The Jacobite Highlander - 2 day tour
The Jacobite Highlander
2 day / 1 night tour
Discover the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and visit evocative Culloden Moor. Enjoy the opportunity for a cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness before enjoying an overnight stay in the delightful village of Fort Augustus. The main event is an unforgettable trip along the world-famous West Highland Railway Line on the Jacobite steam train, the real-life Hogwarts Express! End the journey by visiting brooding Glen Coe and remote Rannoch Moor.
Cairngorms National Park - experience breathtaking scenery and soaring peaks
Culloden Moor - discover the story behind Bonnie Prince Charlie and the last battle ever fought in Britain
Loch Ness – take a cruise on Scotland’s most famous lake to visit Urquhart Castle
Jacobite Steam Train - enjoy a thrilling one-way journey aboard the real Hogwarts Express!
Glen Coe - visit the natural wonder known as the “weeping” glen
Movie locations - Harry Potter, A Lonely Place to Die and Skyfall
Guest House accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Edinburgh - Culloden Moor - Loch Ness
Departing Edinburgh, we travel through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and enter Bonnie Perthshire, a land of scenic valleys, remote glens, rushing rivers, and peaceful lochs. We will stop amidst this incredible scenery to visit Pitlochry, a tourist resort town on the River Tay that was a favourite of Queen Victoria.
There are fine views of Blair Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Atholl – the only man allowed to have their own private army, The Atholl Highlanders, before we start our ascent through the Drumochter Pass, the main route into the Highlands since the earliest of times.
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of stunning natural beauty, as we will discover. As we journey through the Spey Valley, the Cairngorm Mountains, which rise to over 4000 feet, provide a striking backdrop.
Our next stop is Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site dating back over 4,000 years. With its weathered stones and eerie atmosphere, this place makes history feel alive. This historic cemetery is said to have inspired the famous scene in Outlander, where Claire touches the stone and travels back in time to the 1700s.
A short drive brings us to evocative Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle fought on British soil. In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite troops clashed with the British Army under the command of the Duke of Cumberland. The Jacobites were routed in a bloody battle, and the aftermath changed Highland life forever.
We continue through Inverness to reach the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, where you can enjoy a short monster-spotting cruise and visit the imposing Urquhart Castle.
Our overnight stay is in the attractive village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness.
Overnight: Fort Augustus
Day 2 - Loch Ness - Jacobite Steam Train - Edinburgh
After a hearty breakfast, we make the short drive to Fort William, where we board the Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable journey on the famed West Highland Line to Mallaig*. This is one of the World’s greatest train journeys and will take you past Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station.
A highlight is crossing the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and seeing the monument commemorating the highlanders who died in the 1745 Jacobite Uprising.
There’s time for lunch in Mallaig before we return to Fort William by coach.
* Please note, the journey on the Jacobite Steam Train can be in either direction
The outstanding beauty of Glen Coe belies the tragic tale that we’ll hear next. Gather round as our guide takes us back to 1692 and tells the story of the Massacre of Glen Coe when Campbell soldiers slaughtered 40 MacDonalds who had been their hosts. This infamous deed remains controversial to this very day.
All too soon, Glen Coe is left behind, and we travel over remote and barren Rannoch Moor. This unspoilt landscape extends over 50 square miles and is one of the most unspoilt areas in Europe.
Our descent of the “Black Mount” provides excellent views over Loch Tulla before we stop in the little Highland village of Tyndrum.
The final part of our journey together will take us through Rob Roy McGregor country to the bonnie little village of Strathyre. At the Pass of Leny, we return to the Lowlands once more and make our way to Stirling, where we join the motorway bound for Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Multi-Day Tour
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight too.
If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
If you click on the links above they will provide you with more information on each attraction including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
What is the journey on the Jacobite Steam Train like?
Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this memorable trip will take you past a list of impressive extremes.
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The train will cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view.
Standard class tickets are included in the cost of the tour. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade these tickets to First Class.
Can I upgrade my Jacobite Steam Train journey to First Class?
The tickets allocated for the tour are in standard class. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reserve specific seats or upgrade tickets to First Class.
What meals are included ?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards.
This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 1 nights guest house accommodation
- Location: Fort Augustus
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (1)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- One-way Jacobite Steam Train trip on the West Highland Railway Line
Tour Essentials
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
We are sorry but concession prices are not available on this tour.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance
One medium sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Jacobite Steam Train
A one-way journey on the Jacobite Steam Train is included in the price of this tour.
Admission Prices
To give you maximum flexibility, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 00003
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:(5 /5) 29 Oct 2024
We (my sister and I) absolutely loved our tour. It superseded our expectations. Jamie was a wonderful guide and the memory of it will stay with us forever. It was a perfect mix of nature, culture and history. We can’t wait to visit Scotland again!
Lisa from Oberwil, CH
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Rating:(5 /5) 06 Oct 2024
If you can do it for more days, I think it's valid.
lanuza from niteroi, BR
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Rating:(5 /5) 23 Sep 2024
Very happy with all aspects of your tour from itinerary to accommodation.
Maureen from Bendigo, Australia
4 day tour from £ 790.00