4 day tour
Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train and Whisky Tour
From
£874.00
Tour Summary
Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train and Whisky Tour
4 day/3 night tour
This four-day journey is a classic blend of Highland scenery, history and island magic. Explore the picturesque Western Highlands, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Glen Coe, and Oban. Ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig, then sail over the sea to Skye. Explore the magical isle, including the amazing Fairy Pools and Dunvegan Castle, before taking the opportunity for whisky tasting at Talisker distillery. Back on the mainland, visit romantic Eilean Donan Castle, explore Inverness and discover the story behind the Battle of Culloden.
Oban - savour the delicacies of Scotland’s seafood capital
Jacobite Steam Train – hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express for the journey of a lifetime
Fairy Pools – explore the beautiful waterfalls in the shadow of the Cuillin Hills
Talisker Distillery – discover the traditions of whisky making over nearly two centuries
Culloden Moor - take a walk on the battlefield to see where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a gory end
Movie Locations – Highlander, Harry Potter and The BFG
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Inveraray - Oban
Leaving the city behind, your journey starts with a scenic drive along the shores of Loch Lomond, setting the scene for this Highland adventure. There is a relaxing stop in the conservation village of Luss, known for its flower-lined cottages and lochside views. A little further on, there’s time to pause at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, a classic Highland photo stop looking over Glen Croe.
We continue west to the historic town of Inveraray, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take in the town’s elegant Georgian setting beside Loch Fyne. Nearby, a visit to Auchindrain Heritage Village offers a glimpse into the everyday Highland life of the past, with carefully preserved buildings that bring history to life.
The afternoon takes us through Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most important prehistoric landscapes. On a gentle walk, you’ll encounter ancient standing stones and burial cairns that have marked this valley for thousands of years.
As the day draws to a close, we arrive in the Victorian coastal town of Oban, the welcoming “Gateway to the Isles”. Take in views of the harbour, admire McCaig’s Folly above the town, and, if you wish, enjoy a whisky tasting at Oban Distillery. Oban is known as Scotland’s seafood capital, so you’ll be in for a tasty treat for dinner before settling in for the night.
Overnight: Oban
Day 2 - Oban - Jacobite Steam Train - Portree
After breakfast, our day starts with a drive through the sweeping landscapes of Glen Coe, a place shaped by towering mountains, deep valleys, and tragic history. There’s time to pause for photos among its dramatic peaks, and, depending on the day, you may meet some of Scotland’s famously shaggy Highland cows (Hairy Coos) or explore the local visitor centre to learn more about the glen’s turbulent past.
From here, the route leads on to Fort William, where there’s time for an early lunch before the real highlight of the day. You’ll board the legendary Jacobite Steam Train and settle in for one of the world’s most memorable rail journeys. As steam drifts past the windows, the train glides through wild Highland scenery before crossing the instantly recognisable Glenfinnan Viaduct, known worldwide from the Harry Potter films.
The journey ends in the harbour town of Mallaig, where a short ferry ride carries you across the sea to the Isle of Skye. Before reaching Portree, there’s a stop at the atmospheric Sligachan Old Bridge, perfectly framed by the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains.
Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 3 - Exploring the Isle of Skye
Today is all about exploring the history and beauty of the Isle of Skye. The morning begins with a visit to the famous Fairy Pools, where clear streams tumble into vivid blue pools which sit in the shadow of the Cuillin hills.
From here, there’s the option to visit Talisker Distillery, where you can learn how Skye’s only distillery crafts its distinctive single malt and enjoy a tasting by the sea.
We then travel on to Dun Beag Broch, an Iron Age stone tower set high above the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views over Loch Bracadale below.
There is time for lunch and free time in Dunvegan. Alternatively, you have the opportunity of visiting Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Chiefs of Clan McLeod for over 800 years. Among the many treasures to be found in the castle is the famous Fairy Flag, said to protect the clan in times of trouble.
The afternoon showcases the celebrated scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula. You’ll explore the curious shapes of the Fairy Glen, the sweeping cliffs and landslips of the Quiraing, and the dramatic sea views at Kilt Rock. The day ends with unforgettable views of the Old Man of Storr before returning to Portree for the night.
Day 4 - Portree - Inverness - Edinburgh/Glasgow
After breakfast, we return to the mainland and bid farewell to the Isle of Skye. Soon, we come across one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, Eilean Donan Castle, standing at the meeting point of three sea lochs. With its dramatic setting and rich history, it’s easy to see why this castle is one of the most photographed in the country.
Next, the route carries us deeper into the Highlands, where we pause at Rogie Falls. Set within tranquil woodland, the cascading falls offer a peaceful break, and in season, you may be lucky enough to spot salmon leaping upstream.
We then continue to Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands”, with free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city and its riverside setting. A short drive brings us to Culloden Battlefield, a moving and atmospheric site where the final battle of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites took place in 1746.
The journey south winds through the Cairngorms National Park and into Highland Perthshire. There’s a relaxed stop in the Victorian town of Pitlochry before the final part of our tour to Edinburgh, where we return in the early evening.
Passengers returning to Glasgow will be dropped off at Edinburgh Waverley Station, where they join an express train bound for Glasgow. The ticket is included in the tour fare.
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, cozy 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 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. Click here for more information.
Breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
Admission fees are not included in the cost of the tour, so to complement your itinerary, you can choose to participate in these exciting options:
Attractions
Auchindrain Heritage Village
Oban Distillery
Talisker Distillery
Dunvegan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Culloden Battlefield
The links above provide more information on these attractions, including current prices. On some itineraries, discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more details if this applies. Not all attractions accept credit or debit cards, so you should carry sufficient cash if you plan to visit.
What type of room should I choose?
This tour includes guest house accommodation.
There are different bedroom 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, 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.
What is the luggage allowance on this tour?
For safety reasons, there is a luggage allowance of 15kg (33lb) per person in a bag similar to an airline carry-on bag (maximum size 67cm x 45cm / 26 in x 18 in) and a small day pack for your essential items.
We have produced a helpful blog on “What to pack for a Scotland Tour”.
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