Highlands, Railways & Dolphins

Day 1

Our journey today takes us to the border town of Gretna Green. We continue to Port Glasgow, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon.

Day 2

A hearty breakfast before we continue our journey further North, through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the UK’s largest National Park offers spectacular scenery with towering mountains, sparkling lochs and rivers and wildlife a plenty. Keep your eyes peeled for scurrying red squirrels, soaring ospreys, and more! We make a stop in Aviemore, a town surrounded by lush Highland scenery and offering a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. We spend the next 4 nights at the lovely Priory Hotel.

Day 3

Enjoy a memorable trip on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, the 'Great Highland', on the Kyle Line. The train weaves its way through the Highlands and down to the Kyle of Lochalsh, close to the Isle of Skye. Crystal clear lochs mirror the forests and mountains on this wonderful journey. We travel to Dingwall, a traditional market town to board our train gliding past lochs and moors as you travel through the Highlands.

Day 4

Today, we head over the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths to Dornoch, with its 13th century cathedral, and onto the spectacular Dunrobin Castle. The Castle dates back to the 13th century and resembles a french chateâu thanks to its fairytale spires and turrets. It was home to the Earls and Dukes of Clan Sutherland. It then became a naval hospital and even a boarding school and in the end, a family house. This makes the Castle one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses.

Day 5

Experience an unforgettable boat cruise on the Moray Firth to see the world's most northerly population of Bottlenose Dolphins, along with other marine wildlife, including seals and otters. Visit Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands', a thriving city with its historic Old Town, bustling centre and riverside setting.

Day 6

This morning we bid farewell to the Priory Hotel and journey South, making a stop in Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands. Our journey continues to Callander, a beautiful holiday town situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty before we check into our hotel. Time to relax before dinner this evening.

Day 7

Sadly, after breakfast, we bid farewell to Scotland and retrace our steps home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included