
Scottish Islands & the Jacobite Steam Train 3D/2N
There’s magic hidden in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the kind that drifts through the mist and hums in ancient glens. You’ll find it in the whoosh of the Jacobite Steam Train as it carries you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, in the sea breeze on your way to the Isle of Mull, and in the otherworldly echo of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa – a basalt cathedral that feels carved by giants. Set off on a 3‑day journey filled with mystery, beauty, and a touch of cinematic magic… and discover wonders that lie far beyond the beaten path.
Price is per person, twin share
Tour Highlights
- Step back in time to a bygone era on board one of the world’s most famous heritage trains, the real-life Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite Steam Train.
- Those who opt to journey on to the Isle of Staffa will receive a feast for the eyes with abundant wildlife and the most amazing geological sites.
- Feel the magic come alive at the world-famous railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- The Isle of Mull boasts a harbour town so photogenic, its vibrant personality enchants all who visit: Tobermory
- The misty waters of Loch Shiel and towering mountains look straight out of a storybook and appeared in a Harry Potter film.
- Journey deep into the wild Highlands and islands, exploring hidden corners and remote locations far beyond the usual tourist path.
Price from
$810.00
Enquire NowTour Information
Tour Operator:
Rabbie's
Max group size:
Up to 20
Destination
Scotland, United Kingdom
Age range:
Tour id:
88815
Adventure Style:
Active, Adventure, Coach / Bus, Cultural, Culture, History, Nature & Adventure, Nature & Widlife, Rail Journey, Small Group Tour
Inclusions:
- - Transport
- - English-speaking tour guide
- - Jacobite Steam Train ticket (Mallaig to Fort William)
- - Ferry tickets
- - 44lbs (20kg) Luggage Allowance
- - Daily pick-ups & drop offs from your accommodation
Optional Extras:
- - Optional boat trip to Staffa
- - Entry to Iona Abbey
Departures:
Tours depart each week on Sundays. Please contact our Sales team for the latest dates.Itinerary
Day 1: Journey through the Highlands to the Isle of Mull
Pick Up: 7:45am in Inverness
Morning: Journey through the Great Glen to Glenfinnan
Adventure awaits as you depart Inverness, travelling through rugged mountains and shaded glens of the Great Glen, tracing the sparkling banks of Loch Ness, and crossing the historic Caledonian Canal.
You stop for a bit at Fort Augustus to stretch your legs and take some photos of the mysterious loch.
Then, the road winds through one of the most iconic part of the Scottish Highlands, leading towards Glenfinnan.
Mid Morning: Free time in Glenfinnan and journey off the beaten track
Glenfinnan, a stunning glen nestled among mountains and overlooking Loch Shiel is home to two icons – the Glenfinnan Monument and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, beloved by Harry Potter fans. Here, you’ll have time to reflect on the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 and explore the monument or cast an eye at Loch Shiel and reimagine the scenes from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Keep an eye out for the Jacobite Steam Train, which occasionally puffs gracefully across the viaduct (operated by a third party and may not always appear). Whether or not the train appears, this enchanting glen will leave you spellbound by the beauty of the Highlands. Then, we get off-the-beaten track as we travel past a sea loch in western Lochaber and towards Lochailean with a lunch stop en route.
Afternoon: Journey off-the-beaten track to the ferry for the Isle of Mull
Travelling through the remote and beautiful Morvern Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, we pass rugged landscapes and atmospheric castle ruins on our way to the ferry from Lochaline to the Isle of Mull.
After landing on Mull, we take time for a refreshing walk. Aros Park, just outside Tobermory, offers waterfalls, forest trails, and the chance to spot wildlife such as red squirrels, deer, and even otters.
We then continue to your overnight base in the charming village of Tobermory.
Early Evening: Free evening in Tobermory
Tobermory, Mull’s vibrant capital, is yours to explore at your leisure this evening. With its brightly coloured waterfront houses, Tobermory, meaning “Well of Mary”, is often described as one of the most picturesque harbour towns in Scotland. It’s hard to imagine a better place to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner!
Your overnight accommodation will be in Tobermory.
Day 2: Mull, Iona & Optional Staffa Boat Trip
Morning: Journey through Mull
Today, we’re embarking on an exciting island-hopping adventure, visiting two stunning islands: Iona and Staffa, while exploring the scenic beauty of Mull along the way.
Mid Morning: Journey to Fionport and a ferry to Iona
We take a relaxing drive with plenty of stops for photos of the incredible island landscape. Mull being the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides there is something for everyone, between the nature, wildlife and rich history to fall in love with, as we make our way across the island to Fionnphort, our gateway to Iona and Staffa.
Afternoon: Iona and Staffa
Discover the serene beauty of Iona, a sacred island where history and nature meet. You’ve got free time here to walk in the footsteps of St Columba at the ancient Iona Abbey, or admire the magnificent, ancient Celtic crosses and headstones.
Later, take an optional boat trip to Staffa, where you may spot puffins and other wildlife. This is home to the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave that is one of the most remarkable geological sites in the world. The island, made of striking hexagonal columns, was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, though local legend claims it was built by a giant.
Early Evening: Ferry back to Mull and free evening in Tobermory
After a day spent exploring these remarkable islands, we hop back on a ferry to Mull and journey through scenic glens, past craggy hills, and shimmering lochs to Tobermory. You’ll have free time this evening – will you enjoy a leisurely dinner and stroll along the picturesque harbour, or perhaps seek out a traditional Scottish music session in one of the local pubs? The choice is yours.
Your overnight accommodation will be in Tobermory.
Day 3: Journey back to Inverness
Morning: Journey to the ferry to mainland Scotland
We’re off for our last day of adventure and a farewell to Mull. Our next Ferry takes us back to the mainland, arriving at Kilchoan. Famous fishing bays, lighthouses and castle ruins punctuate our route along Loch Sunart, a truly remote and spectacular part of Scotland’s West Coast.
Mid Morning: Journey off-the-beaten track to Mallaig
Back on the mainland, you continue toward Mallaig, travelling through a landscape that hasn’t forgotten its wild heart. The single‑track ribbon of tarmac winds between ancient hills, quiet lochs, and stretches of coastline where the light shifts by the minute.
The anticipation builds as you arrive in Mallaig, where you’ll soon board the famous Jacobite Steam Train. Before that, there’s time to enjoy lunch in this delightful coastal village – and the local fish and chips come highly recommended.
Afternoon: Lunch in Mallaig & the ride on the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William
Board the famous Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the real-life Hogwarts Express, for a magical journey through dramatic Highland scenery. You travel over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, with sweeping views over Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument. The journey continues along the tranquil sea loch, where the landscape gradually opens out, until the sight of Ben Nevis appears as your train glides into Fort William’s station.
Your Driver‑Guide will meet you off the train in Fort William, ready to continue the adventure by mini‑coach.
Early Evening: Fort William to Inverness
Travelling along the south side of Loch Ness, you experience the beauty of the Great Glen from a quieter, more atmospheric perspective, with peaceful roads and sweeping views across the water.
A stop at the Falls of Foyers gives you the chance to stretch your legs and follow a short path through native pine trees to this hidden-away cascade. Once a favourite of Robert Burns, the waterfall is dramatic and secluded – and you might even spot a red squirrel in the trees.
As we return to Inverness, you’ll have time to reflect on the stunning natural beauty and the magic of the experiences on this tour.
You return to Inverness at approximately 7:00pm.
