9 Day Highlands & Islands Tour with Jacobite Steam Train

After pick-up we head for Stirling, often nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. We make our way to one of Scotland’s most important castles, Stirling Castle, with impressive architecture and a long and turbulent history. Later, we tour north through Callander town and past Loch Lubnaig before stopping to view the beautiful landscape at Loch Tulla. Next, we venture through Rannoch Moor and travel over the mountain pass of Glencoe to take in its dramatic splendour. Overnight Fort William.

This morning, step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train that is now famous as the Harry Potter ‘Hogwarts Express’. Your seats provide ever-changing vistas as you trundle along part of the West Highland Rail Line considered by many to not only be the most scenic rail journey in Scotland, but in the world. After a lovely lunch in the fishing village of Mallaig, we take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’. Overnight Skye area. 

Today 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.

This morning we take the ferry from Skye to the Outer Hebrides where we will spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic beauty of the Isle of Harris. With dramatic landscapes, unique Gaelic culture, and fascinating history, Harris is the perfect starting point for your Hebridean adventure. Highlights today include Harris Tweed shopping, the winding Golden Road, 15th century Rodel Church, and stunning Luskentyre Beach. Overnight Outer Hebrides. 

Today we explore the rich history of Lewis which has been inhabited by man for around 5000 years or more. From ancient monuments and rich Gaelic heritage to rugged coastlines and spectacular wildlife, Lewis has much to offer. We head out to experience a Harris Tweed demonstration, visit the ancient Calanais Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and a traditional Blackhouse village we will discover the ancient way of life. Overnight Outer Hebrides.

After breakfast, head out on foot to explore Stornoway town and do some last-minute shopping before we board the ferry back to the mainland. The ferry passes the Summer Isles as we near the port at Ullapool, where after docking, we venture through Wester Ross. This is a very old landscape and the area is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially the Torridon Hills. Overnight nr Inverness.

After breakfast, we head into Inverness city, known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’ to explore this city that ranks highly for its quality of life, making it an attractive place to live and visit. Next, we tour south along the banks of Loch Ness with fabulous scenery and picturesque villages along the way. If time allows, take a hike out to the waterfall. We stop at Fort Augustus village before we tour to the Single Malt Whisky Distillery for a tour and tasting. Overnight nr Inverness. 

Visit Culloden Battlefield where supporters of King James II and his descendants, sought to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne. Learn about the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising that changed the future of the Highlands forever. Next, we tour south and explore the Cairngorms National Park with heather-clad mountain ranges and large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. See Carrbridge village, Rothiemurchus Estate and Pitlochry town. Overnight Dunkeld. 

This morning we relax and enjoy the historic village of Dunkeld on the banks of the River Tay with ancient Cathedral and picturesque village square before we bid farewell to the Highlands on our journey south. The scenery quickly changes as we make our way to Edinburgh via the Forth Rail Bridge. End the day just outside Edinburgh city with a leisurely visit to 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Tour ends in Edinburgh.