Isle of Skye, Jacobite Steam Train and Whisky Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.