Great Railways of the Scottish Highlands
Great Railways of the Scottish Highlands
5 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Inverness, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, Lochalsh Road, Culloden Battlefield, Strathspey Steam Railway - (Aviemore Station)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PBS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Physical rating:
Relaxed Touring
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Incredible rail journeys and the glorious scenery of the Scottish Highlands – the perfect combination for a wonderful break close to home. Your railway adventures begins aboard the Jacobite Steam Train for a journey through Scotland's most spectacular scenery and across the Glenfinnan viaduct, with stops at Mallaig and Glenfinnan, home of the monumental tower built to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie. You'll then embark on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh, before continuing on to discover Scotland's most romantic castle, Eilean Donan, which offers incredible views of the Isle of Skye. Your last rail journey is a nostalgic trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore through the striking Boat of Garten to Broomhill, but not before indulging in a tour and a tasting at a malt whisky distillery!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to Inverness, where your hotel is located in the centre of the city, just a short stroll from Inverness Castle and the River Ness. Join your fellow guests for a welcome drink.
Day 2 : Jacobite Steam Train - Mallaig - Glenfinnan
Location: Mallaig, Glenfinnan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your rail adventure begins after breakfast when you board the famous Jacobite Steam Train for a two-hour journey through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The route, considered by many to be one of the world's greatest rail journeys, crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, before continuing to the charming fishing port of Mallaig, where you'll make a stop at lunch time. Continue by coach to Glenfinnan, where you can admire the monumental tower that was built to commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Day 3 : Kyle Of Lochalsh
Location: Inverness, Lochalsh Road, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Continuing by coach, you’ll discover Scotland’s most romantic castle, Eilean Donan, situated at the mouth of Loch Long and offering views across to the Isle of Skye. Why not stop for lunch before exploring the castle (entrance not included). You’ll also have the chance to visit Loch Ness on your way back to Inverness.
Day 4 : Whisky-Tasting, Culloden Battlefields & Strathspey Steam Railway
Location: Culloden Battlefield, Strathspey Steam Railway - (Aviemore, Station)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will visit a distillery to find out about the traditional art of malt whisky distilling. Enjoy a tour, followed by a tasting of single malts and pick up some tips about how best to appreciate the wonderful flavours. We will also visit the Culloden Battlefield and walk the front lines where the Jacobites made their last stand. 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 on this 90-minute journey. Spend this evening enjoying the surroundings of your hotel.
Day 5 : Inverness
Location: Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel and starting your journey home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotel -
4 nights in a 3-star hotel Half Board:
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4 breakfasts, 4 dinners and welcome drink
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Several heritage rail journeys
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All highlights included
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Rail and coach transportation and porterage
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Dedicated Travelsphere Holiday Director
Accommodation
- Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
- The 3-star Best Western Inverneess Palace Hotel & Spa located on the banks of the River Ness.
Hotel facilities include two restaurants, lounge, spa and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, complimentary wi-fi and a TV.
Excursions Included
- West Highland Line aboard the Jacobite Steam Train
- Cross Glenfinnan Viaduct and see the Glenfinnan Monument
- Rail journey to the Kyle of Lochalsh and Loch Ness visit
- Ride the Cairngorm Funicular Railway
- Travel on the Strathspey Steam Railway
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Min age is 18 years.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Requirements do change, and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure so that you have the correct documentation and are adequately vaccinated. Information on health is available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.