Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh
Overview
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120 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the Highland beauty of Scotland's west coast and the Isle of Skye on a 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. This in-depth tour of Scotland’s classic locations includes visits to Stirlingshire, the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, plus a ride on the ‘Jacobite Steam Train’ — a mode of transport made famous as ‘Hogwarts Express’ in the Harry Potter films. Choose from 3-star guesthouse or hotel accommodation with breakfasts in Oban, the Isle of Skye and Inverness.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years, we are unable to carry any children under this age
Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Please note that most fellow travellers on your tour will be staying at B&B accommodation.
Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
In cases of extreme weather, the Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice. If you have purchased ticket for this you will be refunded.
It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Whisky Distillery Tour
Jacobite Steam Train' ride from Fort William to Mallaig
Transport by air-conditioned midi-coach
Local Scottish English Speaking Guide
Ferry ride to the Isle of Skye
Loch Ness boat cruise
4 nights of B&B or Hotel accommodation
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Oban
Accommodations
Overnight in the picturesque fishing port of Oban.
The Kelpies & The Helix
Marvel at the stunning Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures dedicated to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland, designed by Andy Scott. They also celebrate the mythological transforming beasts living in our lochs, rivers and streams, who possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses.
Callander
We make a stop in the Highland village of Callander for a quick coffee break before continuing further into the Highlands.
Next, we arrive in Kilmahog to meet some friendly locals - hairy coos! Snap a few photos before heading to Glen Coe.
Glencoe
Our route takes us through the stunning rugged landscape of Glencoe, once used as a backdrop in James Bond Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies and the scene for 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan.
Oban to the Isle of Skye
Accommodations
Overnight in Portree, the main settlement on the Isle of Skye
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Take the steam train from Fort William and discover why this spectacular trip has been voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and take in the sweeping views of Loch Shiel.
We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’. Look out for dolphins!
Quiraing
Enjoy the spectacular view of the Quiraing; a stunning display of dramatic cliffs, rock pinnacles and breath-taking views on Skye’s Trotternish peninsula.
Isle of Skye
End your day of exploring the Isle of Skye.
Isle of Skye to Inverness
Accommodations
Overnight in Inverness, the 'capital of the Highlands'.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
The Old Man of Storr
The 'Old Man' is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around.
Lealt Falls
In lush surrounds, this waterfall cascades into a gorge with nearby cliffs overlooking the sea.
Kilt Rock
The famous Kilt Rock is said to resemble a kilt, with vertical basalt columns to form the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite forming the pattern.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most easily recognised castles in Scotland and probably appears on more calendars than any other.
Invermoriston Falls
Comfort break in this lovely highland town.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre and learn about Trees For Life's mission to restore Scotland's ancient Caledonian Forest.
Inverness & Highlands
Accommodations
Spend a second night in Inverness
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Loch Ness
Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness
Beauly Priory
Visit the stunning Beauly Priory, built in the 1200s for an order of monks. Spend time in the town as well.
Culloden Battlefield
Site of bloody last battle of Jacobite Rising, with a visitor centre and interactive exhibition.
Clava Cairns
The Clava cairn is a type of Bronze Age circular chamber tomb cairn, named after the group of three cairns at Balnuaran of Clava, to the east of Inverness in Scotland.
Inverness to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Highland Folk Museum
We visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries.
Blair Athol Distillery
Blair Atholl Distillery is a distillery in Scotland that distills Blair Athol single malt whisky. It is used in Bell's whisky,
Dunkeld
Visit Dunkeld with its mighty cathedral.
Options
Hotel Single Room
5-day tour including 4 nights in 3-star single hotel accommodation - 1 room with 1 single bed; suitable for 1 person.
Hotel Double Room
5-day tour including 4 nights in 3-star double hotel accommodation - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
Hotel Twin Room
5-day tour including 4 nights in 3-star twin hotel accommodation - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
Guesthouse Twin Room
5-day tour including 4 nights in 3-star twin guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 2 single beds; suitable for 2 people in 1 bed each.
