From Edinburgh: 2-Day Steam Train & The Great Glen Tour

Day 1

Wilderness and warriors…

Leaving Edinburgh behind on this magical, historic two-day tour, we’ll head north to Pitlochry, for a quick stop and bite to eat. Perched on the edge of the River Tummel, Pitlochry is a beautiful town, after a short stop here, we’ll once again head north on our journey, taking us through the breath-taking Drumochter Pass. Skirting the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, you’ll pass the home of five of the UK’s highest mountains.

Through the mountains to Culloden…

Passing Aviemore, we’ll drive via the Clava Cairns, a 500-year-old temple and ancient cemetery. This ancient burial ground features in the well-known ‘Outlander’ books, in the iconic scene when Claire falls through time to the 1700s. From here we’ll continue on to Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against the government forces. Explore the battlefield and walk in the footsteps of the hundreds of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause or immerse yourself in the interactive history found inside of the Culloden Visitor Centre. Leaving this harrowing battlefield behind, you will have the opportunity to join a cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle this is an iconic experience you should enjoy on any visit to Scotland.

After this we will continue to Fort Augustus, a peaceful little village on the banks of Loch Ness, our overnight stop for this tour.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 2

Take a steam train back in time…

Enjoy breakfast before a short journey to Fort William where you will finally jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train! Known for being one of the world’s greatest train journeys, this train ride will take you past Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station. You may know it as the Hogwarts Express! You’ll cross the viaduct featured in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and pass the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising before arriving in Mallaig, the end of the famous West Highland Railway.

Have seafood for lunch at Mallaig…

Mallaig, a stunning west coast fishing town, is your lunch stop. Mallaig, ‘Mel Vik’ in old Norse, means sand dune bay, the perfect description for this vibrant port, the end of the ‘Road to the Isles’. Spend some time learning about Mallaig’s fascinating historical past at the Mallaig Heritage Centre, or sample some of the freshest seafood Scotland has to offer. After a delicious lunch (own expense),  you’ll meet your driver-guide and drive a similar route to the train, hoping to catch a glimpse. You’ll get a stunning drive as we pass the Silver Sands of Morar and a fantastic photo opportunity at the Prince’s Cairn which commemorates the departure point of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746, following the unsuccessful 1745 uprising.

The journey home via Glen Coe…

Heading south, you’ll enjoy a drive through Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous and scenic glen, where the MacDonalds were betrayed. This awe-inspiring glen was carved out centuries ago by glaciers and volcanic explosions to create the stunning mountains we know and love. This beautiful glen may seem a little familiar due to its starring role in one of the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Our journey through Glen Coe takes us to Rannoch Moor, a beauty not to be missed, so stunning it was the perfect place to film a scene in James Bond’s ‘Skyfall’. At 50 square miles of peat bog and marsh, it’s one of Scotland’s last great wildernesses. From here, our last leg of the journey home begins with a drive through Stirlingshire, passing by the likes of Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, before arriving back into Edinburgh.

Day 1

Discover the beauty, history and legend of the Scottish Highlands on this immersive two day tour from Edinburgh. Departing from the iconic Royal Mile, this journey takes you deep into some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, combining dramatic scenery with world famous landmarks and unforgettable experiences.

Your Highland adventure begins as you travel north through rolling countryside to the gateway of the Highlands. A stop in the charming town of Callander offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a traditional Highland setting before continuing further into the wild beauty of the region. From here, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most iconic glens. Known for its towering peaks, sweeping valleys and powerful history, Glencoe is a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Continuing west, you’ll arrive at the spectacular Glenfinnan area, home to the famous viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. Here you can take in panoramic views over Loch Shiel and capture unforgettable images of one of Scotland’s most recognisable landscapes. The day concludes in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, located at the southern tip of Loch Ness, where you’ll spend the evening surrounded by tranquil Highland scenery.

Day 2

On the second day, the journey continues along the shores of Loch Ness with an optional visit to the historic Urquhart Castle and scenic cruise on Loch Ness. The dramatic ruined castle offers stunning views across the loch and a glimpse into centuries of Scottish history. The cruise will give you the opportunity to experience the scale and mystery of this legendary body of water.

Travelling onwards, you’ll step back in time at the ancient Clava Cairns, a fascinating Bronze Age burial site that has stood for thousands of years. A visit to the nearby Culloden Battlefield provides a powerful insight into one of the most important and poignant events in Scottish history.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the Highland town of Aviemore, located within the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Here, you board the historic Strathspey Railway, which will take you on a journey through the heart of the Highlands. The preserved heritage steam railway offers a 20-mile round trip beween Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill. The journey offers stunning views of the Spey Valley, forests and Cairngorm Mountains.

After you board your bus and your tour makes its way back south, you’ll stop once more to relax and soak in the atmosphere before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.

This two day Scottish Highlands tour is perfect for travellers looking to explore Loch Ness, Glen Coe, the Cairngorms and beyond. With a combination of stunning landscapes, historic sites and iconic filming locations, it offers an unforgettable introduction to the very best of Scotland.

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

Our tour packages include Bed & Breakfast accommodation or hotel if an upgrade is available. Breakfast is included and may be cooked or continental. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation, what should I do?

Please contact us on [email protected] and we can quote you a “tour only” price and advise you which locations you need to book your accommodation in.

Q. What do the different room types mean?

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.