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Highland Adventure

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4.2 stars(176 reviews)
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Take in a stunning, Unspoilt region by Rail

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
5 days From £895 £845 per person
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2023 Tour code: HAS23

About the tour

From Inverness, the gateway to our Highland adventure, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery, step back in time at historic castles and battlefields, meet the local wildlife and enjoy wonderful scenic journeys by both mainline and steam railways.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Inverness

Our holiday begins in Inverness at the Palace Hotel & Spa, which overlooks the River Ness in the centre of the city. With free time you could familiarise yourself with the city on a riverside stroll or visit the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery before dinner. This delightful city is considered the capital of the Highlands, and is crowned by the stunning Inverness Castle. Its most famous resident, King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, may seem familiar as he was the inspiration for one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, MacBeth.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Jacobite Steam Train

Transferring to Fort William, we join the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, one of the most scenic lines in the UK. During our time on board, we pass Ben Nevis before climbing into the mountains surrounding Glenfinnan, where we cross the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct. The line also provides stunning views of Loch Eil, a glittering blue loch overseen by the chiefs of Clan Cameron. After time for lunch, we make the return trip by coach, pausing enroute at the Commando Memorial, a World War II monument, and Fort Augustus, a small village which the Caledonian Canal runs through.

On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Eilean Donan Castle and the Kyle Line

We visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, this iconic fortress played a starring role in the film 'Highlander'. Originally built in the 13th century, it was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellions but restored 200 years later. We return to Inverness on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways, skirting alongside lochs and through wild mountain landscapes. With a free evening in the city, you might like to enjoy dinner at one of the many pubs or restaurants.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Strathspey Steam Railway, Highland ‘coo’ safari and Culloden Battlefield

Travelling to Aviemore, we join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a trip through the stunning sights of Cairngorms National Park. Winding our way alongside the River Spey, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by purple heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks.

Next, we make our way to the Rothiemurchus Estate. Set in the heart of the Highlands, within Cairngorms National Park, we get to meet some of the most adorable Highland residents, the iconic Highland cow. Taking part in a 'hairy coo safari', a local ranger teaches us more about these shaggy creatures as we enjoy plenty of photo opportunities. Finally, we travel by coach to Culloden Battlefield. This atmospheric site was where the 1746 Battle of Culloden - the last major battle held on British soil - was fought. We return to our hotel by coach and enjoy a final farewell meal together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Home

Our tour draws to an end and you're free to depart Inverness after breakfast.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Palace Hotel Inverness, Inverness

Palace Hotel Inverness, Inverness

View hotel

Trains

Jacobite Steam Train
The Kyle Line
Scotrail
Strathspey Steam Railway

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail connections

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 176 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (89)
  2. 4 stars
    (51)
  3. 3 stars
    (21)
  4. 2 stars
    (9)
  5. 1 star
    (6)

J Dormon

4 stars

Submitted 30/May

The holiday was very enjoyable, the hotel was comfortable, the staff pleasant and helpful. The flight of stone steps leading to the hotel entrance was challenging for elderly visitors with luggage. Our friendly tour manager Atha was a mine of information and useful tips and kept us on track. Visits to the Commando Memorial, Eileen Donan Castle and the Culloden Battlefield Tour were well worthwhile. It was disappointing that we did not have enough time in Mallaig and no time in Fort William due to the railway timetable. There was more coach travel than expected but Scotland’s countryside bright with gorse and broom and costal scenic views were beautiful.

Collected by Trustpilot

H Emberson

4 stars

Submitted 30/May

The bus journey from Inverness to Malaig was far too long. Otherwise a great experience and full marks to Atha for her presentations and asistance.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jane Wraight

5 stars

Submitted 30/May

It was a very well organised and enjoyable experience. The scenery in the highlands was stunning and the rail trips made it feel very special. It was one of those stand out and always remember holidays.

Collected by Trustpilot

WILLIAM STEWART

5 stars

Submitted 29/May

Good all round guide and trips

Collected by Trustpilot

Terrible customer service

3 stars

Submitted 29/May

Too much coach travel involved

Collected by Trustpilot

S Cruickshank

1 stars

Submitted 28/May

Scenery lovely. Local information poor.

Collected by Trustpilot

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