Great Railways of the Scottish Highlands

Day 1: Inverness
Having arrived at Inverness, check into your hotel which is located in the centre of the city, just a short stroll from Inverness Castle and the River Ness.

Inverness boasts many historic buildings, an array of shopping outlets in its compact centre and a great selection of restaurants, cafés and pubs.

Day 2: Mallaig & Glenfinnan
Your rail adventure begins after breakfast this morning when you board the famous Jacobite Steam Train* for a two-hour journey through some of Scotland’s most wild and spectacular scenery. The route, considered by many to be the one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, passes through the charming fishing port of Mallaig, where you’ll make a stop at lunch time, so why not sample some freshly caught seafood.

Your journey will continue by coach to Glenfinnan, where you can admire the monumental tower that was built to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie both raising his standard and departing Scotland for France. You’ll also cross the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct which you may recognise from the Harry Potter series of films.

Day 3: Kyle of Lochalsh
Today you will embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast. This magnificent trip takes you through some incredible scenery, across open moorland and through stunning valleys, stopping in truly picturesque locations.

Continuing by coach, you’ll discover Scotland’s most romantic castle, Eilean Donan, situated at the mouth of Loch Long with views across to the Isle of Skye and the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail. Why not stop for lunch before exploring the castle (entrance not included).

No holiday in Scotland would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, and you have the chance to hunt for the legendary monster and admire the loch’s stark beauty on your way back to Inverness.

Day 4: Cairngorm Funicular Railway & Strathspey Steam Railway
Today’s destination is the famous Cairngorm Funicular Railway, the UK’s highest mountain railway, which takes you to the top of the Cairngorm Mountain in just eight minutes.

This will be followed by a nostalgic trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway* from Aviemore through the striking Boat of Garten to Broomhill – the village that featured as Glenbogle in the popular BBC drama Monarch of the Glen. Relax with a drink as you admire the wonderful views from your window on this 90-minute journey.

Your day ends with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rising was crushed by the Duke of Cumberland’s government army in less than an hour in April 1746. Take the opportunity to walk the routes taken by the opposing forces and see the ground where brave men lost their lives.

After your journey back to Inverness, spend a relaxing evening enjoying the surroundings of your comfortable hotel.

Day 5: Inverness
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel and starting your journey home.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps.

*We cannot always guarantee that all the rail excursions will be steam-hauled.

Accommodation throughout is in a hotel of comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is the:

3-star Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Which is located on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness Castle, in the heart of the city.

This former mansion house is elegant and stylish and features facilities including two restaurants, a lounge, indoor swimming pool, the Charisma Spa and free car parking on site. Comfortable, spacious guest rooms feature en suite facilities, TV, telephone and free internet access.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

West Highland Line journey on board the Jacobite Steam Train
Glenfinnan Viaduct and monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie
Kyle of Lochalsh journey plus Loch Ness visit
Eilean Donan Castle visit
Caingorm Funicular Railway journey
Strathspey Steam Railway journey
Culloden Battlefield visit

Your holiday includes

Rail transportation as described
4 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”