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

Day 1

Pitlochry & Cairngorms National Park

Leave Edinburgh behind and journey into the heart of the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable 2 day Jacobite Steam Train and Loch Ness tour. Travelling north, we stop in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, beautifully set beside the River Tummel and surrounded by Highland scenery.

Continuing through the dramatic Drumochter Pass, you’ll experience the wild landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, home to five of the UK’s highest mountains and some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.

Clava Cairns & Culloden Battlefield

Passing through Aviemore, we visit the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back around 4,000 years. Fans of Outlander may recognise this atmospheric location as the inspiration behind Craigh Na Dun.

We then continue to the powerful and moving site of Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising came to its tragic end in 1746. Walk the battlefield, hear the stories of the Highland clans and explore the award winning visitor centre, bringing one of Scotland’s most important moments in history vividly to life.

Loch Ness & Fort Augustus

From Culloden, you will have the opportunity to join an optional Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle visit. Cruise across the mysterious waters of Scotland’s most famous loch, enjoy breathtaking Highland views and search for the legendary Nessie along the way.

Later, we arrive in Fort Augustus, a picturesque Highland village at the southern tip of Loch Ness and your overnight stop for the tour. Spend the evening exploring the Caledonian Canal, local cafés and cosy Highland pubs.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 2

The Jacobite Steam Train Journey

After breakfast, we travel to Fort William where you’ll board the world famous Jacobite Steam Train, known globally as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.

Often described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, the train travels along the spectacular West Highland Line, passing beneath towering mountains, alongside sea lochs and through remote Highland landscapes.

Enjoy incredible views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, before crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films. You’ll also pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Mallaig & Scotland’s West Coast

Your train journey ends in the bustling fishing village of Mallaig, one of Scotland’s most scenic west coast ports and gateway to the Isles.

Enjoy free time for lunch and perhaps sample some of Scotland’s freshest seafood while taking in views across to the Isle of Skye. Wander the harbour, explore the village or discover more about the area’s Viking and fishing heritage.

Glen Coe & Rannoch Moor

Rejoining your guide, the journey south takes you along one of Scotland’s most breathtaking routes. Travel past the stunning Silver Sands of Morar and stop at Prince’s Cairn, where Bonnie Prince Charlie departed Scotland following the failed Jacobite Rising.

Continuing through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Coe, you’ll discover one of Scotland’s most famous glens, shaped by glaciers, volcanic activity and centuries of Highland history. Its towering mountains and cinematic scenery have featured in films including Harry Potter and Skyfall.

We then cross the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas, before heading south through Stirlingshire with views of landmarks including Stirling Castle and The Kelpies.

Arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening, this unforgettable Scottish Highlands and Jacobite Steam Train tour comes to an end.

Day 1

Into the Scottish Highlands

Leave Edinburgh behind and journey deep into the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on this immersive 2 day 2-Day Steam Train & The Great Glen tour. Travelling north from the historic Royal Mile, your adventure begins with ever changing scenery of rolling countryside, ancient forests and dramatic mountain views.

Our first stop is the charming Highland town of Callander, often known as the gateway to the Highlands. Take time to stretch your legs, grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere before continuing north into some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.

Glen Coe & Highland Landscapes

As the journey continues, the landscapes become wilder and more dramatic as you enter the legendary Glen Coe. Surrounded by towering mountains and sweeping valleys, this iconic Highland glen is one of Scotland’s most photographed locations and a favourite for film makers, hikers and nature lovers alike.

Famous for its haunting beauty and powerful history, Glen Coe offers unforgettable views and a true sense of the raw wilderness of the Highlands.

Glenfinnan Viaduct & Loch Shiel

Travelling west, we arrive in the spectacular Glenfinnan area, home to the world famous Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films.

Overlooking the peaceful waters of Loch Shiel, this iconic Highland landscape offers some of the best photo opportunities in Scotland. Take in panoramic views of the viaduct, surrounding mountains and the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the Jacobite Rising.

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

The day ends in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, located at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Set beside the Caledonian Canal and surrounded by Highland scenery, this peaceful village is the perfect place to relax for the evening.

Enjoy time to explore the village, local cafés and traditional Highland pubs while soaking up the atmosphere of the Highlands.

Overnight: Fort Augustus

Day 2

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Your second day begins along the shores of legendary Loch Ness, with the option to join a scenic Loch Ness cruise and visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Perched on the edge of the loch, Urquhart Castle offers spectacular views across the water and a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Highland history. Cruising Loch Ness is one of the most iconic experiences in Scotland and perhaps your chance to spot the mysterious Nessie.

Clava Cairns & Culloden Battlefield

Continuing through the Highlands, we visit the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back over 4,000 years. Fans of Outlander may recognise this atmospheric location as the inspiration behind Craigh Na Dun.

Nearby lies the haunting Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising came to its tragic end in 1746. Walk the battlefield, learn about the Highland clans and discover one of the most significant moments in Scottish history.

Strathspey Steam Railway & Cairngorms National Park

In the afternoon, we arrive in the Highland town of Aviemore, set within the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Here you will board the historic Strathspey Railway, a beautifully restored heritage steam train journey through the heart of the Highlands.

Travelling between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill, the railway winds through forests, heather covered landscapes and the scenic Spey Valley, with incredible views of the surrounding Cairngorm Mountains.

Journey Back to Edinburgh

Rejoining your coach, relax and take in the final views of the Highlands as we travel south through some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery before arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.

This unforgettable 2 day Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh combines the very best of Loch Ness, Glen Coe, Culloden, the Cairngorms and Highland steam railways, making it the perfect introduction to Scotland’s legendary landscapes and history.

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.