Loch Ness & Jacobite Trail

Day 1

Head into the Highlands…

Departing from Scotland’s Capital City, we head west to Glasgow to meet with the rest of our group. Glasgow is the city with the largest population in Scotland with over 120000 than the second largest, Edinburgh. The first leg of our journey north takes us in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to the quaint village of Luss on the western banks of Loch Lomond, well known for its stunning wildlife and flowers. You can wander the shore, view the pretty cottages and do a bit of shopping here if you like.

Experience the Great Glen & Glen Coe…

As we travel further into the Highlands, we visit Glen Coe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the world where you can feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the MacDonald clan that took place here. We then depart Glen Coe via the Great Glen, another one of Scotland’s majestic valleys which stretches 62 miles from Inverness all the way to Fort William.

See the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis…

Fort William, the second largest town in the Highlands, lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. Over 100,000 people climb Ben Nevis annually, often as part of the 3 Peaks Challenge, making it a very popular mountain! Your driver-guide will decide the best spot for lunch depending on your group, weather and local events.

Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument…

Our journey will continue west to Glenfinnan, made famous by the ‘Harry Potter’ films, which feature the iconic Viaduct. In the summer months, you may catch a glimpse of this magical train crossing the Viaduct, which Harry, Ron and Hermione themselves crossed to reach Hogwarts in the films. Surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel is the Glenfinnan Monument, a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings.

Overnight: Near Loch Ness

Day 2

Go Monster Hunting on Loch Ness…

We begin the day with some time to explore Loch Ness, Britain’s largest body of water by volume. More impressive is the fact that all lakes and rivers of England and Wales could fit in with room to spare! The size and depth of the loch make it a perfect hiding place for Nessie, the famous monster. Why not take a boat tour* from Urquhart Castle*, a ruined castle perched on the edge of Loch Ness, or monster hunt from the shore?

Through Inverness to Culloden Battlefield…

We then drive through Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to visit Culloden*, the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces. With estimated casualties between 1,500 and 2,000 from a battle that lasted less than 1 hour, it was one of the quickest and bloodiest battles in Scottish history, and it changed the Scottish Highlands forever. A visit to the battlefield is a poignant experience; you can walk the earth where the battle took place and see the headstones that mark the graves of hundreds of clansmen who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause.

The Cairngorm National Park 

Then we’ll travel south and enjoy the stunning scenery as we pass through the unique wilderness of the Cairngorms, Scotland’s largest National Park. Its mountain range has five of the UK’s highest mountains within its limits.

Homeward bound…

Before returning to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, we will make one last stop at a beautiful Highland town chosen by your driver-guide. 

Please note: The tour will end in Edinburgh for all passengers, return from here for Glasgow passengers will be by train.

Dependant on minimum passenger requirements being met