Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train

from Edinburgh

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Explore the Highlands and the magical island of Skye, famed for its majestic scenery, Gaelic traditions and abundant wildlife. This popular tour combines all of this plus a memorable journey on the West Highland Railway aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express!

Day One: Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Isle of Skye

From the heart of Edinburgh, we make our way to the Firth of Forth where the impressive sight of the three bridges that span the estuary is our first treat. Soon we are travelling through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and making our way to our first stop in the pretty town of Dunkeld in the heart of picturesque Highland Perthshire.

Next, we journey over the Grampian Mountains and make for the extraordinary beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. A scenic drive through Glen Spean and along the banks of Loch Laggan brings us to the Great Glen where there is a stop in Fort Augustus, which sits on the banks of mysterious Loch Ness. During our time in this attractive village, why not take a stroll along the shores? If you do, keep your camera ready just in case "Nessie” makes an appearance.

Our journey westwards takes us through Glen Shiel and passed the soaring peaks of the "Five Sisters of Kintail” mountain range. Our last stop of the day is at iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which sits on its little island on Loch Duich. Later head "over the sea to Skye” and make for our island home of Portree.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Day Two: Exploring the Isle of Skye

The Island of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, and it’s thought the name could mean "Winged Isle” in Gaelic. Today we explore many of the island’s attractions.

The Trotternish Peninsula provides an epic landscape with unique rock formations that were formed by massive landslips 65 million years ago. See the Trotternish Ridge and the Old Man of Storr, a rocky pinnacle that rises to 50 metres.Kilt Rock is our next stop. This impressive sea cliff is formed of basalt columns whose different colours and lines are said to resemble tartan. The view is even more special thanks to the waterfall that cascades over the cliffs into the Sound of Raasay 60 metres below.

There’s a chance to get "up close and personal” to the weird and mysterious stone formations of The Quiraing next. They create a unique and awe-inspiring vista that’s popular with film-makers and you may recognise them from films such as The BFG, Stardust and Prometheus.

Heading to the west of the island we’ll stop at Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLeod. There has been a castle on this site since the 13^th Century and amongst its many treasures is the Fairy Flag, said to bring good luck to the clan in times of trouble. The castle boasts beautiful gardens and, if you wish, you can take a short cruise to see the local seal population.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Day Three: Isle of Skye - Jacobite Steam Train - Edinburgh

We bid farewell to Portree and our journey offers wonderful views over the silvery sea lochs to the islands of Scalpay and Raasay. The Cuillin Mountains dominate the skyline. We’ll stop at Sligachan where there are impressive views of the Red and Black Cuillin Mountains to savour.

On the Sleat Peninsula, known as the "Garden of Skye”, we’ll find Armadale Castle, Museum and Gardens which tells the story of another powerful clan, the MacDonalds who as Lords of the Isles challenged the authority of the King himself. Later we sail to the mainland, and on arrival in Mallaig, there will be time for lunch.

After our break, head to the station where the Jacobite Steam Train awaits ready to transport us on a journey of a lifetime. Experts regard the West Highland railway line as one of the most scenic in Europe and during the journey to Fort William we’ll pass Loch Morar, the deepest loch and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain. The highlight is undoubtedly the crossing of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct just like Harry and Ron did in the Harry Potter movies.

On arrival in Fort William rejoin your coach and make the short drive to Glen Coe to capture the beauty of this famous valley and to hear the sad tale of the massacre of the resident MacDonalds in 1692 by troops of the Campbell clan. The drive continues over the great moor of Rannoch then, after a descent of the Black Mount, by Loch Tulla. At Stirling join the motorway to journeys end in central Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights: Forth Bridges, Kingdom of Fife, Dunkeld, Highland Perthshire, Cairngorms National Park, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Five Sisters, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, Portree, Cuillin Hills, Trotternish, Kilt Rock, Armadale Castle, Museum and Gardens, Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William, Glen Coe, Rannoch Moor and Stirling.