Edinburgh, Skye and the Far North

Day 2 - Edinburgh - The Highland Line - Inverness

After breakfast, head out to discover more of Edinburgh. Why not stroll along the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses and many historical attractions?

At Gladstone’s Land, you can discover what life was like in a 17th Century tenement house or head underground to explore 400 years of hidden history at spooky Mary King’s Close.

Later we head into the Highlands on a spectacular rail journey as we make our way from Edinburgh to Inverness by train.

The “iron road” will take us to historic Stirling, where its ancient castle sits atop a volcanic core. Later travel across Strathallan and through the attractive station that serves the famous Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Courses. 

Admire the picturesque views as the train heads for the attractive Victorian resort of Pitlochry then, after passing through the Pass of Killiecrankie, see white-washed Blair Castle, the home of the Duke of Atholl.

Our train starts the climb through the Grampian Mountains to reach the Druimuachdar Pass, the highest summit in the British rail network.

As we travel through the attractive Spey Valley, look out for the high peaks of the Cairngorm Mountains on the approach to Aviemore, one of Scotland’s premier outdoor sports venues.

On arrival in Inverness, make your way to your city centre hotel, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the many attractions of the “Highland Capital”.

Overnight: Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Excursion

There is an exciting day in prospect as we head for the lovely Island of Skye.

Our first stop is in the tiny village of Achnasheen, which is surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Next, there is a scenic drive through Glen Carron, stopping along the way to admire the panoramic views over Loch Carron.

Soon we are crossing “over the sea to Skye”.

The magical Isle of Skye is known for its wild and beautiful landscapes of deep lochs and jagged mountains. This land has had a harsh history of Norse invasions, fierce clan battles and the tragic Highland Clearances of the 19th Century.

The stories that you will hear will be even more stirring as you drive through this dramatic scenery!

The main stop of the day will be in the colourful fishing port of Portree, which sits around a pretty harbour.

This afternoon we head to the north of the island to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula. We’ll see the impressive obelisk known as the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, which is said to resemble a pleated kilt.  

The scenic tour continues with magnificent views of the Cuillin Mountains, considered by many to be the finest in Britain!

We return to the mainland and stop at Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle stands on a tiny island at the confluence of Lochs Duich and Alsh. The view of this iconic castle is just perfect for your next social media post.

Soon we are heading through Glen Shiel, a spectacular valley where the “Five Sisters of Kintail” mountain range soar skywards.

The final part of our journey takes us along the banks of Loch Ness and back to Inverness.

Day 4 - John O’Groats and the Far North Excursion

Today we join a new group and driver/guide for a day of nature, history and scenic beauty as we travel to John O’Groats and the Far North.

From Inverness, we head northwards across the Black Isle to the Cromarty Firth, where, hopefully, we will catch sight of members of the local seal population.

The picturesque village of Golspie is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches. Nearby is fairytale Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau and overlooks beautiful formal gardens modelled on those at the Palace of Versailles.

During the stop, you have the opportunity to visit this impressive castle and tour its grounds.     

Enjoy incredible sea views as we travel northwards along the famed North Coast 500 route.

We will take a break for lunch in Wick. This former Viking settlement became a prosperous fishing town during the herring boom of the 19^th Century. The legacy of the “silver darlings” is an impressive harbour that is still in use today.

Later, we head to John O’Groats, the most northerly village in the British mainland. After the obligatory “I was there” photograph at the signpost, you can take a cliff-top stroll to enjoy the views and, maybe, spot some wildlife.

On our return journey to Inverness, there will be a stop in Dunbeath, where we can take a stroll around its attractive harbour.  

Day 5 - Inverness - Edinburgh - London

After an early rise, head to Inverness Railway Station to catch the "Highland Chieftain" train bound for London. As well as comfortable seating, air-conditioning and panoramic windows, the Azuma train also features free wifi.

There is an onboard café serving drinks and locally sourced food throughout the journey.

The train will follow the same route as our northbound journey, including the scenic Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire.

After a brief pause in Edinburgh, the journey southwards takes in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and York.  

Your tour will terminate at London (Kings Cross) Station around 15:50 hrs (17:55 hrs on Sundays).