Scenic Journeys of the Highlands and Islands

Enjoy a day of coastal and island scenery as we drive down to Oban and take the ferry to Mull. Here we will visit Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We can explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. We then drive to Tobermory with its colourful waterfront for some free time. Later, we cross by ferry to Morvern en route to Fort William.

This morning we begin with a look at the Caledonian Canal, built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822, and in particular Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive series of eight inter-connected locks that lowers vessels step-by-step to sea level. We then enjoy a cruise on Loch Linnhe and take a scenic drive through the magnificent mountain scenery of Glen Coe, a fine example of a volcanic caldera further shaped by glaciation in the last ice age. The haunting beauty of the glen is unrivalled in Scotland.

Today we journey back in time on the Jacobite steam train and experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world - the famous Fort William to Mallaig line following The Road to the Isles. From the slopes of Ben Nevis, the route runs through rugged mountains and over the massive Glenfinnan Viaduct. We return on the train to Fort William later in the afternoon then drive through the Great Glen and along the shores of Loch Ness to Inverness.

The second boat trip of our holiday is enjoyed today as we cruise on Loch Ness, the largest volume of fresh water in the British Isles. We will also enjoy views of the much-photographed ruins of Urquhart Castle, and in the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the shores of the Moray Firth where we hope to spot the resident pod of dolphins.

A classic train journey awaits. Using the scheduled diesel train service from Inverness, our route takes us through Strath Bran and the isolated little station at Achnasheen, on into Strath Carron to the head of Loch Carron, passing Stromeferry, the one-time terminus of the line, before we reach the current terminus at Kyle of Lochalsh. This afternoon, we visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Our tour concludes today but there is no let up in the scenic delights as we board the Cairngorm funicular railway for sweeping views. Later, we’ll catch the train from Aviemore to Glasgow, where the group will disperse or make onward connections.