Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

Your Tour Manager meets you in Edinburgh at your hotel before some free time to explore at your own pace.

Today begins before you head out to explore the Scottish capital on a guided tour. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its historic medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, and you discover some of its best-loved sights. This afternoon, you take the train through scenic Perthshire to Blair Atholl. We spend four nights here.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today's excursion takes you to Queen's View, one of Scotland's most famous lookouts. Enjoy the stunning panoramas stretching out across Loch Tummel towards the Glencoe Hills. Continue to the beautiful town of Pitlochry, set against the backdrop of mighty Ben Vrackie before returning to Blair Atholl for a tour of its Castle and gardens. Blair Castle is one of Scotland's premier stately homes. A vision in white stone, the castle has a fairytale quality, with exquisite gardens and interiors that showcase Scottish design through the ages - including one room which is covered in antlers. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free, to relax or continue exploring.

Please Note: For departure 16/07/2023 Days 3 and 5 have swapped around

• Breakfast

Join the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William today for a magnificent return journey on the West Highland Line. Travelling in restored carriages, this journey is regarded as one of the best and most scenic in the world. A highlight of the route comes as you cross the 21 arches of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a marvel of engineering, which is recognisable from the 'Harry Potter' movies. The train continues towards the coast, unveiling wild and wonderful views across the vast Scottish countryside. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye.

*Please note that journeys are steam-hauled where possible - some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service.

Please Note: For departure 21/05/2023 Days 4 and 5 have swapped around

• Breakfast

Enjoy a journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway. As you travel through the Cairngorms from Aviemore, you'll follow the route of the historic Highland Railway with dense pine forests, purple heather and craggy hillsides. This is followed by a unique journey on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, the highest funicular railway in the UK. At the top, you're free to explore the panoramic viewing terrace and immersive exhibition for stunning mountain views, perhaps enjoying a drink at the Cairngorm Gin Bar. Continue to Dalwhinnie Distillery, the highest altitude distillery in Scotland. After a guided tour of the historic distillery and an excellent local whisky tasting return to your hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Blair Atholl this morning, and take the train back to Edinburgh. Here, your holiday ends and you're free to continue your journey home.

• Breakfast