

Sun 26:           ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN : Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten

Ballindalloch Castle

Ray Owens and Tales of the Scottish Highlands
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

                                                                                                                  
After your breakfast the train departs Kyle and you retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, you cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.
 

The train continues south to Carrbridge where you disembark for your visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with wonderful gardens. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. The family have adapted their castle with the twists and turns of fortune and history into the elegant and comfortable seat at the heart of their working estate that we see today.

You return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. A formal dinner is served and afterwards you meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Listening to Ray, you will gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mon 27:          ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN:      Kyle of Lochalsh – Perth     

Rothiemurchus Estate – clay pigeon shooting, fishing, estate tour
Visit Glamis Castle

After breakfast you disembark the train at Boat of Garten and take the motorcoach to Rothiemurchus Estate where you can choose from a number of activities which may include fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or alternatively, you may simply prefer to relax by the fire at Drumintoul Lodge and admire the stunning scenery while enjoying some time on your own. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The Bowes Lyon family have lived at Glamis since 1372, when Sir John Lyon was granted the thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II. Since then the castle has been visited and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families and has stunning gardens. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejoining the train in Perth you will enjoy an informal dinner on the move before stabling for the evening.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tue 28:           ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN:

                        Perth – Edinburgh

                        Breakfast

 

After breakfast, the train leaves Perth. You travel through the former Kingdom of Fife crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the Forth Railway Bridge to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station where our Royal Scotsman journey ends.

 

Tue 28:           TRAQUAIR ARMS, TRAQUAIR HOUSE & MELVILLE CASTLE

 

Prince Charles Edward Stuart leavingTraquair House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we say a fond farewell to our Royal Scotsman train in Edinburgh, our All Manner of Manors coach will collect us for a drive south to The Border Counties for lunch at The Traquair Arms with their great sirloin steak sandwiches and fresh Traquair Bear Ale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch we travel a short distance to Traquair House, welcomed and guided by the Lady of the oldest continually inhabited manor house in Scotland, followed by a tasting of Traquair House Ales  

 

A view of Traquair House

 

27 Scottish Kings and Queens have visited Traquair. Now you’ll follow in their footsteps. Enjoy a day reliving history. See the bed belonging to Mary Queen of Scots, the super collection of Jacobite glass, the extraordinary eighteenth century Library and the secret stairs used by priests in time of terror.

 

 

 

Traquair House Ale in a bottle and a glassThen, we’ll visit the 200 year old brewery and sample the delicious strong ales, browse through the gift shop and perhaps take a walk in the magical grounds and ancient woodlands.

The 18th century brewery originally produced a beer for the house and estate workers. It was disused some time after 1800 but the vessels and equipment remained untouched until it was rediscovered in 1965 when Peter Maxwell Stuart created the new brewery. Today his daughter Catherine Maxwell Stuart manages the brewery

 

Tue 28:           MELVILLE CASTLE

Melville Castle Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melville Castle Hotel, Porch EntranceTue 28:           After our visit to Traquair House, we’ll celebrate our last night in Scotland with a stay overnight at Melville castle. Toasting the past week’s adventures, we’ll enjoy a farewell light brasserie dinner, recounting our great times and get a good nights rest before our return flights home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR ROOM AT MELVILLE CASTLE

 

Superior rooms are so named as they are luxuriously spacious, with attention to fine detail of utmost importance. The large windows elegantly frame spectacular views of the castle's grounds, and in the rear facing rooms the meandering North Esk River

 

All bedrooms include: Full en-suite facilities, with power shower,  Luxury toiletries,  Hair dryer, Sky television, Room telephone with data port, voicemail, ADSL modem access, Hospitality tray, Digital room safe, Electric shaver multi volt point

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR ROOM AT THE BONHAM

Each room has an individual, contemporary design using rich bold colors. They offer huge comfortable beds and large bright and airy windows many of which offer spectacular views across central Edinburgh, so that your stay is truly relaxing. Room features: Two telephones with voicemail, Cabled broadband access, eTV - a television / in room entertainment centre which includes a variety of channels, movies on demand, internet access, radio, a music jukebox and hotel information , En-suite bathroom, Desk and seating area, 24 Hour room service, Mini bar, Tea / Coffee making facilities,  Molton Brown Toiletries, Hairdryer, Iron and Board, Trouser press and Luggage stand.

