Highland Adventure

Our vacation begins today as we meet in Inverness at our hotel - the Palace Hotel & Spa. This popular hotel is the base for our adventure and overlooks the River Ness in the center of the city. With some time before dinner, you could familiarize yourself with the city on a beautiful riverside stroll, delighting in the babbling river, verdant forests, and local wildlife.

This city is considered the cultural capital of the Highlands and is crowned by the stunning Inverness Castle. Its most famous resident, King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, may seem familiar as he was the inspiration for one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, Macbeth.

After dinner with our group at the hotel, we're treated to a wee dram during an Inverness storytelling session. Sit back and sip on Scottish whiskey as we spend an hour in the company of the acclaimed storyteller - Willie Cameron. Known as 'Mr. Loch Ness', he shares expert tales and insights about the Highlands in a fun evening.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we begin the first full day of our vacation and head to Fort William by coach. The drive to Fort William showcases stunning Highland scenery of breathtaking mountains, rolling hills, and rugged terrain. Arriving in Fort William, we board the wonderful vintage carriages of the Jacobite Steam Train ready for our journey to Mallaig, one of the most scenic stretches in the UK.

Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, passes by our window and as we continue, you could even spot some of the local wildlife, such as red deer, grazing on the hillside.

The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll immediately recognize it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, our train journey ends in Mallaig.

With some time at leisure, you can explore the village's shops, cafes, and restaurants or simply roam the charming streets admiring the colorful architecture. We then board the coach back to our hotel, pausing enroute at the Glenfinnan viewpoint for a photo opportunity and Fort Augustus - a small village which the Caledonian Canal runs through. We also pass the famous Loch Ness, known for its legendary monster, Nessie. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the elusive creature - evidence of its existence is said to be worth $1.28 million.

On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, this iconic fortress has played a role in several films. After exploring the castle's history and amazing views, we return to Inverness on the Kyle Line - one of Scotland's most scenic railways. Skirting alongside lochs and through wild mountain landscapes, we admire the cascading waterfalls, mesmerizing nature, and towering peaks that roll by the windows.

This evening you're at leisure in Inverness. There's no scheduled dinner at the hotel, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the many pubs or restaurants the city is known for.

• Breakfast

Traveling to Aviemore today, we join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a trip through the stunning sights of the Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let us marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Snaking our way alongside the River Spey, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks. After leaving the train at Broomhill station, we meet our coach and head to Aviemore where you are at leisure to get some lunch. Our next stop is the renowned Culloden Battlefield - where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746. We experience a private guided tour of the battlefield where we learn about the history of the site and the sacrifices made there.

Following the tour, we have access to the visitor's center, where we can join the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, view unique weapons and artefacts on display, and appreciate panoramic views of the battlefield from the roof garden. Returning to our hotel, enjoy the final evening of our vacation and reminisce over dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As the cultural capital of the Highlands, Inverness provided the ideal base from which to explore the landscapes and history of this striking part of Scotland. Scenic train journeys through breathtaking countryside on the Jacobite, Strathspey Steam Railway and Kyle Line gave us front-row seats to the majestic moors, lochs and rivers of the Highlands. The enchanting Eilean Donan Castle offered a glimpse into the spellbinding past and visiting Loch Ness revealed how myth and legend are synonymous with the region.

After breakfast this morning, you are free to check out of our hotel and make your way home or explore the stunning Scottish Highlands further at leisure.

• Breakfast