Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and Highlands Tour - 4 day tour
Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour
4 day/3 night tour
Skye is the most beautiful and romantic of Scotland’s islands, as you will discover on this leisurely tour. This feature-packed itinerary includes haunting Glen Coe, picturesque Eilean Donan Castle and mysterious Loch Ness. Enjoy a comfortable two-night stay on the Isle of Skye, allowing a relaxing tour of the island’s many attractions. The tour ends on a high with a trip on the famed Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express!
Eilean Donan Castle - visit one of the World’s most photographed castles
Portree - relax in this attractive fishing port and browse the many handcraft shops for a memorable souvenir
Isle of Skye - see the famous sights, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the craggy Cuillin Hills
Jacobite Steam Train - get your camera ready as the real Hogwarts Express steams over the Harry Potter Bridge
The Kelpies - stop to view the towering horse-head statues
Movie locations – Harry Potter, Braveheart and James Bond
Guest house accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Isle of Skye
The time has come to join your fellow passengers and embark on a journey of exploration.
From Edinburgh, we head to the Firth of Forth and make the crossing, enjoying up-close views of the mammoth Forth Bridge. Our journey continues through the Kingdom of Fife and into Highland Perthshire, where we will stop in delightful Pitlochry.
The next part of our journey involves a drive through the Grampian Mountains to reach the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. We meander our way through Glen Spean to reach the attractive village of Fort Augustus at Loch Ness, where there is time for a stroll along the banks to gaze out over the mysterious waters
Charming Eilean Donan Castle sits on an islet at the point where three lochs merge. The scene is iconic and is sure to be familiar to you. In real-life, the scene is even more stunning than you could ever imagine. We’ll make a stop so you can visit the castle and post images on your social feeds to impress your friends!
The modern road bridge will take us seamlessly onto the magical Isle of Skye and to our island accommodation.
Overnight: Isle of Skye (2 nights)
Day 2 - Discovering the Isle of Skye
After a restful sleep and breakfast, we’re off to explore the beautiful Isle of Skye. Today’s itinerary starts with the impressive mountain ranges of the Black and Red Cuillin Hills, which dominate the landscape and make the island such a draw with mountaineers.
Spend free time in Portree, the island’s main town, where brightly coloured houses overlook the picturesque natural harbour. It makes an excellent backdrop for a selfie! Take time to browse the many traders surrounding the town’s main square. It’s the ideal place to pick up a handcrafted souvenir of your travels
The Trotternish Peninsula is famous for its unusual rock formations and spectacular seascapes. We start our journey with a visit to the magical Fairy Glen with its strange cone-shaped hills. Next, we have breathtaking views of the impressive Trotternish Ridge and the Old Man of Storr, a black monolith that towers 50 metres high. Further on is Kilt Rock, where the formation is said to imitate the pleats in a kilt, and the Quiraing, which resembles a mountain range in miniature.
Day 3 - Isle of Skye - Jacobite Steam Train - Fort William
It’s farewell to island life, but first we tour through the lush Sleat Peninsula, known as the garden of Skye. Look out for colourful wildflowers, native woodlands and scenic coastal vistas.
At the little port of Armadale, board a ferry for the short crossing of the Sound of Sleat to reach the historic fishing port of Mallaig. Enjoy time for lunch and, if time permits, the chance to enjoy a short wildlife-spotting cruise.
Soon, we’re heading to the station where the Jacobite Steam Train awaits to take us on a memorable journey along the scenic West Highland Line.
Once the train puffs out of the station, look out for the rapids of the River Morar, one of Scotland’s shortest, which flows from Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater lake in Europe. See the sparkling white sands at Arisaig and Morar before passing Loch nan Uamh where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed at the start of his ill-fated 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
Soon we steam past the banks of Loch Eilt, where the excitement mounts on our approach to the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct. As we cross what has become known as the “Harry Potter Bridge”, see the Glenfinnan Monument, built in memory of the clansmen that fought for the Jacobite cause.
Next, we pass by the shores of Loch Eil, where the bulk of Ben Nevis - Britain’s tallest mountain comes into view. After crossing the Caledonian Canal, the train pulls into Fort William station, signalling the end of this legendary railway journey.
Overnight: Fort William
Day 4 - Fort William - Glen Coe - Edinburgh
Our last day together is full of exciting experiences. After a hearty breakfast, we tour along the banks of Loch Linnhe and head to Glen Coe, where the grandeur of the mountain scenery belies the tragic events that took place here. In 1692 troops of the Campbell Clan murdered 40 MacDonalds in a shameful act. The sorry tale will be retold when we stop to savour this spectacular landscape.
The barren and desolate landscape of the great Moor of Rannoch extends as far as the eye can see. It won’t surprise you to learn that this is one of the remotest areas in Europe.
Our descent of the Black Mount affords impressive views of Loch Tulla below. After travelling through Strathyre, we slip back into the Lowlands and stop for lunch in the attractive town of Callander.
Look out for Doune Castle, standing proudly overlooking the River Teith. It has played a starring role in Outlander and Game of Thrones.
Our last stop of the day is to visit the towering Kelpies. These magnificent equine statues were designed to pay tribute to the role horses played in the industrial development of Scotland.
A short drive brings us back to Edinburgh and the end of this magnificent tour.
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.
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.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you maximum flexibility the cost of admission fees and other optional extras are not included in the tour price. This gives you complete freedom to choose as the mood takes you. On this tour the optional visits are:
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Ness Cruise
Culloden Moor Visitor Centre
Following the links above will give you more information on each attraction including current admission prices. At some locations a special discount is offered to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies. Credit/debit cards are not always accepted so you should plan to have sufficient cash with you should you wish to make any visits.
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 join the tour in Edinburgh and leave in Glasgow (or v.v.)?
Yes you can, but you need to book your transfer in advance. You can do this by sending an email to enquiries@scottishtours.co.uk no later than 24 hours after making your reservation. Please ensure you quote your booking reference in the email. We’ll be happy to make the arrangements for you and there is no extra charge for this service.
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.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 3 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Isle of Skye (2) and Fort William (1)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (3)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- One way Jacobite Steam Train trip on the West Highland Railway Line
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned midicoach
- Isle of Skye ferry tickets
- 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
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Check-in: 08:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
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
HEX 02865
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
-
Rating: (5 /5) 17 Oct 2023
Stephan was wonderful. Not only very knowledgeable but very organized.
Edna from DELTA , CA
-
Rating: (5 /5) 08 Oct 2023
Our tour guide Alex was awesome! He has an extensive knowledge of Scottish history. He was informative and entertaining. We are so grateful that we booked this tour! We would never have seen all the beautiful marvels of Scotland on our own. I think the fairy pools and the mountains in Glencoe were my favorite part of the tour. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone planning to visit Scotland.
Jennifer from Downers Grove, US
-
Rating: (5 /5) 25 Sep 2023
This tour was a great way to explore the Isle of Skye and the Highlands. The scenery is magnificent!
Rosa from San Diego, US
LOADING...
