10 Day Grand Tour inc. Jacobite Steam Train

Our 10 day tour of Scotland is a masterpiece, combining the essential scenic routes and historic and cultural stopovers to give you an authentic and in-depth experience. Travel through the Scottish Borders and Scotland's first National Park to Glencoe, Skye, Applecross, Inverness and the Cairngorms, Stirling, St Andrews and finally Edinburgh with many other beautiful and fascinating places on the way providing the "trip of a lifetime" plus a wonderful voyage along the West Coast Line on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Day 1 begins with a leisurely visit to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, before we head to the Scottish borders for a relaxing wander around the Abbey of Dryburgh and take in the panorama at “Scott’s View”.

Day 2 is a fabulous introduction to the Scottish landscape, exploring the mountains, glens, lochs and rivers of the Trossachs National Park and the village of Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Later we head into the rugged Argyll Forest Park.

Day 3 takes in the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray and its famous Castle, an incredible archaeological treat to see Kilmartin Glen, often referred to as the birthplace of Scotland and a visit to the seaside town of Oban, Gateway to the Isles.

Day 4 takes us aboard the Jacobite steam train, now famous as the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express. The train journey provides wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rhum. After lunch in the fishing port of Mallaig we take the ferry “Over the Sea to Skye”.

Day 5 is a tour of the Island of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the Island capital, Portree, with its colourful harbour front. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes from Kilt Rock Falls, with Dunvegan Castle and other options a possibility.

Day 6 begins with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle before taking a trip over the “Bealach Na Ba” to the remote Applecross Peninsula; a beautiful and tranquil place on the rugged coast of Wester Ross with stunning scenery. The area is well known for its spectacular mountain scenery, especially the Torridon Hills.

Day 7 we venture through Inverness to visit Culloden Battlefield before heading south to explore the Cairngorms National Park, with towering mountain ranges and large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. We also take in the villages of Carrbridge and Pitlochry.

Day 8 starts with a visit to wonderful Falkland Palace; once a favourite place of Mary Queen of Scots, before heading to explore St Andrews; the home of golf and also the home of Prince William while he attended the University here - one of the oldest in the world.

Day 9 explores Stirling with a visit to the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland's great hero William Wallace; the views from the top are stunning and are well worth the climb. Stirling Castle is the next stop for a full tour to take in the castle's long and turbulent history.

Day 10 takes us to the Kelpies and past the famous Forth Bridge to Edinburgh where we visit Edinburgh Castle and then enjoy some time out in the Royal Mile, with its charming medieval architecture and the opportunity to do some last minute speciality shopping.

What We Include

• Your own tour co-ordinator who will work with you to provide the best itinerary to suit you.
• Accommodation Handpicked by Best Scottish Tours
• All accommodation will be of 3 star quality (we can quote for 4* if required)
• Full Scottish Breakfast every morning
• All evening meals (unless otherwise requested)
• Entry into all named attractions on your itinerary
• A luxury touring vehicle with ample space for all luggage and passengers
• Maximum of 8 people per vehicle
• Your own driver/tour guide

What We Don’t Include

• Airfares
• Lunches/Snacks
• Drinks / Beverages
• Gratuities

Our tours operate on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis where possible with lunch and beverages excluded. Where dinner is not included in your accommodation, a 2 course meal is organised at that evening’s restaurant.