Journey by Steam to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in 2019

In May 2019, Flying Scotsman is returning to some of the most beautiful lines in Northern Britain for the first time since its refurbishment on Steam Dreams’ Highlands & Islands Explorer! 

The Highlands & Islands Explorer nine day holiday promises to be a magical tour, taking in some truly spectacular Highland scenery, with long daylight hours, lakes, mountains, sea and islands. Arguably the highlight of the tour will be our stay in Fort William, where Pullman passengers will be staying in the most luxurious accommodation Steam Dreams has yet offered.

Click here to view the holiday brochure online or fill in a form here to receive an email quote for your holiday.

Tour options:

• Highlands Option: 1 night in Edinburgh, 3 nights in Inverness, 2 nights in Fort William, 2 nights in the Lake District or
• Islands Option: 1 night in Edinburgh, 2 nights in Inverness, 2 nights on The Isle of Skye, 1 night in Fort William, 2 nights in the Lake District

Fares from £1,995

9 – 17 May 2019

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Edinburgh with Flying Scotsman

We leave London Victoria behind a vintage diesel locomotive for a quick run to York, where we will be joined by Flying Scotsman for the beautiful stretch of railway for which it was built. We will cruise along the East Coast Mainline, heading over the Royal Border Bridge and into Edinburgh.

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness with Flying Scotsman

After breakfast in our hotels, we set out mid morning over the Forth Railway Bridge with Flying Scotsman. Our route from here will take us via Perth to arrive in Inverness in the evening.

Day 3 – Inverness to Dunrobin Castle or day at leisure

You have the option to join B1 Mayflower for the journey along the coast to the famous castle of Dunrobin, or join other excursions including a trip to Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield or a boat trip on Loch Ness.

OPTION 1 – HIGHLANDS

Over the next three days you will have a chance to sample some of the most scenic lines in Europe – Inverness to The Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness to Fort William via the West Highland Line and finally an optional trip on the Jacobite, over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Day 4 – Kyle of Lochalsh with B1 Mayflower

Day 5 –  Inverness to the Lowlands, and the Lowlands to Fort William with B1 Mayflower

Day 6 – Day at leisure in Fort William, a trip on the famous Jacobite, a cruise on Loch Linnhe, trip to Glen Coe, Neptune’s staircase or a day trip to Iona or Mull

OPTION 2 – ISLE OF SKYE

Day 4 – Enjoy a stunning journey to the Kyle of Lochalsh with B1 Mayflower, where you have the option to visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before we all head by coach over the bridge to Skye and to our hotels, where we will stay for two nights.

Day 5 – Day at leisure on Skye, a day trip to St Kilda (weather permitting), Flora MacDonald’s tomb or Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Day 6 – Skye to Fort William including The Jacobite steam train

Day 7 – Fort William to the Lake District

We leave Fort William behind B1 Mayflower and head out across the West Highland Line to the Firth of Clyde. In the Lowlands, we continue over Beattock Summit and past Carlisle to Penrith, where we disembark for two nights at the edge of Ullswater in the northern Lake District.

Day 8 – A day at leisure in the Lake District

Enjoy a day at leisure or join us on optional excursions to local attractions including the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Day 9 – Penrith to London

After breakfast in the hotel, we return steam hauled from Penrith to London Euston with Mayflower.

Click here to view the holiday brochure online or download your own version. 

For more information, or to book, please call the Booking Office on 01483 209888.