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Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train - 3 day tour
Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train
3 day / 2 night tour
Supercharge your Highland experience with this tour that includes a one-way trip on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express. This tour is jam-packed with highlights including Glen Coe, Loch Ness, The Cairngorms National Park and iconic Eilean Donan Castle. On the Isle of Skye, enjoy a two-night stay in delightful Portree and sightseeing that will allow visits to Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula. Join us for a truly magical experience!
Dunkeld - explore this quaint village and its historic cathedral by the banks of the River Tay
Eilean Donan Castle - capture the iconic view of this famous castle
Isle of Skye - explore the magical isle, including the legendary Cuillin Hills, mysterious Trotternish and impressive Dunvegan Castle
Jacobite Steam Train - selected tours enjoy a one-way ride on the famous West Highland Line aboard the real Hogwarts Express
Glen Coe - stop to view the dramatic scenery of Scotland’s most famous glen
Movie locations - Harry Potter, Skyfall and Made of Honour
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Jacobite Steam Train - Portree (Isle of Skye)
We set off from the capital in the morning and admire the majestic Stirling Castle perched atop a volcanic rock. We continue through Rob Roy MacGregor country and slip from the lowlands into the Highlands.
After a refreshment break, we travel over the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor and stop to admire the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most impressive landmarks.
A drive along the banks of Loch Linnhe brings us to Fort William. Here, we board the World-famous Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable trip on the West Highland Railway.
Our journey will take us along the banks of Loch Eil, and then the breathtaking curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct will sweep us past the head of Loch Shiel and the impressive monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Harry Potter fans will remember this scene from the movies.
Next, we travel along the banks of Loch Eilt, then past the spectacular silver sands of Morar.
Journey's end is the historic fishing port of Mallaig, where we board a modern ferry for the short crossing “over the sea to Skye”. Our home for the next two nights will be in the picturesque fishing port of Portree with its colourful harbour.
Departures in April and October will operate in reverse, with the Jacobite Steam Train Trip being on day three (Mallaig to Fort William).
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today we experience the breathtaking scenery, rich history and vibrant Gaelic culture of the Isle of Skye.
The soaring peaks of the Cuillin Hills will accompany us on much of our journey today. The Cuillins have the greatest concentration of tall peaks in Britain and are a firm favourite with climbers the World over. There will be stops so you can savour the vistas which are truly unforgettable.
Dunvegan Castle has an idyllic loch side setting and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland – it's been the ancestral home and stronghold of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. On your optional visit to the castle, you can view ancient clan treasures, Jacobite relics and the famous Fairy Flag. Why not explore the elegant walled garden and the water garden, with its gentle walking trails?
A trip around the coastline of Trotternish is a trip through time itself.
Today we are following the coastal road through long-established villages to visit the grave of Flora MacDonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape the Government troops who were searching for him. You’ll be in awe as your driver/guide tells you the story of her fascinating life.
As our scenic drive continues, you’ll be able to investigate the mysterious rock formations of The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Kilt Rock, a spectacular 200 foot (61m) sea cliff.
Day 3 - Portree - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
We say goodbye to the Isle of Skye as we leave the island over the Skye Bridge. On our way east, we admire beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons.
Our journey takes us to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, hidden in the heart of the Highlands. Here, we learn about the amazing work of Trees for Life, a charity dedicated to restoring Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
We’re ready for some monster hunting! Our destination is Loch Ness, where we pause and try to spot legendary Nessie while relaxing on the shores of Fort Augustus.
On our drive through the Great Glen, we visit the Commando Memorial, with breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.
Next, we travel through the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and the Grampian Mountains.
We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay before continuing through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains.
Returning to Edinburgh, we enjoy one last spectacular sight: the historic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We reach the 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 too.
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.
On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
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, 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.
Tell me about my accommodation and which type of room should I choose?
The cost of accommodation is included in the price of your tour.
The guesthouses and B&Bs are carefully selected and offer comfortable accommodation in bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, tv, tea/coffee-making facilities and other facilities. Bedding, towels and basic toiletries are provided.
Some guesthouses and B&B’s offer enhanced facilities, such as a resident’s lounge where you can relax with other guests.
Accommodation is spread throughout the communities that we stay in and is seldom more than a 10/15 minute walk from the town or village centre.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage space on the tour is restricted so the amount of luggage that you can bring is limited to 1 bag per person that weights no more than 15kg and has maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm.
Luggage larger than this will only be carried if space is available.
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
- Visit to the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
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
60 High Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1TB
Tours departing in April and October will return at 20:00 hrs
All other departures return at 18:00 hrs
Check-in: 07:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:00/20:00 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)
Jacobite Steam Train
A one-way journey on the Jacobite Steam Train is included in the price of this tour.
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 02093
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 04 Oct 2024
The journey through the Scottish Highlands was exceptional. With enough comfort stops, and sight seeing stops to keep the trip progressing but also allowing for comfort. It was a great introduction to places that may require further exploring on future adventures.
Patricia from Bertram, AU
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Rating: (5 /5) 02 Oct 2024
A wonder journey through the history and landscape of the Highlands. A incredible trip with exceptional guide.
Bernadette from Boise, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 23 Sep 2024
My trip was fantastic! Laurie is the perfect tour guide -- funny, friendly, professional and knowledgeable; and she is an amazing driver. I highly recommend this tour and would absolutely book it again in the future with Laurie as my guide. Thanks for a great experience.
Julie from Des Peres, US
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