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Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion
Travel with Insight, Explore with Passion
Never stop learning.
Questions? Call 1-855-476-5080
Glenfinnan Viaduct
William Wallace Monument
Ediburgh Castle
Forth Bridge
Stirling Castle
Starting at $9,890 per person
Experience Scotland through its rails, history, and breathtaking landscapes on this immersive learning adventure with The Great Courses Journeys. This exciting new itinerary weaves together Scotland’s most iconic train routes—including the Jacobite Steam Train and the stunning West Highland Line—with in depth exploration of Scotland’s engineering innovations, cultural identity, and defining historical moments. Throughout the journey, your Great Courses expert provides engaging lectures and context that deepen your understanding of everything from medieval power struggles to modern transport heritage.
Travel from Edinburgh’s storied Old Town to the Highlands’ dramatic peaks, visiting castles, battlefields, and monuments that shaped Scotland’s national story. Discover the heart of Scottish rail heritage through curator led museum tours, behind the scenes access at Glasgow Central Station, and conversations with local specialists. Complement these experiences with a taste of Scotland’s world famous whisky tradition during a Speyside distillery visit and cooperage tour. Along the way, enjoy stunning rail journeys, warm Highland hospitality, and opportunities to connect with fellow travelers who share your curiosity. This program offers not only exceptional sightseeing but also a rich educational experience—bringing Scotland’s landscapes, legends, and engineering brilliance vividly to life.
Scottish History by Railway
with Patrick Allitt
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING
Highlights
View rare treasures on a guided tour of the Collection of Historic Instruments and discover the crossover of art nouveau and music in the Secession Museum.
Set off on an excursion to the spa town of Baden bei Wien and discover the reasons key creatives from Vienna sought sanctuary there.
Gain insights into the life and works of great composers, on guided visits to their homes and haunts with The Great Courses expert Robert Greenberg.
Take an after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy a classical concert under the vaulted ceiling of the Orangerie featuring the works of Mozart and Strauss.
Take in Scotland’s Majestic Landscapes. From the Cairngorms to the rugged Highlands, enjoy sweeping views of lochs, glens, and mountains through scenic journeys.
Explore Scotland’s Rail Heritage. Enjoy curator led museum visits, behind the scenes access at Glasgow Central Station and talks from leading railway experts.
Highlights
Patrick Allitt
Patrick N. Allitt is the Cahoon Family Professor of American History at Emory University, where he has taught since 1988. He has a passion for railroad history that resulted in him creating his very popular and highly rated Great Course How Railways Transformed the World. In addition, he has led student and adult tours abroad for decades. Professor Allitt received his PhD in American History from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Divinity School and Princeton University. He is a widely published author whose books include A Climate of Crisis: America in the Age of Environmentalism; The Conservatives: Ideas and Personalities throughout American History; and Religion in America since 1945: A History. Professor Allitt has created more than 10 Great Courses, including The Industrial Revolution; The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy; and The Great Tours: England, Scotland, and Wales.