Guesthouse Double
5-day tour including 4 nights in 3-star double guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2 people to share.
Reviews
357 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good Trup
ross g,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well done, organised, excellent guide, Alistair. Saw a lot of Western Scotland. Bus wasn't comfortable.
See the gorgeous Scotland
Wanderer592068,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved the Jacobite Steam Train tour with Paul! He was incredibly informative and made the whole experience so engaging. Riding the train through Scotland’s stunning landscapes felt like a true Scottish adventure. Highly recommend!
Great tour with an amazing guide!
Pamela R,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide and driver, Ry, was fantastic! He was an excellent driver and a funny, charming and informative guide. He told wonderful stories and gave us enough history to make Scotland really come alive. Highly recommend this tour.
Best guide!
900stepheniec,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ry, our guide, was amazing and made our trip extra special by the personal extras that he added. His knowledge of the regions, history and culture was extensive.
Amazing 5days
F2438HWjennyw,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome 5 day tour on Highland Explorer coach with a fantastic group of incredible warm fun people from around the world Our Driver Ry was most welcoming one of the best tours I’ve travelled, he was so informative about explaining history of all the places & towns we traveled through and Ry storytelling was exceptional really made our tour so special. A great big Thank You to Ry and Highland Explorer company for a holiday I’ll always treasure. Jenny Wotherspoon Australia
Most Stunning Tour
W221HFhollyd,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scotland is truly stunning! The mountains, coast, streams and greenery are unbelievable. Ry, our guide is a truly gifted storyteller and did everything possible to make our trip to Scotland memorable. Ry’s hospitality is second to none always anticipating everyone’s needs and adding his personal touch to all that we experienced, including his infamous Scottish playlist! I highly recommend this tour and the absolute best guide Ry! Can’t wait to return!!
Love this trip!
423phd,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ry is the best tour guide we have ever had!! He goes above and beyond to make this the best experience for all! We are planning our next tour but only if Ry is our guide! He tells great stories and history along the way! The trip could not be better!!
Cavorting around the Scottish Highlands
MeenaS296,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic 5 day trip from Edinburgh with memorable and unique stops, scenic drives and a great introduction to the Highlands of Scotland . The bus was large and comfortable and the stops were interesting ranging from nature views, a whiskey distillery tour to the historic battle of Culloden.Safe driving and punctuality were emphasized. Our Tourguide/ driver/ historian/ storyteller/ DJ Ry was a phenomenal person, his enthusiasm and knowledge infused the trip with a magnetic energy bringing people together and keeping everyone engaged. Apart from narrating historical stories, Scottish myths and geological details, he entertained us with a massive playlist of Scottish music and gave us recommendations for food and other tips at every stop. He also bought a bunch of strangers together and helped people connect to each other. We were all sorry to see the end of this trip. I highly recommend this tour and particularly Ry !
Unforgettable and amazing trip to Scotland
950marijkeh,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the 5 day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness trip with Ry as my guide. I couldn’t have had a better experience. Ry went above and beyond to make the entire trip fantastic. Every stop was well thought out and interesting, the driving was really enjoyable as well because of Ry’s fantastic playlist and insightful commentary into the sights we were seeing. It was just the right amount of talking and letting the music play. I learnt so much and was so well looked after. I couldn’t recommend this trip more for anyone, whether you are travelling solo or in a group.
Amazing time in Scotland
Cruiser810170,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Please don’t hesitate to book this tour. It’s a phenomenal experience. We were blessed with Ry as our guide. He’s hands down one of the most beautiful souls we have ever met. From the start we knew we were in great hands and rightfully put our trust into Ry to deliver us a grand time and boy did he ever. This was a bucket list trip for us and we are so glad we chose to go with this tour. One day I’ll bring my kids back and make sure to book a tour with Ry so they can experience Scotland through his eyes. The special and thoughtful touches Ry brought to our tour made it the best vacation yet. We feel like we have some extended family now and are so sad to leave. Until next time, Ry, may God keep you and bless you. This was our first tour group and we were blessed with the best.
From £969.00
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd