A holiday filled with stunning landscapes and captivating history as we explore the wonders of the Highlands aboard magnificent railways

Your holiday begins today as we meet the Tour Manager and group at Inverness train station.

From here, we board a coach to our four-star hotel in the Highland village of Carrbridge. Our home for the next four nights is set in the magnificent Spey Valley opposite the famous packhorse bridge. Built in 1717, this structure, arching over the River Dulnain, is the oldest known stone bridge of its kind in the Highlands. Its strikingly narrow, curved design makes it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.

Once we've checked in and settled into our new surroundings, we meet for our first dinner together at the hotel this evening.

Our first full day begins with a coach journey through stunning Highland scenery to Fort William to enjoy a holiday highlight - a journey on the Jacobite steam train.

Aboard vintage carriages, we travel one of the most scenic stretches in the UK to Mallaig. Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis passes by our windows, and as we continue, keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife such as red deer. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll recognise it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing to Mallaig, there's time at leisure to explore the coastal village. For our return journey, we reboard the Jacobite to experience this incredible route in reverse.

Back at our hotel this evening, we have dinner before savouring a wee dram during a storytelling session. Sit back and sip on Scottish whisky as acclaimed storyteller Willie Cameron - known as 'Mr Loch Ness' - shares expert tales and insights about the mysteries and monsters of the Highlands in a fun evening.

Please note: on early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion may be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

Please note: on the 13th April departure, the Jacobite steam train will be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service and we will also visit the West Highland Museum.

Please note: on the 6th September departure, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train and return by coach.

This morning, we transfer to Clansman Harbour for a cruise across the vast Loch Ness. Remember your cameras, because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth £1 million. This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery.

Surrounded by mountains, we glide by forests to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. Disembarking our cruise, there is some free time at the castle to explore its ruins or grab some lunch before our coach drives us the short distance to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre. On a guided tour, we delve deeper into the ancient myths of Loch Ness with interactive displays that tell its story.

After a day of unravelling the mysteries of Loch Ness, we return by coach to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Travelling to Aviemore today, we join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a return journey through the stunning sights of the Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let us marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Snaking our way alongside the River Spey, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks.

After leaving the train, we join our coach for our next stop - the renowned Culloden Battlefield. In the setting where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746, we experience a private guided tour of the battlefield and learn about the history of the site and the sacrifices made there. Following the tour, we have access to the visitor's centre, where we can join the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, view unique weapons and artefacts on display, and appreciate panoramic views of the battlefield from the roof garden.

Returning to our hotel, we enjoy the final evening of your holiday.

Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions there may be alternatives

Scenic train journeys through breathtaking countryside on the Jacobite and Strathspey Steam Railway gave us front-row seats to the majestic moors, lochs and rivers of the Highlands. Cruising the Loch Ness and visiting its exhibition centre revealed how myth and legend are synonymous with the region.

After breakfast, it's time to check out and bid farewell to Carrbridge as we travel by coach back to Inverness. Arriving at Inverness train station, we say goodbye and you can make your way home or continue exploring Scotland independently.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Arguably one of the world's great railway journeys, the Jacobite steam train sets off from Fort William under the watchful gaze of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Travelling through stunning scenery on the northwestern reaches of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, the 42-mile route heads westwards along the northern shore of Loch Eil, with dramatic landscapes never far from view. Crossing the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct - famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films - the route heads into breathtaking Highland wilderness, providing great views of Loch Eilt, before crossing more viaducts as the tracks follow the Road to the Isles to the small port town of Mallaig on the coast.

A 20-mile round trip on this former mainline route reveals magnificent Highland scenery at every turn along the banks of the rushing River Spey. With a backdrop of the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, the railway's heritage locomotives continue under the shadow of high mountains and dense sloping woodland to the line's terminus at Broomhill. Beautifully restored carriages provide a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes and delightful station at Boat of Garten. In summer, there are many vivid colours to be viewed, with the greens and purples of heather and gorse lining the trackside.

The 4-Star Carrbridge Hotel is located near the Cairngorm National Park and directly opposite the historic Packhorse Bridge, built in 1717. The Grill Room and Bar has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a varied food and drink menu. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, tea & coffee-making facilities and a hairdryer.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.