Journey Expert
Patrick Allitt
Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh this morning and begin your exploration of the city with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a medieval fortress that dominates the historic Old Town, followed by a guided tour of the National Gallery. Check into the hotel and gather with fellow travelers and your expert for a welcome dinner.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: InterContinental Edinburgh, The George
Falkirk Wheel
Depart Edinburgh and travel north by private coach, beginning with a stop at the Forth Bridge, an engineering marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable feat of modern engineering and the world’s only rotating boat lift—its elegant, energy efficient design connects two major canals while showcasing Scotland’s innovative spirit. This afternoon, visit the imposing Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most significant strongholds, famed for its dramatic cliff top position, Renaissance architecture, and deep ties to figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce. Conclude your day at the National Wallace Monument, honoring Scotland’s legendary hero. During the afternoon’s bus ride through the Cairngorms, learn about the love hate history of Anglo Scottish relations. Arrive in Aviemore and enjoy dinner at the inn.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: The Boat Country Inn, Aviemore
Strathspey Railway
Enjoy a nostalgic one way journey on the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill, travelling through the scenic Cairngorms. Afterward, visit a whisky distillery for an insightful tour and a wee dram. At the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, discover the traditional craft of coopering—an essential part of Scotland’s whisky making heritage. Back at the hotel this evening, join your expert for a talk on the history of Scottish engineering. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: The Boat Country Inn, Aviemore
Jacobite Steam Train
Today, travel from Fort William to Mallaig in the first-class carriage on the Jacobite Steam Train, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and taking in the sweeping Highland scenery. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before exploring the Glenfinnan Station Museum and viewing the viaduct from ground level. The Chairman of the Friends of the West Highland Lines joins you for a talk on Scottish rail heritage before visiting Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive series of canal locks. Dinner and tonight are spent at a quaint rural local inn.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Ballaclulish Inn or Glenfinnan House
West Highland Line
After this morning’s lecture on the history of Scottish railways, you’ll board the West Highland Line often described as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. From Fort William to Glasgow, you will travel through dramatic Highland landscapes, passing lochs, moorlands, and remote stations that showcase Scotland’s wild beauty. Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Glasgow Central Station, exploring its hidden tunnels, architecture, and railway heritage. Continue on foot to your hotel for your final nights. Dinner is at leisure this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
Riverside Museum
Join your Great Courses Journeys expert for a final talk on the history of Glasgow. Enjoy a curator led tour at the Riverside Museum, exploring 150 years of Glasgow transport history, including iconic trams, subway carriages, and locomotives such as SAR 3007 and the 1886 Caledonian Railway No. 123. After lunch at the Riverside Café, visit the Tall Ship Glenlee, a fully restored 19th century steel sailing vessel and one of the last Clyde built ships still afloat. The day concludes with a festive farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Voco Grand Central, Glasgow
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport independently for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Glencoe
An historic Scots Baronial style retreat set on the shores of Loch Linnhe, surrounded by Glencoes dramatic mountains. Its cozy lounges, crackling fireplaces, and loch view rooms create a welcoming Highland atmosphere. Guests enjoy hearty local cuisine, including Scottish seafoods.
(1 night)
OR
The Glenfinnan House Hotel June
Glencoe
An 18th century Highland mansion set on the tranquil shores of Loch Shiel, offering sweeping views of the Glenfinnan Monument and surrounding mountains. Its pine paneled interiors, log fires, and atmospheric artwork create a warm, traditional ambience. Guests enjoy fine Scottish cuisine, cozy public rooms, and easy access to iconic sites such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The hotels peaceful setting makes it an ideal retreat for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
(1 night)
InterContinental The George
Edinburgh
A historic luxury hotel set within five beautifully restored Georgian townhouses on prestigious George Street. Blending 18th century elegance with contemporary comfort, the hotel features refined rooms, curated design inspired by Scottish landscapes, and welcoming service. Its central location places guests within walking distance of Edinburghs major landmarks, while its rich literary heritage and graceful interiors create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.
(1 night)
The Boat Country Inn Aviemore
Aviemore
The Boat Country Inn is a charming Highland retreat set in the Cairngorms National Park, offering comfortable rooms. Guests enjoy hearty pub style dining, a welcoming bar, and free Wi Fi creating a warm, scenic escape with modern comforts.
(2 nights)
Voco Grand Hotel
Glasgow
An iconic 4 star hotel seamlessly connected to Glasgow Central Station, offering a blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary comfort. First opened in 1883, it has hosted famous figures and witnessed major historical moments, all while retaining its striking architecture and elegant interiors. Guests enjoy stylish rooms, modern amenities, and vibrant dining, making it an ideal base for exploring the citys culture and landmarks.
(2 nights)
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Highlights
Uncover the dynastic ambitions and historical significance of monuments like Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Experience the stony landscape of the Agafay Desert on a camel trek, culminating in a breathtaking sunset over the High Atlas Mountains.
Admire the Islamic architecture in Marrakesh, from the grand Koutoubia Mosque and intricate Bahia Palace to the serene beauty of the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Discover the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continuously operating university, and engage in a discussion on its profound influence on global scholarship.
Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of the UNESCO-listed Medina in Fes, where vibrant stalls overflow with textiles, spices, and artisanal crafts.