£2161 per person (based on 2 sharing)
Spaces: 4
Start Date: 2nd June 2023
Duration: 4 nights
Departing: Glasgow/Edinburgh
5 Day Highlands & Skye with Jacobite Steam Train
Get a taste of Scotland's stunning highland landscape, island scenery and ancient heritage over 5 exhilarating days. Begin your exploration taking in the royal castle at Stirling before travelling through the heart of Scotland exploring Scotland's first National Park and enchanting Glencoe. Enjoy a scenic journey aboard the World-Famous Jacobite Steam Train to the rugged Isle of Skye, finally taking in Loch Ness, Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire.
Day 1
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Glencoe
Today we start with one of Scotland’s main highlights as we head for Stirling Castle, the favoured residence of Scotland’s Kings and Queens for a full tour to take in the castles' long and turbulent history. The onwards journey takes us west through the fabulous landscape of Scotland’s first National Park, and then north for a tour across Rannoch Moor before arriving at the dramatic scenery of Glencoe that is steeped in history. Overnight near Glencoe.
Day 2
Jacobite Steam Train
Step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, now famous as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express, which travels along part of the West Highland Railway, built to help open up this remote part of the Scottish coast. The train journey provides wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. After lunch in Mallaig we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye” and visit Armadale Castle & Gardens. Overnight Skye area.
Day 3
Isle of Skye
After breakfast we begin on a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops. After lunch we head north through the rugged Trotternish Peninsula and take in the views at Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls before travelling back down the island for the evening. Other options are a possibility depending on the weather, but this will most definitely be a day to remember. Overnight Skye area.
Day 4
Eilean Donan Castle & Loch Ness
Today begins with a leisurely visit to iconic Eilean Donan Castle before we travel through spectacular Glen Shiel to the charming village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness - keep a look out for Nessie! Later we travel east to spend the afternoon in the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, where we can have a short walk to enjoy its unique combination of woodland and open moorland. Overnight Pitlochry.
Day 5
Highland Perthshire
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning relaxing in highland Perthshire and take a stroll through Pitlochry high street to experience the array of interesting shops and cafes here. We meet later to head out to take in the “Queens View” and the Highland town of Aberfeldy before arriving at nearby Dunkeld village with its riverside setting on the banks of the Tay and historic Cathedral. Our journey south takes us to South Queensferry to view its famous rail bridge. Ends in Edinburgh