Glenfinnan Viaduct

Watch the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the Hogwarts Express, cross the sweeping arches above Loch Shiel. A magical sight for Harry Potter fans and travellers alike.

Loch Ness

The legendary loch and home to Nessie. Explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, enjoy lunch, or take an optional cruise across the water.

Glencoe

Soaring peaks and haunting beauty make this one of Scotland's most atmospheric glens. We stop here for lunch and time to take in the views.

Cairngorms National Park

Some of the Highlands' most majestic scenery, with stops in the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry and the riverside village of Dunkeld.

Day One

Glencoe & Glenfinnan Viaduct

Morning — Departure from Edinburgh

We leave Edinburgh and travel north-west, passing the mighty walls of Stirling Castle, once the seat of Scotland's kings and queens. Continuing through the Trossachs National Park, our first break comes in the pretty town of Callander , often called the 'Gateway to the Highlands', where we can enjoy refreshments.

Glencoe

We press on into the mountains, crossing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor before descending into the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe . With its soaring peaks and haunting beauty, this is one of Scotland's most atmospheric glens. We stop here for lunch, with time to relax and absorb the spectacular views. Our route then leads through Spean Bridge, where the Commando Memorial offers stirring views towards Ben Nevis, and onwards into the Great Glen.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

By late afternoon we arrive at Glenfinnan Viaduct . It was here in 1745 that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite Rising, and today the Glenfinnan Monument stands on the shores of Loch Shiel. From the hillside viewpoint, we'll watch the famous Jacobite Steam Train (the Hogwarts Express) cross the sweeping arches of the viaduct, a magical sight for Harry Potter fans and travellers alike.

Overnight — Fort William

A short journey brings us to Fort William , nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis and our base for the night. The evening is free to explore and enjoy dinner in a welcoming local pub or restaurant.

Day Two

Loch Ness & the Highlands

Morning — Fort Augustus

Day two begins by departing Fort William towards the village of Fort Augustus , where the Caledonian Canal steps down through a series of locks into the loch.

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Next we reach the legendary Loch Ness , where you'll have time to enjoy lunch, explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle , and perhaps take a cruise across the loch in search of the elusive Nessie.

Cairngorms & Pitlochry

This afternoon we travel around Loch Ness through Inverness and east into the Cairngorms National Park , passing some of the Highlands' most majestic scenery. We'll stop in the charming town of Pitlochry , a favourite Victorian resort surrounded by forested hills.

Dunkeld

We continue south to the beautiful riverside village of Dunkeld , where you can stretch your legs beside the River Tay or visit the historic Dunkeld Cathedral, one of Scotland's hidden gems.

6.00pm — Return to Edinburgh

From Dunkeld it's a relaxed drive back into the Lowlands, with the silhouette of the Forth Bridges welcoming us as we return. The tour concludes in Edinburgh by approximately 6.00pm.

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