8 day tour
Queen of Scots
From
£2359.00
Tour Summary
Queen of Scots
8 day/7 night tour
This Highland adventure starts with a journey on the scenic West Highland Line from Glasgow to Crianlarich. Explore Oban, Mull, and Iona, then cruise Loch Katrine and visit a whisky distillery. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig before continuing to Inverness via Loch Ness. Discover the stunning Kyle Line and enjoy a sentimental journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway. Visit Ballindalloch Castle and conclude your tour with free time in Inverness, the Highland Capital.
Isle of Iona - experience the feeling of peace at the ancient holy island
Loch Katrine - sail into a beautiful wonderland of mountains and forests
Jacobite Steam Train - enjoy a scenic journey aboard the real Hogwarts Express
Kyle Line - admire the stunning views while travelling on this famous railway line
Ballindalloch Castle - explore this fairytale castle known as the “Pearl of the North”
Movie locations - Made of Honour, Loch Ness and Brave
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Glasgow - Loch Lomond – Crianlarich
Meet your Tour Manager in Glasgow before beginning your first scenic railway journey. The route follows the renowned West Highland Line, departing the city along the River Clyde before unfolding into ever more dramatic scenery.
As the train skirts the edge of Loch Lomond, views open up to Ben Lomond with glistening waters and rugged hills, affording a true taste of the Highlands.
Continuing north to Crianlarich, you arrive at your base for three nights, the welcoming Crianlarich Hotel, conveniently located just a short walk from the station.
Overnight: Crianlarich Hotel (or similar) (3 nights)
Day 2 - Excursion to Oban, Mull and Iona
Today, we travel further along the western branch of the West Highland Line to the thriving harbour town of Oban, gateway to the Hebrides.
From Oban, we set sail across the Firth of Lorn to the Isle of Mull. As we make our approach to the island, look out for Duart Castle, a stronghold of the Clan MacLean.
Our island tour commences with a picturesque drive through the varied island scenery of Mull to reach the little port of Fionnphort. We leave our coach behind and join the ferry for the short crossing to reach the Isle of Iona.
Centuries of Scottish History can be traced through the ancient monuments, Pictish carvings, and Celtic Crosses scattered across this little island.
Visit Iona Abbey and Nunnery, built by St Columba in the sixth century, and a place of pilgrimage ever since. Later, seek out the graves of the Kings who were buried in the nearby graveyard and explore the thirteenth-century nunnery.
Returning to Oban, you’ll have free time to stroll along the waterfront, browse local shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Later, we rejoin the train for our scenic return journey to Crianlarich, arriving back at the hotel in time to relax before enjoying our evening meal.
Day 3 - Whisky and Water Excursion
After breakfast, we set out to discover the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, a region of tranquil lochs and wooded hills affectionately known as “The Highlands in Miniature.
The highlight of this morning’s travels is a relaxing cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the cruiser MV Lady of the Lake, named after the poem by Sir Walter Scott. As you glide across the calm waters, take in the magnificent scenery, including the peaks of Ben A’an and Ben Venue.
Back on land, we continue to Glengoyne Distillery, beautifully situated at the foot of the Campsie Fells. Here, we enjoy a guided tour to discover the time-honoured methods of whisky making, from slow distillation to maturation in oak casks. At the end of our tour, there is a tutored tasting of some of the distillery’s signature malts.
Later, we return to the hotel, where we can discuss the day’s experiences over a relaxed evening meal together.
Day 4 - Fort William - Jacobite Steam Train – Inverness
After breakfast, we will continue our Highland adventure with a journey aboard the iconic Jacobite Steam Train.
This memorable rail experience carries us along one of Europe’s most scenic routes to Mallaig, crossing the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct and offering views over Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument, and the peaceful waters of Loch Eilt.
On arrival in Mallaig, there is time to explore this historic harbour town, with sweeping views across to the Isle of Skye. Later, we return to Fort William before continuing by private coach through the dramatic scenery of the Great Glen.
Our journey leads us along the banks of Loch Ness, in which tales of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, will add a touch of mystery to our travels.
The Highland “Capital” of Inverness is our destination today. Here, we check into The Palace Hotel & Spa for a four-night stay. Dinner will be served in our hotel.
Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Invernes (or similar) (4 nights)
Day 5 - The Kyle Line Excursion
After breakfast, we head to the railway station for a wonderful return journey on the Kyle Line, whose 82 miles will transport us across the Highlands, from the North Sea to the Atlantic coast.
Departing Inverness, there are views across the Beauly Firth towards the distinctive peak of Ben Wyvis, which rises in the distance.
