Scottish Highlands & Skye

Inverness • Cairngorms National Park • Strathspey Steam Railway • Blair Castle • Loch Ness • Isle of Skye • Fort William to Mallaig Train

Be mesmerised by the magic of the Scottish Highlands. See the wildlife of Cairngorms National Park, ride the world-renowned Fort William to Mallaig train, enjoy a whisky tasting, explore the enchanting Isle of Skye and go Nessie spotting on a Loch cruise.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Inverness

Make your way to the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish Highlands to be welcomed to your hotel in Inverness, overlooking the River Ness. After settling in, why not take a riverside stroll? Or unwind in one of the fantastic restaurants and bars. Or relax in the hotel’s indoor pool and spa facilities.

DAY 2 – Cairngorms National Park, Strathspey Steam Railway & Blair Castle

This morning after breakfast, we head to the Cairngorms National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers, as a spot that many rare and endangered species call their home. Think pine martens, red squirrels, mountain hares and golden eagles, as well as the most endangered species – Scottish wildcats. As we drive towards Broomhill you might see red Lock Leven Rose deer or Highland cows on the mountaintops. There are more opportunities to gaze at the stunning scenery, as we board the Strathspey heritage railway, with its spectacular views through forests and heather-clad moorland. Our destination is Aviemore, where the endless panoramic views, forests and tranquil lochs continue. As we leave behind our majestic train, we continue onward through the beautiful Spey Valley to historic Blair Castle. The

As this is a single-centre tour, we stay at the same hand-picked hotel in Inverness for 5 nights, with breakfast included.

Palace Hotel and Spa, Inverness

HHH Superior

castle is the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, dating back to the 13th century, over 19 generations have made it their home. The castle houses a wealth of family portraits, furniture and china and gives the visitor an insight into the Atholl family. During your visit you may wish to learn a little more about the castle’s history by visiting the Jacobite Exhibition which reflects the trials and tribulations the Athol family and Blair Castle endured during the Jacobite rebellion. The extensive grounds include the 9-acre walled ‘Hercules’ garden, which has been restored to its Georgian glory where peacocks roam freely against the backdrop of the renowned summer 275 metre herbaceous borders. (B) + Included Experiences – Visit Cairngorms National Park and Blair Castle; travel on the Strathspey Steam Railway

DAY 3 – Loch Ness

Do you believe in the myth of the Loch Ness Monster? Today is your chance to delve deeper into the mystery of Nessie. Our journey begins on a Loch cruise with a commentary on board, telling tales of the Loch and unravelling its mystifying history, as well as learning about the local wildlife which we may spot on our cruise. We will also see the stunning views of Urquhart castle, whose romantic ruins date back to the 13th century. This afternoon we head North of Inverness and towards the Black Isle. Despite its name, this captivating part of Scotland is actually a peninsula, with striking coastal views and charming fishing villages dotted along the shoreline, it’s a beautiful place to visit. It’s home to two RSPB nature reserves: the enchanted Fairy Glen and the peaceful Udale Bay, a habitat for pink-footed geese. (B) + Included Experiences – Cruise Loch Ness with a guided commentary, and visit to the Black Isle peninsula

DAY 4 – Fort William to Mallaig Train Journey

Today may be the highpoint for many, for more reasons than one. Described as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, today we journey from Fort William to Mallaig. This is a side of Scotland that is best experienced by train. Our day begins as we drive to Fort William, passing though the incredible mountain scenery in anticipation. On a clear day, you may ever spot the towering 1,345 metres of Ben Nevis as we travel through spectacular countryside, and cross the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its 21 arches. You may recognise it from numerous films and television programmes that have featured, the most famous being Harry Potter, as the majestic Jacobite Steam train puffs along the lush countryside. As the train then passes through Arisaig and Morar stations, you won’t be able to peel your eyes from the striking loch, sea and hill views before the approach to Mallaig, from where you can see the small isles. A typical port town, you can simply stroll along the front, watch the fishing boats babbling in the water or visit the Mallaig Heritage Centre, with archives and artifacts of the harbour’s history. After some time in the picture-postcard Scottish town of Mallaig, we return to Fort William. (B) (Note that depending on the season, the train may be steam or diesel at short notice). + Included Experience – Train journey from Fort William to Mallaig

DAY 5 – Isle of Skye

Today we head further afield to the largest of the Inner Hebrides Islands,

2022

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2023

Your tour includes

• Five nights in three-star superior accommodation • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 4 visits including the Isle of Skye,

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, Black

Isle Peninsula and Blair Castle • 2 train journeys including Fort William to Mallaig and on the Strathspey heritage railway

the mesmerising Isle of Skye. The route to Skye is truly beautiful, passing lochs and inlets, as well as the imposing Eilean Dolan Castle, before we come to one of the last villages on the mainland before reaching the Skye, the historic village of the Kyle of Lochalsh. These days we don’t need to take a boat to get to Skye anymore, instead we can cross the road bridge that links to the island. Often described as a magical place, there are many folktales told on the island, and legends of fairies and giants abound. To really get a feel for this beautiful part of the world, we will have a scenic tour of the island to take in the spectacular views before visiting Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. A must-visit, the castle has been in the same family for 800 years and is said to represent the true spirit of the Isles. You might not think that given the location of the castle there would be many plants or flowers that thrive there, but the truly splendid gardens are in fact home to a wide variety of flora. It’s then onward to Portree, the island capital known for its colourful houses forming a rainbow of pastels along the coastline. (B) + Included Experiences – Visits to the Isle of Skye and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

DAY 6 – Return

Return home with your memories of the Scottish Highlands and Skye. (B)

Based on 16 reviews