Highland Adventure 2012 

Our tour begins in Inverness at the Palace Hotel or the Glen Mhor Hotel (9 September departure only). Get your bearings by maybe exploring the town or taking a relaxing walk alongside the River Ness. (D)

Today we transfer to Fort William, where we join the Jacobite Steam Train* for the return journey to Mallaig, arguably the most scenic railway journey in the UK. During the journey the train steams past Ben Nevis, then climbs into the mountains surrounding Glenfi nnan, where we cross the 21-arched Glenfi nnan Viaduct. After time for lunch we return to Fort William, from where we continue by coach to Invernes. (B,D)

*The Jacobite Steam train does not operate until mid-May. Earlier departures are booked onto Scotrail's scheduled diesel service.

We spend the day discovering another of Europe's scenic railway lines, travelling on the breathtakingly beautiful Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh, across the water from the Isle of Skye. Climbing from Dingwall on the Cromarty Firth we skirt alongside lochs and up through wild mountain landscapes. Past Achnasheen we reach the Luib Summit then descend, hugging Loch Carron's shores. From Strathcarron to Stromferry the line twists and turns around tiny loch-side inlets. At Plockton, we see palm-trees and yachts in the bay, before heading back towards the sea at Kyle of Lochalsh, from where we enjoy an excursion to beautiful Eilean Donan Castle on the tiny island of Eilean Donan in Loch Duich. (B,D)

Our excursion today is on the tracks of the historic Highland Railway. Travelling to Aviemore by rail, we join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway. From Aviemore through Boat of Garten and on to Broomhill, the train passes moorlands, woods and by the River Spey. Finally we enjoy an excursion on board the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, Scotland's only funicular railway. (B,D)

Your Tour Manager bids you farewell from Inverness and you are free to travel home independently. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Please note: the order of the itinerary may vary according to departure date. Please call our Tour Advisors for more information.