 

YOUR STATE CABIN ABOARD THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN:

 

We 29             DEPART EDINBURGH

After our bracing Scottish breakfast, its just a wee 20 minutes to Edinburgh Airport. The most direct and convenient transport is by taxi. Cost is approximately £15 per person.

 

The 2008 All Manner of Manors

ROYAL SCOTSMAN

October 21-29, 2008

 

Your Tour of Scotland package includes:

2 nights at the Bonham hotel, Edinburgh, with full Scottish breakfast

 

Welcome bottle of Roederer Champagne per room

 

Edinburgh Castle Tour & Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing,

 

Rose Street Pub Crawl and Welcome pub dinner,

 

The Royal Scotsman - Classic Itinerary: 4 days & nights aboard in a State Cabin with twin or single accommodations with in-cabin shower and toilet.

 

Table’d’hote meals daily, including wine, all alcoholic and other beverages,

 

Visit Strathisla Distillery, A Scottish Ceilidh Glenmorangie Distillery, Plockton - boat trip and village, Ballindalloch – One of Scotland’s most romantic castles, Rothiemurchus Estate – clay pigeon shooting, estate tour, and Glamis Castle; The Queen Mother’s estate. All visits arranged by The Royal Scotsman. All applicable taxes,

 

Royal Scotsman Teddy Bear for the ladies, Golf Cap for the men

 

Private motor coach trip: Transfer from Edinburgh Waverly Station for a  Pub lunch at the Traquair Arms, a visit to Traquair House – guided by the Lady of the oldest continually inhabited manor house in Scotland and return coach to Melville Castle.

 

Farewell light brasserie dinner at Melville Castle

 

1 night at Melville Castle, superior room with full Scottish breakfast

 

All Manner of Manors luxury leather ticket wallet and luggage tags               

 

Tour Host, all local taxes and service charges

 

$8495

 

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, land only. Single Supplement $459. Special Economy, Business and First Class airfares are available upon request. Pre and Post tour arrangements in Scotland or England for Beer Hunting, Golf or Spa & shopping can be arranged. Airport transfers are not included. Private airport transfers can be booked in advance.

 

The 2008 All Manner of Manors

ROYAL SCOTSMAN - Tour of Scotland

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Insurance: [  ] Please send a cancellation/health trip insurance brochure. Ciao! Travel strongly recommends trip cancellation, baggage, accident and health insurance to help safeguard your Jazz Europe vacation.  Reservations are subject to the terms and conditions as published herein and at Ciao! Travel’s 2008 Royal Scotsman tour web page: www.ciaotravel.com                                                                                                  CST 2010054-40       

 

The 2008 All Manner of Manors

ROYAL SCOTSMAN - Tour of Scotland

 

Terms and Conditions

 

PAYMENT:  A deposit of $4500 per person is due with your reservation. Payment may be made by check, American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit cards. On receipt of payment you will be sent a statement showing payment and confirmation of your booking. Your final payment is due July 24th, 2008.  Tour vouchers and flight documents will be sent to you two weeks prior to departure.

 

Tour Prices: Package prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. Tour prices are in effect as of October 18, 2008 and are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in package and currency rates. Payment in full guarantees your tour price.

 

Cancellations: Up to 180 days prior to U.S. departure: $500 administrative fee. 179-60 days prior to U.S. departure: 35%  of total package cancellation charge. 59 days and under and no-shows: 100% cancellation charge. In addition, rail tickets, optional tours and optional transfers are wholly non-refundable. No refund will be made on unused land arrangements once the trip has started. Cancellations must be received in writing by letter, fax or email. All original documents must be returned to Ciao! Travel in order to process any refund. 

 

Changes to Land Arrangements: A handling fee of $50 per adult will be charged by Ciao! Travel for all passenger initiated changes made after receipt of initial deposit. Additional changes made after full payment has been received or documents have been issued will incur $75 fee per adult, per change (IF changes are possible at time of request) to cover costs necessary extra costs, eg phone/fax/bank. Reservations accepted within 4 weeks of departure, or changes requested within 4 weeks of departure will incur a $50 fee per adult to cover necessary extra costs.  

