SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – West Highland Line to Oban

Begin your grand tour of Scotland from Glasgow (with a connection also possible from Edinburgh). Travel north on the world famous West Highland Line, passing by Loch Lomond, then westwards to the coast at Oban. Look out for the enchanting ruins of Kilchurn Castle standing jaggedly proud by the shores of Loch Awe as your train glides past.

Your first base is a comfortable and welcoming guest house overlooking Oban Bay. Perhaps complete your first day with a relaxing seafood dinner in one of the town’s fine restaurants – we’ll assist with recommendations.

Day 2 – Three Isles tour to Mull, Staffa and Iona

Today you will join a group trip by ferry and coach, travelling across the Sound of Mull then onwards to Fionnphort, with spiritual Iona lying just across the water. From here we take a 45-minute boat trip out to Staffa, famed for the geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave.  From mid April until the end of July you’ll also have the opportunity to seek out comical puffins which nest here. Returning to beautiful Iona, you will visit the Abbey and discover the history of Saint Columba. Finally, journey back via Mull to Oban.

Day 3 - West Highland Line to Spean Bridge

This morning hop back on board the train to continue your journey along the West Highland Line, branching north and across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and skirting Glen Coe. Your next base is near Fort William in the village of Spean Bridge. 

Your two night stop is in a small hotel with views towards Ben Nevis and wonderful home-cooked food. Dinner here is included on both nights.

Day 4 - At leisure in the Highlands

A day at leisure to soak up the Highland atmosphere in this tranquil spot. Stay local, with a gentle stroll to the Commando Monument or venture a little further afield – perhaps ascending the Aonach Mor gondola into the Nevis mountain range or venturing to the southern shores of Loch Ness.

Day 5 – Jacobite Express & Over the Sea to Skye

This morning we’ll transfer you to nearby Fort William to board the famous Jacobite Steam Train. Enjoy a journey in the first class comfort of yesteryear, on the final section of the West Highland Line over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig. A true holiday highlight!

Then travel on by ferry for the romantic journey ‘over the sea to Skye’, arriving on the southern peninsula of Sleat.  Here you will be met by a local taxi, for the one hour trip to Portree, the island’s capital.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is another family-run guest house, traditional in style with a well-preserved Victorian interior.

Day 6 – Small group tour of Skye

Explore the highlights of Skye on a full day’s tour in a small, guided group. This will include the impressive natural rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, the man-made wonders of Dunvegan Castle and the enchanting Fairy Glen.

Please be aware that a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour due to a 1-mile walk in each direction to the Fairy Pools.

Day 7 – Picturesque Plockton

Say a fond farewell to Skye, returning to the mainland via the bridge and on to picturesque Plockton, setting for both the film “The Wickerman” and TV series “Hamish McBeth”.  Rather unexpectedly, palm trees line the shore.  Here you may wish to 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 8 – Kyle Line to Inverness

After breakfast and a morning stroll, continue by rail along the Kyle Line, taking in yet more dramatic scenery en route to Inverness.

Here, spend two nights in a charming guest house just a short walk from the centre of the Highland capital.

Day 9 – Explore Inverness & Loch Ness

At leisure to explore Inverness - perhaps wander around the shops, meander by the river, or join a boat trip on Loch Ness and indulge in some monster-spotting! We’ll provide you with plenty of suggestions and can assist with advance bookings if required.

Day 10 - Far North Line to Thurso

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 11 - Ancient & Modern History on Orkney

Join a small group tour today to the Orkney Islands to discover some of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s wonders - 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. This 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 12 - Inverness & Cairngorms

Soak in more of the wonderful scenery on the 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 – perfect for sampling the delicious menu.

Days 13 & 14 - Highland Perthshire

Continue south by train from Kingussie to Pitlochry, with a short transfer to an award-winning guest house for a final two days of Highland relaxation.

Located in the heart of Pitlochry, you’re within walking distance of all the local attractions, shops, restaurants, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the Dam & Salmon Ladder. It’s only a short bus or taxi ride to Blair Castle or The House of Bruar – the perfect spot for last minute gift shopping.

Day 15 - Return to Edinburgh 

Depart on your final train journey to Edinburgh, to complete your grand tour of Scotland.

PRICING

Price is 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 three and four star small hotels and guest houses. 

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

As this trip is car-free and self-guided, we recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.