A land where legends are just as prevalent as natural beauty, Scotland plays host for this journey of a lifetime. Settle in as you explore from south to north aboard a legendary rail line, and by way of scenic roadways through the highlands. Incredible history and stunning neogothic architecture offer a grand introduction to the country as the trip commences in Edinburgh. Grandeur lies around every corner as you explore on foot, soaking in the ambiance forged by Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Old Town. From here, venture into the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and then out to the Isle of Skye, where majestic coastlines and Viking history merge to create a location unlike any other. Our route loops back toward Inverness and then Edinburgh, but the adventures do not end here. One last day trip to the Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews introduces you to yet another facet of the local culture. Ancient castles, medieval cities and landscapes that rival those anywhere else in the world are yours to behold in beautiful Scotland.
What’s included
Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer on your own to the Hotel Indigo, your home for the next two nights. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this historic city. Overnight Edinburgh.
See the best of Edinburgh on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed pockets. Explore cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, immerse yourself in royal opulence at Edinburgh Castle, and pass iconic locations like St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square, and John Knox House. The remainder of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your own. You may choose to return to Edinburgh Castle (payable locally), home to - amongst other fantastic relics - the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Overnight Edinburgh.
Make your way to Edinburgh's train station to begin your rail journey to Inverness. Your route takes you across the Forth Road Bridge, with sweeping views over the Firth of Forth, into the wild Highlands, and past Cairngorms National Park with its lush forests, mountains, and moorlands. On arrival, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel. Overnight Inverness.
Discover the wild Scottish Highlands as you travel around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Today's excursion reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches, and a hidden waterfall - with mountain backdrops never far from sight. Not only will you watch the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will also step aboard and experience it for yourself. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, it was voted one of the world's most scenic railways and is an experience not soon forgotten. Overnight Inverness.
Today you can spend the day at leisure exploring Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands crowned by a stunning castle, or choose from two exciting excursions. The first takes you on a scenic cruise of legendary Loch Ness followed by a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. After lunch in Beauly, you have the chance to take an optional excursion to a Highland whisky distillery (payable locally), where the best way to learn about the 'water of life' is to taste it. Afterwards, journey to the renowned Culloden Battlefield - where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746 - the inspiration for 'Outlander'. Then, attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns.
Alternatively, travel to Aviemore where you will join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a round trip through the stunning sights of Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let you marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Snaking alongside the River Spey, enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain, and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks. Following your journey on this scenic railway, return to Inverness and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
*Entrance to Culloden Visitor Center payable locally
Today's adventure takes you to the magical Isle of Skye. Drive along the world-famous Loch Ness - home of the elusive monster - and onwards through the mountains towards the west coast. Included is a stop at Eilean Donan Castle with time to explore inside.
After crossing the Skye Bridge, learn about the island's myths and legends as well as the real-life tales of rival clans and a fugitive prince. Enjoy lunch in Portree and visit the colorful harbor. Explore the Isle of Skye's stunning coastline, and marvel at the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, and Kilt Rock. Overnight Inverness.
Return to Edinburgh by train today. Scenic highlights of your rail journey include the diverse landscapes of Cairngorms National Park and dreamy views across the Firth of Forth. On arrival, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Edinburgh.
Set off on a day trip to Scotland's home of golf-the ancient town of St. Andrews-and the fishing villages of the "Kingdom of Fife." As you depart Edinburgh by coach this morning, cross the iconic Forth Bridge and travel through Aberdour to the East Neuk of Fife. Stop in the town of Anstruther, home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum. See the villages of Pittenweem, Crail and St. Monans, once thriving fishing communities which were made prosperous by trade within the continent.
Your day trip continues to the medieval town of St. Andrews in time for lunch. Enjoy free time to stroll around the town, home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as impressive historic buildings and delightful cobbled streets. On the return to Edinburgh, stops include Falkland, Loch Leven and the picturesque village of South Queensferry. Overnight Edinburgh.
Your vacation through the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye concludes after breakfast today.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, due to availability, the order may differ from that shown above.
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
From Ben Nevis in Fort William to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Nevis in Mallaig, some of the most impressive sights in the Scottish Highlands are presented aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. Many travelers recognize the line as the "Harry Potter" train; however, the railway has been in operation for over 120 years, connecting remote villages and towns on Scotland's Atlantic Coast. The Jacobite Steam Train follows its 84-mile roundtrip course at an average speed of 50 miles per hour to showcase all of the beautiful Highland scenery in its full glory.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!