Beyond Dingwall, the landscape grows wilder as the route threads through wooded hills, crosses the River Conon, and climbs into open moorland.
Near Achnashellach, dramatic peaks appear, including Sgorr Ruadh and the remote Torridon mountains. The line skirts Loch Luichart before sweeping westwards into vast glens and peatland, where red deer are often seen.
The final stretch is unforgettable, hugging the shores of Loch Carron with views to the Applecross Peninsula. After passing the palm-lined village of Plockton, the journey terminates at Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye.
On arrival, a light lunch will be served at the renowned Kyle Hotel, which offers fabulous views of the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye. Later, we return to the station to join the train for our return journey to Inverness.
Day 6 - Strathspey Steam Railway and Ballindalloch Castle Excursion
After breakfast, we set out on a relaxing tour through the Cairngorms National Park. First, we make our way to the winter-sport resort of Aviemore. On arrival, we hop aboard a heritage train of the Strathspey Steam Railway. The 10-mile line formed part of the Highland Railway, which was closed in the 1960s. Today, the line is one of the UK’s premier preserved railways.
Leaving Aviemore, the train chugs across open moorland, through pockets of woodland and along the banks of the River Spey. During the journey, passengers are treated to wonderful views of the dramatic Cairngorm mountains.
The attractive village of Boat of Garten is where the train will halt briefly to take on water. You can alight here to explore the beautifully restored station, dating back to 1863.
The end of the line is Broomhill Railway Station, which may be familiar as the fictional “Glenbogle” station from the BBC series Monarch of the Glen.
Rejoining our coach, we continue to Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens, which has been occupied by the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. There is time to visit the castle where you’ll find fascinating family memorabilia, fine furniture and paintings. Outside, the gardens form a haven for relaxation, with a lovely rose garden and tree-lined walks.
Later, we wind our way back to Inverness by road. There’s time to relax before enjoying dinner at our hotel.
Day 7 - Exploring Inverness
Today is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. You may prefer to unwind at the hotel, perhaps making the most of the spa facilities, or head out to explore the city’s many highlights.
A visit to Inverness Castle offers impressive views over the River Ness, and the Castle Experience tells the story of the people, heritage and regions of the Highlands. A pleasant stroll along the banks of the River Ness to see the Ness Islands is a popular activity, or you could visit the elegant 19th-century cathedral, which sits beside the river and is known for its peaceful interior, stained glass windows, and striking red sandstone exterior.
For those keen to venture further, an optional trip to Loch Ness is always a tempting choice. Whether you’re scanning the waters for a glimpse of the legendary Nessie or simply admiring the dramatic scenery, it’s a classic Highland experience.
Tonight, join your fellow passengers and tour manager for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we transfer to Inverness Station for our journey back home. Haste ye back!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Escorted Train Tour?
You can expect a relaxed and memorable holiday through Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, travelling on a carefully planned itinerary that blends scenic rail journeys, quality hotels, memorable excursions and time to discover at your own pace.
The joy of train travel is an essential element in these tours. You can look forward to a mix of scheduled Scotrail services on some of Scotland’s most scenic lines and heritage railways, specially chosen for their old-fashioned charm.
Throughout the group tour, an experienced Tour Manager will ensure everything runs smoothly. In some locations, local guides will join the group to share information about Scotland’s history, culture, and folklore.
Your holiday includes hotel accommodation, rail travel, many meals and admission to key attractions, with optional excursions - such as distillery visits, loch cruises or additional heritage railways - available to personalise your trip, with full details provided in your travel documents.
How do the Inclusive Rail Fares work?
On this Escorted Rail Tour, you can depart from any mainland railway station in the United Kingdom directly to the town or city where your first night's hotel accommodation is located. At the end of the tour, you will travel back to your home town by the most appropriate route.
Seat reservations, when available, are included.
You can make the journey even more enjoyable by upgrading to First Class.
Please note that some regional routes do not offer First Class, so you will be seated in standard class for these portions of your journey.
Rail travel to the tour departure point and return from the end point are unescorted.
How active are these Escorted Rail Tours?
Most Escorted Rail Tours* are designated as Moderate Activity, with reasonable physical activity, including walking, occasional steps and planned itineraries on most days.
Please bear in mind that you and your party will need to be able to handle your luggage (including lifting it on and off trains and storing it on luggage shelves), walk at a reasonable pace during group activities, and climb steps and stairs comfortably.
* The Picturesque Highland Seasons tour is designated a relaxing tour with more time to relax.
What type of room should I choose?
Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:
Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed.
Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.
Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed.
Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).
Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.
The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
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