Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural beauty, Viking history, and ancient myths and legends. This is a journey packed with many of Scotland’s most iconic sights and scenery, as well as the chance to travel one of the great train journeys of the world on the Jacobite Steam Train during summer months.
What is included in the tour
- Accomodations
- Guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Explore the picturesque Eilean Donan in the Highlands Spot Nessie as you explore the shores of Loch Ness Hear the legends of the Isle of Skye and admire the views Enjoy the greatest railway journey in the world
Day 1 Edinburgh to Portree
Leaving Edinburgh at 8.00am, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridge and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. It’s then further north into the Highlands before we enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie. The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first, we take in spectacular Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the Isle of Skye, the ‘winged isle’.
Day 2 Isle of Skye
We spend the day exploring the dramatic Isle of Skye with its amazing scenery, myths and legends. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Highlights include the mysterious rock formation of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall. In the afternoon you have time to explore Dunvegan Castle, stronghold and ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for the past 800 years. (Overnight: Portree)
Day 3 Portree to Edinburgh
Summer: We have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We head south through the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, wild Rannoch Moor then the heart of Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at approximately 8.30pm. Winter: We head south via the Skye Bridge and through the stunning glens, we pass the Commando Memorial with views to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Eerie Glencoe and the wilds of Rannoch Moor await before arriving in Rob Roy country to hear about the rogue who turned to a hero. Crossing back into the lowlands we arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening at approximately 5.30pm. Winter itinerary, November to March.
