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Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train - 3 day tour
Magical Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train
3 day/2 night tour
This fascinating tour starts with an incredible Jacobite Steam Train ride followed by a sail “over the sea to Skye”. From your island base in Portree, explore the magical isle, rich in life and legend. Journey past jagged peaks and rolling glens. Admire natural wonders like the Fairy Pools, Kilt Rock, and the mysterious Trotternish Peninsula. Stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle and learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites at Culloden Moor. This feature-packed tour is the ideal introduction to the history and beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Jacobite Steam Train - experience a trip on the real Hogwarts Express (except April 07, April 28 and September 06 departures)
Fairy Pools - see the crystal blue pools of water set against the backdrop of the majestic Cuillin Hills
Portree - enjoy a relaxed two-night stay in this picturesque harbour town
Trotternish Peninsula - experience breathtaking views of the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and The Quirang
Culloden Moor - discover the story behind Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army
Movie locations - The BFG, Stardust and 47 Ronin
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Inverness - Jacobite Steam Train - Isle of Skye
Heading south from Inverness, our odyssey begins on the mysterious shores of Loch Ness. Here, you can take to the water and cruise its gentle swell before alighting to explore the atmospheric ruins of historic Urquhart Castle.
Our journey continues through the beauty of the Great Glen, where we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial to see the towering bulk of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.
More breathtaking views await as we board the famous Jacobite Steam Train (the real Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies). Our journey on the West Highland Line is claimed to be one of the World’s best rail journeys, but we’ll let you be the judge! (not available on April 07, April 28 or September 06 departures)
See Ben Nevis from a different angle as we leave Fort William, then travel over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. Enjoy great views of Loch Eilt before the beautiful sands of Morar stretch out ahead of us as we make our way into Mallaig.
There’s free time to enjoy lunch before catching the ferry “Over the sea to Skye”. Landfall is the port of Armadale on the Sleat Peninsula. Back aboard our coach, there are stunning views of the Cullin Hills as we head to the colourful harbour town of Portree, where tales of feuds, folklore and faeries accompany the finest local seafood and whisky.
Overnight: Portree (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Skye
A delightful day of history and impressive scenery awaits. Our tour starts at the enchanting Fairy Pools. The 2.4 km walk is rewarded with a series of natural pools and waterfalls where the blue and green water provides a magical appearance.
Positioned at the head of Loch Dunvegan is the delightful village of Dunvegan, our lunchtime destination. After enjoying the local delicacies, there will be time to stroll around the village to admire the views and explore the local craft shops.
This afternoon we tour through the Jurassic scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula.
History surrounds us at every turn – not least at Kilmuir and its moving memorial to Flora MacDonald. Here, you’ll hear the fascinating tale of how she disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as her maid to help him flee Government troops in 1746 before escaping ‘o’er the sea to Skye’.
Stop to enjoy a thrilling walk through The Quiraing to explore one of the most unexpected and exciting rock formations in the British Isles.
Our tour continues to Kilt Rock, whose cliff face is formed of black basalt columns that are said to resemble the folds of the garment that give this landmark its name. Later we’ll see the impressive 50m (165 ft) high pinnacle named The Old Man of Storr before returning to Portree.
Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Whisky Distillery - Inverness
A hearty Highland breakfast is an essential start to our last day of discovery. So after enjoying traditional Scottish fare, we return to the mainland and make the short journey to see Eilean Donan, one of Scotland’s most attractive castles. It sits on a little island at the head of Loch Duich and has been featured in several movies, including Highlander and James Bond.
Our next visit is the attractive town of Beauly. It is thought that the town was named “Beau Lieu” - Beautiful Place, by the French monks who built a Priory here in the 13th Century. It was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1564 and still stands in the centre of the town, surrounded by trees.
There’s a stop at a malt whisky distillery where we can discover how “uisge beatha” is made using time-honoured methods and enjoy a taste of the end product.
After a short drive, there’s a brief stop at Culloden Battlefield, where you can learn about the famous battle, in 1746, between the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Government troops.
Our last visit is to Clava Cairns, a group of three prehistoric burial cairns surrounded by standing stones. This picturesque setting is thought to have inspired the Outlander author, Diana Gabaldon, to create the cleft stone of Craigh Na Dun, where Claire time-travels back to 1743.
Our tour ends in the Highland Capital in the early evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-day Tour?
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get 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 as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important 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.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
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, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; 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!
The train will cross 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 reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seating on this tour is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
If you are travelling as part of a group please make sure that all members of the party arrive at the departure point together.
How many people will be in the group?
The group size is normally between 16 and 29 passengers.
Should I make dinner reservations for an evening meal in Portree?
Yes! Portree is the capital and main town on the Isle of Skye, and therefore is a very popular destination, especially in the summer months. There are many excellent restaurants in Portree, and they tend to get pretty busy, so we strongly recommend making reservations for your evening meal to avoid disappointment.
We advise not making your dinner reservations for any earlier than 7pm to allow plenty of time for the coach to return to Portree, after a full day of exploring the wonders of the Magical Isle.
You can also check out our Portree blog for more tips and information.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Portree, Isle of Skye (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- One way Jacobite Steam Train trip on the West Highland Railway Line (except April 07, April 28 and September 06 departures)
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned midicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
19 Union Street
Inverness, IV1 1QA
Check-in: 07:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 16 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HET 02936
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
1 day tour from £ 62.00