Highlands and the Isle of Skye

This scenic adventure starts when you settle into the reserved seats on the morning Inter7City service bound for Inverness. The journey along the Highland Main Line makes a stop in Stirling, where passengers from Glasgow will change trains to join us. 

Departing from Perth, enter Highland Perthshire, where we experience an ever-changing landscape of soaring trees, fast-flowing rivers, and attractive villages. Leaving Pitlochry, we enter the Pass of Killiecrankie, the scene of a famous Jacobite Battle, then pass Blair Castle, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl.  

As we ascend through Glen Garry, keep a careful watch as deer, and soaring eagles can often be seen along this picturesque section of the route. At Druimuachdar summit (452 m/1,484 ft), we reach the highest point on the UK rail network. 

The Cairngorms National Park is famed for its natural beauty, and as we travel through the Spey Valley, the peaks of the Cairngorms Mountain Range provide a spectacular backdrop to our journey. 

On arrival in Inverness, make the short walk to our city center hotel in the heart of the Highland Capital. 

There is time to relax before heading to Inverness Bus Station, where we join a local guide for an afternoon tour to Loch Ness. Discover the legend of “Nessie”, the Loch Ness Monster, before hopping aboard a cruiser for a sail across the deep and mysterious waters of the loch.

Overnight: Redcliffe Hotel, Inverness or Similar (2 nights)

Loch Ness is our companion on the first leg of our journey as we wind our way along its brooding banks, stopping in Invermoriston for a photo beside the dramatic waterfall and Thomas Telford bridge. 

Equally impressive is the Five Sisters mountain range that we’ll see as we travel through Glen Shiel. 

History awaits at our first stop as the unmistakable turrets of Eilean Donan Castle hove into view. Standing grandly at the head of Loch Duich, you’ll have time to explore the battlements made famous by 007 and Highlander. 

There’s more adventure as we use Eilean Ban as a stepping stone to arrive on the Isle of Skye. Passing the islands of Scalpay and Pabay, breathtaking scenery is around every corner, with a stop at Sligachan Bridge to admire the imposing Cuillin Hills.

Then it’s on to Portree, with its pastel homes snuggled along the harbor front. Lunch comes courtesy of the local fishermen, with sizzling chips the perfect accompaniment to the freshest of catches. 

No trip is complete without seeing the natural wonders of The Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, after which we cross the water again back to the mainland. 

Our return journey to Inverness includes stops at picturesque Kyle of Lochalsh, Loch Carron and Achnasheen before we head to the Black Isle to bring an unforgettable day to an end. 

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy free time for sightseeing and shopping in Inverness City Centre. 

Enjoy panoramic views over the city from the Inverness Castle Viewpoint or discover the captivating story of tartan and learn how a kilt is made at the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre. 

Later this morning, join a guide for a walking tour of Inverness City Centre. During the 90 minute walk, discover how the city has developed into today’s thriving community from its humble beginnings. Learn the history of Inverness Castle and see the River Ness. Your guide will also introduce you to some fascinating hidden gems too. 

Later make your way to Inverness Railway Station to catch the afternoon train back to Edinburgh or Glasgow.