Edinburgh, Skye and the Highlands

Day 2 - Edinburgh - The Highland Line - Inverness

After breakfast, why not hop back on the city tour to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, forever connected to the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots and still a working royal residence. 

Around lunchtime, head to the railway station and settle into your reserved seats on the morning Inter7City service bound for Inverness. 

Our scenic journey along the Highland Main Line stops in historic Stirling, famed for its ancient castle, proudly standing guard over the city. 

Departing from Perth, enter Highland Perthshire, where we experience an ever-changing landscape of soaring trees, fast-flowing rivers and attractive villages. Leaving Pitlochry, we enter the Pass of Killiecrankie, the scene of a famous Jacobite Battle, then pass Blair Castle, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl.  

As the train makes the slow climb through Glen Garry, watch out for the deer and soaring eagles that can often be seen along this picturesque section of the route. At Druimuachdar summit (452 m/1,484 ft), we reach the highest point on the UK rail network. 

The Cairngorms National Park is famed for its natural beauty, and as we travel through the Spey Valley, the peaks of the Cairngorms Mountain Range provide a spectacular backdrop to our journey.  

On arrival in Inverness, make the short walk to our city centre hotel, our base in the Highland Capital.

Overnight: Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness, Inverness (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Excursion

From Inverness, travel to reach the remote village of Achnasheen, then through picturesque Glen Carron, where there is a stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the stunning panorama over Loch Carron and the Applecross Mountains.

After crossing the majestic Skye Bridge, there is a stop in Kyleakin so that we can enjoy the views over Loch Alsh to the tiny island of Eilean Ban.

The magical island of Skye is famous for its charm and beauty. Our tour of the island starts with a coastal drive to Broadford. The landscape becomes more rugged as the impressive Cuillin Hills come into view, greeting us with some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.  

Portree, the main town on Skye, sits attractively around a natural harbour. You'll have time to discover Portree's many craft shops or breathe in the sea air on a stroll around the harbour.

The next visit is to the Trotternish Peninsula, famous for its spectacular rock scenery. During our scenic drive, see The Quiraing and its strange rock formations known as The Prison, The Needle and The Table.

Stop at Kilt Rock, a 61m (200 ft) cliff where the basalt resembles the tartan of a pleated kilt. Look out for the nearby Falls of Mealt cascading into the sea below.

The last visit will be to the Old Man of Storr, a 49m (160 ft) pinnacle that stands overlooking Loch Leanthan below. Its scenic location has been featured in several movies, including King Arthur and the Big Friendly Giant.  

Back on the mainland, there is a photo-stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's best-known icons. The castle stands on an islet in Loch Duich connected by a little bridge and is one of the most unmistakable Scottish scenes.

As we travel through remote Glen Shiel, look out for the towering mountain range known as "The Five Sisters of Kintail".

The last part of the tour will take us along the banks of mysterious Loch Ness to Inverness.

Day 4 - Inverness - Edinburgh - London

Enjoy an early breakfast, then make your way to Inverness Railway Station, where the “Highland Chieftain” Azuma train awaits to return us to the heart of London.

On leaving Inverness, the train will cross the 29 arches of the impressive Culloden viaduct, then skirt Drumossie Moor, the location of the famous battle in 1746.

Later the route enters the Cairngorms National Park with stops scheduled in Aviemore, the popular winter sports resort and Newtonmore.

After leaving Dalwhinnie, the train will descend through Glen Garry to reach Highland Perthshire once more.

Departing Edinburgh, the train will follow the same route as the northbound journey calling at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and York.

You can expect a mid-afternoon arrival at London’s Kings Cross Station (Sunday departures will reach London a little bit later).