Day 2 - Edinburgh - The Highland Line - Inverness

Edinburgh is the World’s first UNESCO City of Literature, so after breakfast, why not head out to discover some of its literary connections?

Enjoy a coffee in the café where JK Rowling penned her first Harry Potter novel or visit the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the names on the gravestones gave her the inspiration for the names of her characters. 

At lunchtime, make for the railway station to join the ScotRail Inter7City train bound for Inverness. Get ready for a beautiful journey as the Highland mainline is considered one of the most scenic in Scotland.

Travel from Edinburgh northwards towards Stirling, with its grand castle standing guard over the city. Next, travel through Gleneagles station, which serves the famous golfing resort, then across Strathearn to Perth. 

“Highland Perthshire” boasts a landscape of towering trees and fast-flowing rivers. After calling at historic Dunkeld and Birnham station, we follow the Rivers Tay and Tummel to arrive at Pitlochry, a pleasant Victorian resort town. 

The train will make the ascent through Glen Garry, where there are fine views of the Grampian Mountains, and if you are lucky, a deer herd can often be seen grazing on the heather. Soon we reach the highest point on the British rail network at Druimuachdar Summit. 

After leaving lonely Dalwhinnie, the train enters the scenic Spey Valley, where the towering summits of the Cairngorm mountain range provide an impressive backdrop. 

On arrival in Inverness, it’s a short walk to your hotel. Tonight why not seek out some traditional folk music played in a local pub?

Overnight: Premier Inn Inverness City Centre, Inverness (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Excursion

Today head for the picturesque Isle of Skye. Leaving Inverness behind, you’ll drive through beautiful Glen Carron, stopping to view the panorama of Loch Carron and the mountains of Applecross.

After crossing “over the sea to Skye”, the magnificent mountain scenery of the Cuillin Hills is our first treat. These soaring peaks dominate the island, first the gentle Red Cuillins, then the jagged and daunting Black Cuillins. There is a photo stop where the alp-like views are at their most impressive.

The delightful town of Portree is the island's largest settlement. During our time here, why not take a stroll down to the harbour? The scene of the pastel-painted houses that overlook the bay makes for a brilliant selfie.

After lunch, we head for the Trotternish Peninsula to see the weird landscapes, including the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. We stop at Kilt Rock, where the basalt columns are said to resemble the pleats in a kilt. From the viewing platform, watch as the Mealt waterfall plummets 60m into the sea below.    

Back on the mainland, we stop at picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. There is the chance to take photographs of this fairytale castle that featured in many films, including Highlander and The World Is Not Enough.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Glen Shiel, enjoying stunning views of the Five Sisters mountain range. Our return to Inverness will take us along the banks of Loch Ness. We’ll arrive in Inverness city centre around 19:30 hrs. 

Day 4 - Jacobite Steam Train Excursion

It’s an exciting day ahead as you look forward to a memorable journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express.

From Inverness tour through the Great Glen and make our way towards Fort William. Head towards Mallaig along the famous “Road to the Isles”, one of Scotland’s most famous routes.

Enjoy beautiful views over Loch Eil before stopping to view the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. You’ll cross the 21 arches of this magnificent viaduct later – by train.

Glenfinnan is also renowned for its connections to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who landed in this part of Scotland in August 1745 to raise his standard at the start of the ill-fated Jacobite Uprising. The haunting monument you can see was built to commemorate the Highlanders who lost their lives fighting for the cause.

Look out for the stunning beaches at Arisaig and hear the sad tale of the Highland Clearances that took place here before reaching the end of the road at Mallaig. This popular fishing port is just the perfect location for a freshly-landed seafood lunch.

At the station, join the train and take your seats. Departure time comes, and as the train puffs its way out of the station, an unforgettable journey along the famous West Highland Railway begins.

The steam-hauled train will pass Scotland’s shortest river, deepest loch and highest mountain along the 42-mile trip. Have your camera at the ready for a souvenir photo as the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like the Hogwarts Express!

On arrival in Fort William, reboard your coach for a scenic drive back to Inverness.

Day 5 - Inverness - Edinburgh - London

This morning enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Inverness Railway Station, where the Highland Chieftain express train is waiting.

From Inverness, catch a glimpse or two of the Moray Firth before the tracks turn southwards, and you head for the stunning beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. The range of peaks that we will see includes Ben Macdui, Britain’s second-highest mountain.

After passing through Dalwhinnie, with its famous distillery, there are beautiful vistas to enjoy as the train descends through the Grampian Mountains.

As we arrive in Blair Atholl, look out for whitewashed Blair Castle, the seat of the Duke of Atholl. He is the only person in the UK who is allowed his own private army, The Atholl Highlanders.

From Perth, travel through gentle scenery to reach the ancient city of Stirling with its impressive monument to the great Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace.

The train will follow the same route as your northbound journey from Edinburgh and is scheduled to arrive at London’s Kings Cross Station by late afternoon (subject to change).