 

Changes to Air Arrangements: A $279 per person fee for change or cancellation is charged once airline tickets have been issued.

 

Tour Prices Do Not Include: Airport transfers and meals except where stated in brochure. Passport and Visa fees, airport departure taxes, PFC's, excess baggage charges, travel insurance, liquor, items of a personal nature, laundry, taxi, train or trolley fares, optional sightseeing, and any item not specifically listed in brochure.

 

Air Travel: Round trip transatlantic air travel in economy, business or first class are available at additional cost. Airfares are based on non-refundable, non-changeable Apex or bulk fares. Carriers are subject to change.

 

Hotel Accommodations: All hotels are as described in tour itinerary. If Ciao! Travel must change any hotel, it's substitute will be of equal or greater quality. Scottish, English and European hotel rooms are often smaller than their equivalent USA rooms. Rooms' are "run of the house", unless stated otherwise on invoice and voucher, and are assigned at the sole discretion of the hotel. Ciao! Travel will do our utmost to accommodate any special requests, however neither the hotel nor Ciao! Travel undertake to guaranty your request.

 

Baggage: Passengers are allowed two pieces of baggage on the airline not to exceed a weight of 70 lbs. each or maximum total dimensions of 106 inches, with neither piece exceeding 62 inches. Many airlines restrict carry-on luggage to one piece that will fit under the seat. Please check with your airline before packing.

 

Insurance: Ciao! Travel strongly recommends that you purchase Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Baggage, and Health insurance to safeguard your vacation. Ask for a brochure when booking.

 

Travel Documents. It is the responsibility of all passengers to be in the possession of a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months form scheduled departure from Europe) and Visa(s). The United Kingdom does not presently require a visa for U.S. citizens.

 

Responsibility and Liability: Jazz Europe and Jazz Traveler tours are operated by Ciao! Travel, 2707 Congress Street, Suite 1F, San Diego, California 92110 USA. Responsibility of Ciao! Travel and/or their representatives and/or agents is limited. Ciao! Travel acts as agent for tour transportation, whether by air, rail, bus or other means, hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours and/or other services offered in this brochure and holds itself free of responsibility for any damage, death, loss of delay occasioned from any cause outside its activities as agent. Ciao! Travel and/or its agents will not be responsible for any damage, inconveniences caused by late departures, changes of schedules, strikes, civil disturbances, hostilities, acts of war, or force majeure, or to their conditions, nor will we be responsible for loss of or damage to baggage of any of the tour participants belongings. Tour participants waive any claim against Ciao! Travel based upon any damage to, or loss due to any act of any hotel, airline, carrier or other service providers offered on this web page. Ciao! Travel reserves the right to decline to accept, or retain any tour participant at any time for any reason, including insufficient number of participants. Concert programs and seating are subject to change. In the unlikely event of Ciao! Travel's default, you may be eligible for a refund of up to fifteen thousand dollars from the California Consumer Restitution Fund. If you were located in California at the time of your purchase, you have a right to make a claim against the Fund for a refund of any money paid to Ciao! Travel that is due because of cessation of operations and or material failure to provide travel services sold. The claim must be filed within 60 days (or in some limited circumstances, within one year) after you become aware of your loss. For a claim form and additional information, write to: Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation P.O. Box 8474, Northridge CA 91327. If you are located outside of California this transaction is not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund and you are not eligible to file a claim against the Fund. Ciao! Travel maintains a client trust account. Ciao! Travel reserves the right to change tour itineraries and any tour components whenever deemed necessary. The sole responsibility of any airline used in any tour is limited to that set out in the passenger contract on the ticket. No alterations will be made after date of departure. Client must verify tour information, sign and return a copy of the final invoice before travel documents will be sent.  Client must verify invoiced tour information, sign and return a copy of the final invoice before travel documents will be sent. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

 

Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of, or relating to any program advertised in this brochure and/or web site shall be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of The American Arbitration offices located in San Diego, California. Judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Customer and Ciao! Travel understand and agree that, by agreeing to binding arbitration, they are giving up the right to trial on the merits, by either judge or jury or trial de novo and the right to appeal. Tour terms and conditions are governed by California law and a San Diego County venue

 

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