Highland Adventure

Your vacation begins as you meet the Tour Manager and group at Inverness train station.

From here, we board a coach to our four-star hotel in the Highland village of Carrbridge. Our home for the next four nights is set in the magnificent Spey Valley opposite the famous packhorse bridge. Built in 1717, this structure, arching over the River Dulnain, is the oldest known stone bridge of its kind in the Highlands. Its strikingly narrow, curved design makes it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.

Once we've checked in and settled into our new surroundings, we meet for our first dinner together at the hotel this evening. Overnight Carrbridge.

• Dinner

Our first full day begins with a coach journey through stunning Highland scenery to Fort William to enjoy a vacation highlight - a journey on the Jacobite steam train.

Aboard vintage carriages, we travel one of the most scenic stretches in the UK to Mallaig. Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis passes by our windows, and as we continue, keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife such as red deer. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll recognize it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing to Mallaig, there's time at leisure to explore the coastal village. For our return journey, we reboard the Jacobite to experience this incredible route in reverse.

Back at our hotel, we have dinner before savoring a wee dram during a storytelling session. Sit back and sip on Scottish whisky as acclaimed storyteller Willie Cameron - known as 'Mr. Loch Ness' - shares expert tales and insights about the mysteries and monsters of the Highlands, which provides a great insight ahead of tomorrow's explorations. Overnight Carrbridge.

Please note: On early/late season departures the Jacobite steam train excursion may be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

Please Note - on selected departures we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we transfer to Clansman Harbor for a cruise across vast Loch Ness. Remember your cameras, because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth about $1.3 million. This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery.

Surrounded by mountains, we glide by forests to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. Disembarking our ship, there is some free time at the castle to explore its ruins or grab some lunch before our coach drives us the short distance to the Loch Ness Exhibition Center. On a guided tour, we delve deeper into the ancient myths of Loch Ness with interactive displays that tell its story.

After a day of unraveling the mysteries of Loch Ness, we return by coach to our hotel in time for dinner this evening. Overnight Carrbridge.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Traveling to Aviemore today, we join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a return journey through the stunning sights of the Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let us marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Snaking our way alongside the River Spey, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks.

After leaving the train, we join our coach for our next stop - the renowned Culloden Battlefield. In the setting where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746, we experience a private guided tour of the battlefield and learn about the history of the site and the sacrifices made there. Following the tour, we have access to the visitor's center, where we can join the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, view unique weapons and artifacts on display, and appreciate panoramic views of the battlefield from the roof garden.

Returning to our hotel, we enjoy the final evening of your vacation. Overnight Carrbridge.

Please note: Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions there may be alternatives.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Scenic train journeys through breathtaking countryside on the Jacobite and Strathspey Steam Railway gave us front-row seats to the majestic moors, lochs and rivers of the Highlands. Cruising the Loch Ness and visiting its exhibition center revealed how myth and legend are synonymous with the region.

After breakfast, it's time to check out and bid farewell to Carrbridge as we travel by coach back to Inverness. Arriving at Inverness train station, we say goodbye and you can make your way home or continue exploring Scotland independently.

• Breakfast