8 Day Grand Tour of Scotland with Jacobite Steam Train

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the mountains, glens, and lochs of the Trossachs National Park. On the way we stop for a tour of Glengoyne distillery before we head for the village of Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and the rugged Argyll Forest Park. Overnight Strachur.

Day 2 takes in the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray and its famous Castle, then an incredible archaeological treat to see Kilmartin Glen, often referred to as the birthplace of Scotland and a visit to the seaside town of Oban ‘Gateway to the Isles’ where we can visit Oban town. Overnight Fort William.

Day 3 takes us 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”. We end the day with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Overnight nr Skye.

Day 4 is a tour of the Isle of Skye, passing through Broadford to Talisker distillery for a tour before we move on to Portree with its colourful harbour front for lunch. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes from Kilt Rock Falls, Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. If desired, there will be the option for a light hike at Storr. Overnight Nr Skye.

Day 5 begins with a trip over the “Bealach Na Ba” to the remote Applecross Peninsula; a beautiful and tranquil place on the rugged coast of Wester Ross with stunning scenery. We head for Inverness for the evening where you can enjoy live music at Hootenanny https://www.hootanannyinverness.co.uk/ or at Gellions Bar https://www.gellions.com/

Day 6 we venture out to Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre to learn of the last battle to be fought on British soil before heading south to explore the Cairngorms National Park with large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. We visit Carrbridge village and Leault Farm for an interesting and fun Highland Sheepdog demonstration. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 7 starts with an easy woodland walk at ‘The Hermitage’. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld to explore and have lunch before heading to St Andrews for the afternoon. This historic town is the home of golf and has one of the oldest universities in the world. We will explore the famous Old Course and the cobbled streets of the town. Overnight St Andrews.

Day 8 explores 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. End tour in Edinburgh.