Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Highland Adventure

Five-day Scottish Highland tour with two steam railways and Loch Ness cruise

Illustration of Highland Adventure

Vacations By Rail's Highland Adventure is a five-day escorted tour through Scotland's Highlands and glen country. The tour is based for four nights in the village of Carrbridge, in the shadow of Cairngorms National Park, with day excursions by coach, steam train, and cruise. Day two features the Jacobite steam train, a narrow-gauge railway that departs Fort William and crosses the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct en route to the coastal town of Mallaig. Day three is a cruise on Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Exhibition Center. Day four combines a nostalgic journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway through the Cairngorms with a private guided tour of Culloden Battlefield, site of the 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite Rising. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. All rail, coach, and cruise travel, a four-star hotel, and breakfast and dinner each day are included in the package price.

What to know before you look closer

  • A Trustpilot reviewer noted the tour comprises effectively only three active days, with days one and five devoted to travel.
  • The operator publishes limited detail on meal options, free time in Mallaig, or optional activities; confirm specifics when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Carrbridge

    Highland beginnings: Inverness to Carrbridge

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at Inverness train station, then board a coach to our four-star hotel in Carrbridge, opposite the famous 1717 packhorse bridge, for the next four nights. First dinner together at the hotel.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Carrbridge

    A round trip on the Jacobite steam train

    A coach journey to Fort William to board the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with time at leisure in Mallaig before the return journey. Dinner and a storytelling session with Willie Cameron, 'Mr Loch Ness'.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Carrbridge

    Cruising Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle

    Transfer to Clansman Harbor for a cruise across Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, with free time to explore, then a guided tour of the Loch Ness Exhibition Center.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Carrbridge

    Strathspey Steam Railway and Culloden Battlefield

    Join the Strathspey Steam Railway at Aviemore for a return journey through the Cairngorms National Park, then a private guided tour of Culloden Battlefield and its visitor center, including the 360-degree battle immersion theatre.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, check out and travel by coach back to Inverness train station, where the tour concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Ride the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct on an 84-mile round trip.
  • Day 3Day 3: Cruise Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, then explore the Loch Ness Exhibition Center.
  • Day 4Day 4: Journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway through Cairngorms National Park, then take a private guided tour of Culloden Battlefield including its 360-degree battle immersion theatre.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel on the Jacobite steam train, Strathspey Steam Railway, and local rail networks, plus all coach and cruise travel, are included in the tour price.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is an escorted tour with a Tour Manager who accompanies the group from start to finish.
What accommodation is provided?
Four nights at the four-star Carrbridge Hotel in the Highland village of Carrbridge, opposite the 1717 packhorse bridge.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner each day of the tour. Day two includes a storytelling session with Willie Cameron, 'Mr Loch Ness,' during dinner.
What is the physical activity level?
Mobility Rating 2: expect coach transfers, walking through castle ruins, and climbing aboard trains and a cruise vessel.
When does this tour run?
Specific departure dates are not published in the available information; contact Vacations By Rail for the current schedule.

Similar journeys