Highland Adventure

Our tour begins in Inverness at the Palace Hotel & Spa,
which overlooks the River Ness in the centre of the city. Perhaps
familiarise yourself with the city on a riverside stroll before
meeting for this evening's meal. This delightful city is considered
to be the capital of the Highlands, and it is crowned by the
stunning Inverness Castle.

The history of Inverness dates back well over 2,500 years, and
one of the most famous residents, King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich may
seem familiar as he is the inspiration for one of Shakespeare's
most famous tragedies, MacBeth.

Today we transfer to Fort William, where we join the Jacobite
Steam Train* for the return journey to Mallaig, along what is
arguably the most scenic railway journey in the UK. It is easy to
see why this journey is so beloved by those who travel on it, as it
is the perfect way to view the incomparable beauty of the Scottish
Highlands.

During the journey the train steams past Ben Nevis, then climbs
into the mountains surrounding Glenfinnan, where we cross the
21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. This iconic section of the journey
has been shown throughout the world via the media of film and
television, including 'Monarch of the Glen' and the 'Harry Potter'
film series.

The line also passes by the stunning Loch Eil, a glittering blue
loch overseen by the chiefs of Clan Cameron. After time for lunch
we return to Fort William, from where we continue by coach to
Inverness. En route, we make short stops at Commando Memorial, a
monument dedicated to those who served as Commando's in World War
II, and Fort Augustus, a small but rather striking village through
which runs the famed Caledonian Canal.

*The Jacobite Steam Train does not operate until mid-May.
Earlier departures travel on Scotrail's scheduled service.

Today we visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking
castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence
of Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh, this iconic castle was
featured in the film 'Highlander'. Originally built in the 13th
century, it was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellions and
restored 200 years later. Enjoy some time here, perhaps absorbing
the magnificent surroundings or taking a walk by one of the lochs.
We return to Inverness on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most
scenic railways, skirting alongside lochs and through wild mountain
landscapes. We arrive at our hotel ahead of a free evening. Perhaps
use this opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of the city's pubs or
restaurants; sampling Scotland's national dish, haggis.

Our excursion today takes us along the tracks of the historic
Highland Railway. Travelling to Aviemore by rail, we join the
nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway, through the large windows of
the restored carriages, we take in the stunning sights of Cairngorm
National Park as we wind alongside the River Spey; from rolling
hills blanketed by purple heather and the craggy top of Cairngorm
Mountain, to the mysterious depths of the thick pine forests and
wooded glens that line the tracks. Finally, we travel by coach to
Culloden Battlefield. The atmospheric battlefield was the site of
the 1746 Battle of Culloden - the last major battle fought on
British soil. We have the chance to visit the battlefield site as
well as the Visitor Centre, which features interactive exhibitions
and Jacobite artefacts. We return to our hotel by coach, where we
enjoy a final farewell meal together

Your Tour Manager bids you farewell from Inverness and you are
free to travel home independently.