2 day tour
Loch Ness, Great Glen and Steam Train Experience
From
£345.00
Tour Summary
Loch Ness, Great Glen and Steam Train Experience
2 day / 1 night tour
Discover the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and visit evocative Culloden Moor. Enjoy the opportunity for a cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness before enjoying an overnight stay in the delightful village of Fort Augustus. The main event is an unforgettable trip along the world-famous West Highland Railway Line on the Jacobite steam train, the real-life Hogwarts Express! End the journey by visiting brooding Glen Coe and remote Rannoch Moor.
Cairngorms National Park - experience breathtaking scenery and soaring peaks
Culloden Moor - discover the story behind Bonnie Prince Charlie and the last battle ever fought in Britain
Loch Ness – take a cruise on Scotland’s most famous lake to visit Urquhart Castle
Jacobite Steam Train - enjoy a thrilling one-way journey aboard the real Hogwarts Express!
Glen Coe - visit the natural wonder known as the “weeping” glen
Movie locations - Harry Potter, A Lonely Place to Die and Skyfall
Guest House accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Culloden Moor - Loch Ness
Departing Edinburgh, we travel through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and enter Highland Perthshire, a land of scenic valleys, remote glens, rushing rivers, and peaceful lochs. We will make a stop in Pitlochry, a tourist resort town on the River Tay that was a favourite of Queen Victoria.
There are fine views of Blair Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Atholl – the only man allowed to have their own private army, The Atholl Highlanders, before we start our ascent through the Drumochter Pass, the main route into the Highlands since the earliest of times.
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of stunning natural beauty, as we will discover. As we journey through the Spey Valley, the Cairngorm Mountains, which rise to over 4000 feet, provide a striking backdrop.
Our next stop is Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site dating back over 4,000 years. With its weathered stones and eerie atmosphere, this place makes history feel alive. This historic cemetery is said to have inspired the famous scene in Outlander, where Claire touches the stone and travels back in time to the 1700s.
A short drive brings us to evocative Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle fought on British soil. In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite troops clashed with the British Army under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. The Jacobites were routed in a bloody battle, and the aftermath changed Highland life forever.
We continue through Inverness to reach the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, where you can enjoy a short monster-spotting cruise and visit the imposing Urquhart Castle.
Our overnight stay is in the attractive village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.
Overnight: Fort Augustus
Day 2 - Loch Ness - Steam Train Journey - Edinburgh
After a hearty breakfast, we make the short drive to Fort William, where we board the Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable journey on the famed West Highland Line to Mallaig*. This is one of the World’s greatest train journeys and will take you past Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station.
A highlight is crossing the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and seeing the monument commemorating the highlanders who died in the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
There’s time for lunch in Mallaig before we return to Fort William by coach.
Please note that the journey on the Jacobite Steam Train can be in either direction.
If the Jacobite Steam Train is not operating, a wonderful alternative steam experience will be arranged on the Strathspey Steam Railway through the Spey Valley.
Later in the day, we will head to the outdoor sports resort of Aviemore, which sits in the shadow of the Cairngorm Mountains.
Here we board a historic steam train for a nostalgic 20-mile return excursion through the picturesque scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. The train will call at Boat of Garten, where you can alight to take photographs of the steam train and the ornate station building.
The train ride continues to Broomhill Station, which sits close to the River Spey and played the part of Glenbogle Station in the popular “Monarch of the Glen” TV series.
The outstanding beauty of Glen Coe belies the tragic tale that we’ll hear next. Gather round as our guide tells the story of the Massacre of Glen Coe in 1692 when Campbell soldiers slaughtered 40 MacDonalds who had been their hosts. This infamous deed remains controversial to this very day.
All too soon, Glen Coe is left behind, and we travel over remote and barren Rannoch Moor. This unspoilt landscape extends over 50 square miles and is one of the most unspoilt areas in Europe.
Our descent of the “Black Mount” provides excellent views over Loch Tulla before we stop in the little Highland village of Tyndrum.
The final part of our journey together will take us through Rob Roy McGregor country to the bonnie little village of Strathyre.
At the Pass of Leny, we return to the Lowlands once more and make our way to Stirling, where we join the motorway bound for Edinburgh.
Note: If the Jacobite Steam Train is not in service, the tour itinerary may operate in reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller, a Signature Multi-day Tour offers fantastic value for money, cosy accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and comfortable travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide who has been carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and driving skills. As locals, you are sure to gain that extra insight. If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and in addition to comfortable mini/midicoach travel, many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an essential part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
Breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
If you click on the links above they will provide you with more information on each attraction including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
What is the journey on the Jacobite Steam Train like?
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this memorable trip will take you past a list of impressive extremes.
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
Also on the journey is a visit to Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig.
The highlight of the journey is crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument.
The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view.
Standard class tickets are included in the cost of the tour. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade these tickets to First Class.
Can I upgrade my Jacobite Steam Train journey to First Class?
The tickets allocated for the tour are in standard class. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reserve specific seats or upgrade tickets to First Class.
What meals are included ?
Breakfast is included from day 2 onwards, which can be either a cooked or continental option.
If the accommodation provides a cooked breakfast, it will likely include bacon, sausages and eggs. You might even get the chance to taste haggis too, if you wish.
A continental spread could consist of cereals, yoghurts, bread, pastries and fruit.
Tea and coffee are served with both options.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day, there will be a stop in a town or village where you can pick up lunch.
In the evening, your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy dinner.
At popular destinations such as Skye, Oban, Fort William and Inverness, making a dinner reservation in advance is recommended.
For more information on meals and accommodation while on tour, click here.
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 12 Oct 2025
Paul Henderson is a marvel! As a former travel writer and ethno cultural lecturer- I have been on many tours from Cambodia to Nova Scotia; Vienna to the tip of South America. Paul was the best guide I have ever encountered. His driving skills are exemplary. His knowledge of and passion for Scottish culture and history are infectious. He made this 2 day excursion memorable on every level. Thank you, Bethany Bultman
Bethany from New Orleans, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 03 Oct 2025
Trip was great. Driver Paul was wonderful and very knowledgeable. B&B Abby house was clean and charming!
Stacey from Eureka, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 27 Sep 2025
I loved everything about this tour. Paul was an exceptional guide. He was very engaging and knowledgeable with lots of Scottish stories to tell.
Debra from Kailua , US
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