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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 Cairngorm 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 - Loch Ness - Portree (Isle of Skye)
There is a spectacular start to our tour when we cross the Firth of Forth and enjoy stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridge. We travel through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains.
We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. Drive through the Grampian Mountains to reach the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and the Great Glen.
At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie.
The journey continues to the famous Isle of Skye but first a stop to view Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous icons. Our home for the night is the Isle of Skye, the ‘winged isle’.
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 - Jacobite Steam Train - Edinburgh
Today we explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye, on our drive south towards the village of Armadale.
At Armadale, we board a modern ferry for the short crossing to the fishing village of Mallaig. Here we board the World-famous Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable trip on the West Highland Railway.
Our journey will take us past the spectacular silver sands of Morar and along the banks of Loch Eilt.
Next, 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.
As we arrive in Fort William look out for Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of locks on the Caledonian Canal.
We board our coach and head southwards through the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe and the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
After a stop for refreshments, the final part of our journey takes us through Rob Roy MacGregor country and back into the lowlands once more.
At Stirling, we join the motorway for the short drive back to Edinburgh.
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:
f 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.
On this tour you can choose between Guesthouse/B&B or Hotel accommodation:
Guesthouse and B&B. The guesthouses and B&Bs are family run and offer comfortable accommodation in bedrooms that have 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.
Hotel. We select comfortable hotels that are a minimum of 3 stars with bedrooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, television, tea and coffee making facilities and other amenities.
Most have restaurants offering a selection of Scottish and international dishes as well as comfortable bars where you can relax and un-wind.
Accommodation is spread throughout the communities that we stay in and are 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
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
Check-in: 07:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 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 02093

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:(4 /5) 26 Oct 2023
The tour guide / driver had a great clear voice which you could understand . His knowledge and dedication to his job was excellent !
Hadyn from Bonville, AU
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Rating:(5 /5) 21 Oct 2023
Our guide, Mark, was fabulous. Very knowledgeable and informative. The hotel was wonderful with amazing food. I would highly recommend!
Kathy from Flower Mound, US
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Rating:(5 /5) 18 Oct 2023
Sophie was a great tour leader/driver. Very good knowledge of the history of the country and loved her anecdotes.
Douglas from Geelong, AU
