Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides & Jacobite Steam Train - Scotland Earlybirds

We depart the Edinburgh Bus Station at 08.30am and set off north towards Bannockburn; site of the famous battle won by ‘Outlaw King’ Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle, and catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe, and look out for Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain – on our journey towards Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’, the Loch Ness monster, on our visit to the loch, before we continue onto Inverness. We arrive in Inverness, where we will be spending the night, at around 17.30. Free time in Inverness; enjoy a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city, then a wander round the various bars and restaurants. (Overnight: Inverness)

Start the day we as mean to continue, with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. We continue north on a beautiful stretch of road and take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the way! Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point on the island – to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. We return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. (Overnight: Stornoway)

Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period on our visit to the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones, and then fast-forward
to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. Free time back in Stornoway; wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood
in the local restaurants. (Overnight: Stornoway)

We depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Stopping at the famous Harris Gin Distillery, you will be able to taste its reknowned gin. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where we spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. We arrive into our final stop at Portree in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants.(Overnight: Portree)

Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on our stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. We drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic – and absolutely beautiful – Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Free time back in Portree; visit the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. (Overnight: Portree)

Wander round Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum; the spiritual home of Clan Donald and our final stop on the Isle of Skye. Board the ferry back to the mainland, arriving at the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train; made famous by Harry Potter. We take the scenic route back to the city through the Cairngorms National Park and arrive into Edinburgh at around 8.30pm