8 Day Best of Scotland with Jacobite Steam Train Tour

Today we start with one of Scotland’s main highlights as we head for Stirling Castle, the favoured residence of Scotland’s Kings and Queens for a full tour to take in the castles' long and turbulent history. The onwards journey takes us west through the fabulous landscape of Scotland’s first National Park, and then north for a tour across Rannoch Moor before arriving at the dramatic scenery of Glencoe that is steeped in history. Overnight nr Glencoe.

Step aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, now famous as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express, which travels along part of the West Highland Railway, built to help open up this remote part of the Scottish coast. The train journey provides wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. After lunch in Mallaig we take the ferry  “Over the Sea to Skye” and visit Armadale Castle & Gardens. Overnight Skye area,

Today we begin on a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the main settlement on the Island, Portree, with its colourful harbour front and interesting shops. After lunch we head north through the rugged Trotternish Peninsula and take in the views at Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock Falls before travelling back down the island for the evening. Other options are a possibility depending on the weather, but this will most definitely be a day to remember. Overnight Skye area.

After breakfast, enjoy a spectacular visit to iconic Eilean Donan Castle before travelling through Glen Shiel to the charming village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. We’ll stop for lunch here with a chance to look around before moving on to travel the length of the loch. The afternoon is spent visiting the Single Malt Whisky Distillery at Glen Ord, situated on the edge of the Black Isle, just west of Inverness. Overnight nr Inverness.

This morning, we head off to visit Culloden Battlefield for a tour that will provide a lasting image of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite Army of 1746. Next, we take in Brodie Countryfare for some relaxing retail therapy and some lunch. We visit one of Scotland’s oldest small towns and one of the most spectacular 18th century bridges in Scotland. Later, enjoy the highland capital and walk along the River Ness. Overnight nr Inverness.

After breakfast, we head out for a scenic trip through the Cairngorms National Park. On the way, we visit Carrbridge village, Grantown-on-Spey, and part of the Malt Whisky region. We tour south to spend the afternoon in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside. Surrounded by glorious countryside, Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village on the River Dee.  Overnight Pitlochry.

This morning allows time to explore the Victorian town of Pitlochry before we drive the short distance to Blair Castle & Gardens commanding a strategic position on the main route through the central Scottish Highlands. Next, we take a scenic drive out to take in the picturesque “Queens View” viewpoint and the Highland town of Aberfeldy on the River Tay before returning to Pitlochry for the evening. Overnight Pitlochry.

Today our first stop is a scenic walk at the Hermitage trail before visiting the small highland village of Dunkeld. Explore the historic cathedral and the village square here before touring south to walk through the cobbled street of South Queensferry with fine views across to the famous Forth Rail Bridge. After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code.  End of tour.