Details
Day One
The holiday starts from Glasgow (with a connection also possible from Edinburgh) and travels north on the world-famous West Highland Line , by Loch Lomond and across Rannoch Moor, to your first base near Fort William in the village of Spean Bridge. Your first two night stop is in a welcoming family-run small hotel with views towards Ben Nevis and wonderful home-cooked food – dinner here is included.
Day Two
A first day at leisure, with options to walk on the nearby trails, take a bus and boat trip to Loch Ness or ride the cable car up Aonach Mor.
Day Three
This morning you will head to nearby Fort William and join the Jacobite Steam Train, which will carry you in the first class comfort of yesteryear on the final section of the West Highland Line over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig. A short transfer will bring you to your next accommodation, a luxurious yet homely guest house set amid beautiful, landscaped gardens, and just a short stroll from the seashore.
Day Four
Depart from Arisaig for a wonderful day’s boat trip to one of the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck or Rum, distinctive on the horizon and even more fascinating close-up. You will have the chance to spend time ashore on one of them before returning to the mainland at the end of the afternoon.
Day Five
You will travel today by ferry on the romantic journey “over the sea to Skye”, arriving on the southern peninsula of Sleat. Here you will be met by local taxi, for the hour-long trip to Portree, the island’s capital. Your accommodation for the next two nights is another family-run guest house, more traditional in style and boasting a well-preserved Victorian interior.
Day Six
Explore the highlights of Skye on a full day’s tour in a small, guided group, including the impressive natural rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, the man-made wonders of Dunvegan Castle and Talisker Distillery plus get close to the dramatic Red Cuillin mountains.
Day Seven
Say a fond farewell to Skye, returning to the mainland via the bridge, before taking a short train journey to picturesque Plockton, setting for both the film “The Wickerman” and TV series “Hamish McBeth”, and complete with rather unexpected palm trees lining the shore! Join a late afternoon seal-spotting boat trip from the harbour. The seafront hotel for this single night stopover includes a welcoming, traditional bar and restaurant boasting plenty of fresh, local produce.
Day Eight
After breakfast and a morning stroll, continue by rail along the North Highland Line, taking in yet more dramatic scenery en route to Inverness. Here you will spend two nights in a charming guest house just a short walk from the centre of the Highland capital.
Day Nine
At leisure to explore Inverness – you may choose to wander around the shops, meander by the river, or perhaps join a boat trip on Loch Ness and indulge in some monster-spotting!
Day Ten
Continue by rail to the very end of the Far North Line at Thurso, skirting the coast of the Moray Firth, then across the wilderness of the Sutherland Flow Country. Another warm welcome awaits at a homely and immaculately-maintained B&B in the town.
Day Eleven
Join a small group tour to the Orkney Islands to discover some of the World Heritage Site wonders of this northerly island group, from the 5,000 year-old stone age village of Skara Brae to the ceremonial Ring of Brodgar and the towering stones of Stenness. Magnificent in a very different way is the ornate Italian Chapel, built in a Nissen Hut by Italian prisoners of war. Your tour will give you an insight into both the ancient and more recent history and current culture of these captivating islands. Return late afternoon for a second night in Thurso.
Day Twelve
Soak in more of the wonderful scenery on your return train trip to Inverness, changing here to head further south to Kingussie, on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park. Your accommodation is a delightful restaurant with rooms, and therefore includes dinner this evening – allowing you to sample the delicious menu.
Days Thirteen / Fourteen
Continue south by train from Kingussie to Pitlochry, with a short transfer to an award-winning guest house for a final two days of relaxation. Located in the heart of Pitlochry, this award-winning guest houses is within walking distance of all the local attractions, shops, restaurants, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and The Dam & Salmon Ladder, and only a short bus or taxi ride away from Blair Castle and The House of Bruar. This guest house has been beautifully transformed into a 14 bedroom luxury, boutique bed & breakfast, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design.
Day Fifteen
Depart on your final train journey to Edinburgh to complete your grand tour of Scotland. (Just ask if you would like to add on a few night’s stay in the capital.)
Pricing
£2185 per person for April, £2200 per person for October, £2245 for May, June & September, £2325 per person for departures in July & August.
All prices based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for 14 nights, and includes 11 nights bed & breakfast, and 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in our hand-picked selection of 3 and 4 star small hotels and guesthouses. The holiday also includes:
- Train travel in standard class on the West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William, the North Highland Line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness, return travel on the Far North Line between Inverness and Thurso, and between Inverness, Pitlochry and Edinburgh.
- First class single journey on the Jacobite Express steam train, from Fort William to Mallaig. In 2018 the Jacobite will run from March 30th to October 26th. For departures outside of this period, travel on this leg will be in the standard Scotrail service.
- Transfers to and from the train at all locations, except for Glasgow, Edinburgh & Inverness.
- Ferry travel to Skye and Orkney.
- A day trip by boat to one of the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg or Muck, with time ashore on one (April to mid-September holidays only).
- A day tour of the Isle of Skye in a small group.
- A day tour in a small group to Orkney from Thurso.
The supplement for a single traveller is £700, based on single occupancy of double/twin rooms.
We would also be delighted to assist with hotel reservations in Glasgow and Edinburgh from our selection of centrally located hotel options.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
As porterage is not included in this largely self-guided holiday, and assistance at train stations is somewhat sporadic, we recommend packing just one manageable suitcase per person.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
