11 Day Grand Tour incl. Jacobite Steam Train

oday begins with a leisurely visit to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book 'The Da Vinci Code'.  For the afternoon, we head south to the Scottish borders for a relaxing wander around Melrose Abbey where Robert Bruce’s heart is buried, beautiful Melrose town and take in the panorama at “Scott’s View”.

After breakfast, enjoy a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the mountains, glens, lochs and rivers of the Trossachs National Park and the village of Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.  Later we head into the rugged Argyll Forest Park to explore further.

Today we take in the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray with a visit to the Inveraray Castle & Gardens, then an incredible archaeological treat to see Kilmartin Glen, often referred to as the birthplace of Scotland.  We end the day with a visit to the bustling seaside town of Oban “Gateway to the Isles”.

This morning, step aboard the Jacobite steam train now famous as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express.  The train journey provides wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum.  After lunch in the fishing port of Mallaig we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye” for the afternoon. 

Today is a tour of the Island of Skye, passing through Broadford and past the Cuillin Mountains to the Island capital, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops and cafes.  Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes from Kilt Rock Falls, Man of Storr and the Quiraing.  Other options are a possibility.

Today begins with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle before taking a trip over the “Bealach Na Ba” mountain pass to the remote Applecross Peninsula - a beautiful and tranquil place on the rugged coast of Wester Ross with stunning scenery.  The area is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially Applecross Bay and the Torridon Hills.

After breakfast, we head into Inverness "Capital of the Highlands" to enjoy some free time exploring the city before we travel south along the banks of Loch Ness with fabulous scenery and picturesque villages along the way.  Stop at Fort Augustus for lunch before spending the afternoon cruising the loch and Urquhart Castle (Duration: 2hrs).

Today we venture through Inverness to visit Culloden Battlefield to learn about the last battle to be fought on British soil before heading south to explore the Cairngorms National Park, with towering mountain ranges and large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest.  We also take in the villages of Carrbridge and Pitlochry.

This morning starts with a visit to wonderful Falkland Palace, once a favourite place of Mary Queen of Scots, before heading to explore St Andrews 'The Home of Golf' and also the home of Prince William while he attended the University here, which is one of the oldest in the world.  Explore the cobbled streets and view the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral.

Today we explore Stirling with a visit to the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland's great hero William Wallace - the views from the top are stunning and are well worth the climb.  Stirling Castle is the next stop for a full tour to take in the castle's long and turbulent history.

After breakfast, we head east to the Kelpies and past the famous Forth Bridge to Edinburgh where we visit Edinburgh Castle and then enjoy some time out in the Royal Mile, with its charming medieval architecture and the opportunity to do some last-minute speciality shopping.