Jacobite Steam Train, Skye and The Highlands Small Group Tour

Our Highland adventure starts as we depart the historic centre of Edinburgh and make our way to the banks of the Forth Estuary. Here, we will see the three magnificent bridges that span the Firth of Forth. The mighty Forth Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks.

Next, we enter the picturesque Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, known for its tranquil lochs, rolling hills and dense forests. 

Soon, we slip into the Highlands and head for Strathyre. Then, as we ascend Black Mount, we will see impressive views of Loch Tulla.

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.

We stop in 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 of the glen. 

Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, is our gateway to the beauty of the Great Glen, which slices through the heart of the Highlands. At the heart of this geological gem is the village of Fort Augustus, our home for tonight. Located on the southern shores of Loch Ness, amongst stunning scenery, it makes the perfect location to spot "Nessie", the Loch Ness Monster.

After a relaxing breakfast, you can either relax in Fort Augustus, watching the boats transit the locks of the Caledonian Canal, or you could opt to enjoy a scenic cruise on Loch Ness.

Later, we leave Fort Augustus behind and head westwards along the banks of Loch Cluanie.

Glen Shiel is a majestic corridor of mountains and history. Look out for the towering peaks of the Five Sisters, which dominate the landscape as we hear the fascinating story of the 1719 Battle of Glen Shiel. Our next stop played a pivotal role in the battle.

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. The scene is even more stunning in real life than you ever imagined. We'll make a stop so you can visit the castle, learn its history 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 our island accommodation.

After a restful sleep and breakfast, we 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. Brightly coloured houses overlook the picturesque natural harbour, making 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.

It's time to bid farewell to island life, but first, we tour 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 who 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.

On arrival in Fort William, we rejoin our coach and meander our way through Glen Spean and into the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

The next part of our journey involves driving through the Grampian Mountains to reach Highland Perthshire, where we will stop in delightful Pitlochry.

Finally, we travel through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and cross the Firth of Forth to reach the journey's end in central Edinburgh and the end of our Highland adventure.