Great Railways of the Scottish Highlands - 5 days from £629

Accommodation

You will stay in a hotel such as the Glenmoriston Town House (4-star)
4 nights. The Glenmoriston Town House Hotel offers great views over the River Ness from the front of the hotel and from its award winning Restaurant and Brasserie. Each room features private facilities, telephone, WiFi internet, flat screen televisions, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities.

Please note: details of your confirmed hotel will be advised in your final documentation, which will arrive approximately two weeks before departure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Inverness

Travel to the lovely city of Inverness to begin your four-night exploration of Scotland.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Mallaig & Glenfinnan

Board the famous Jacobite Steam Train for a stunning two-hour journey through some of Scotland’s most wild and spectacular scenery. Many people regard the route that the Jacobite takes as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, and you will be able to judge for yourself as you watch the stunning landscape pass by your window.

The charming fishing port of Mallaig plays host as you take lunch here – try some of the local seafood fresh from this morning’s catch to get an authentic feel of the area. Suitably impressed by the quality of your meal, take a leisurely stroll at Glenfinnan, where you can admire the monumental tower that was built to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie both raising his standard and departing Scotland for France. Cinema-goers will also recognise the picturesque viaduct as the one featured in the magical series of Harry Potter films, giving it a sense of mystery quite apart from its independently impressive nature.

Please note we cannot always guarantee that these journeys will be steam hauled.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Kyle Of Lochalsh

Embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast. this magnificent journey takes you through some incredible scenery, across open moorland and through stunning valleys, stopping in truly picturesque locations. Continuing by coach, discover the charms of Scotland’s most romantic castle, Eilean Donan, situated at the mouth of Loch Long with views across to the Isle of Skye and the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail. enjoy lunch while you soak up the historic atmosphere and then there’s the chance to explore the beautiful castle.

No journey to Scotland would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, and you have the chance to hunt for the legendary monster on your way back to Inverness. photographers will be keen to capture their time here as not only is the loch famous for its mythical inhabitant but its stark beauty is also a sight to behold.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Strathspey Steam Railway & Cairngorm Funicular Railway

The famous Cairngorm Funicular Railway is your destination, reached by a scenic route towards the Cairngorm Mountain, home to specially protected flora and fauna. The UK’s highest mountain railway takes you to the top of the Cairngorm Mountain in just eight minutes, passing breathtaking scenery in every direction through refreshing mountain air.

There is more to come with a nostalgic trip on the Strathspey Steam railway from Aviemore through the striking Boat of Garten to Broomhill, the village that featured as Glenbogle in the popular BBC drama Monarch of the Glen. your journey takes you back in time to the golden age of steam, the perfect opportunity to relax with a drink as you admire the wonderful views from your window.

From relaxation to contemplation with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rising was crushed by the duke of Cumberland’s government army in less than an hour in april 1746. Take the chilling opportunity to walk the routes taken by men on either side, and to see the ground where brave men fell.

Please note we cannot always guarantee that these journeys will be steam hauled.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Inverness

After enjoying breakfast it’s time to begin your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast