Romantic Railways & Lochs 2026

Overview

UPDATED TOUR

Travel around the spectacular Scottish Highlands in style, taking in picturesque views at every turn! Our tour includes scenic rail journeys on the fabulous Kyle Line and on the Strathspey Steam Railway, as well as a cruise on the famous Loch Ness. We also get a glimpse of life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s at the superb open-air Highland Folk Museum.

 

Rob says…
The feedback from our groups who stay at the Highlander Hotel is always fantastic. Cynthia, Elaine and the team continue to run one of the best group hotels in Scotland.

Itinerary

PACKAGED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2 Scenic Train Journey Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
Today we enjoy a one-way scenic train journey on the spectacular Kyle Line from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Our Scotrail train travels through the spectacular scenery of the Highlands in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs and wide-open moors, as we head for the final stretch towards the Kyle of Lochalsh, which offers beautiful views of Skye. We have time to do a spot of sightseeing on the island before returning by coach, passing the famous Eilean Donan Castle and the stunning views at Loch Cluanie.

Day 3 Loch Ness Cruise & Loch Ness Centre
This morning, we embark on a scenic journey to Loch Ness. We attempt to track down the world’s shyest monster on a 50-minute cruise of legendary Loch Ness, departing from Fort Augustus on the southern shores. Brimming with history and monster tales, the real stars of the loch are its castles, monuments and scenery. We visit the newly re-opened Loch Ness Centre for a tour to unearth real stories about Loch Ness and learn about 500 million years of history, hidden secrets and scientific research inspired by sightings of the Loch Ness Monster.

Day 4 Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore & Highland Folk Museum
After breakfast we head off for a return journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill, taking in glorious views of heather-clad moors, Caledonian forest and the Spey River. Upon return to Aviemore we have some free time to explore this popular Cairngorms resort, famous for its winter sports and hill-walking, before heading south to step back in time at the open-air Highland Folk Museum. Here, we experience life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s, exploring 35 historical buildings as we discover how people lived, worked, went to school and enjoyed their leisure time.

Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.

Map
Hotel

Highlander Hotel

Newtonmore, Inverness-shire

AAA

Located on the outskirts of the town of Newtonmore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, the Highlander Hotel offers friendly service and quality food, and is famous for its welcome to coach groups. The hotel consists of two separate buildings opposite each other, one housing the public areas and one housing the bedrooms, with external access between the two. All 80 well decorated bedrooms are comfortable and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Although the hotel does not have a lift, all of the public areas and many of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, with the remaining bedrooms being situated on the first floor. There is a spacious, informal restaurant, a relaxing authentic regional style bar, a very comfortable lounge and an outside seating area.

BarGround Floor RoomsLong Standing PartnerParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing

Highlander Hotel

Newtonmore, Inverness-shire

 

4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £329pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119
Based on Monday arrivals

Inclusions
• Single rail journey Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
• Loch Ness cruise
• Tour of the Loch Ness Centre
• Return rail journey Aviemore – Broomhill
• Entrance to Highland Folk Museum (free entry)

Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.