Scotland boasts so many attractions for holidaymakers. From fabulous scenery filled with hills, mountains, loch, moorlands, coast and islands to historic castles, stunning lodges, highlight cities and superb walking routes, it’s so difficult to know where to go and what to see. So why not let us do the planning and organising for you? At Macs Adventure we know the best places to see and great things to do. We have also visited many of Scotland’s best gems and we have hand-picked a selection of beautiful accommodation for you. Using all these resources we have come up with our ultimate week of a Scottish touring holiday: Luxury Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike.

7 reasons to choose this trip

For famous train journeys

Scotland is famous for its amazing train journeys. Historic rail lines transport passengers through incredible landscapes and make it a relaxing way to get from A to B. The Luxury Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike trip includes train journeys:

• From Edinburgh to Pitlochry in Perthshire.
• Pitlochry to Inverness, the Highlands capital city.
• From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line.
• From Mallaig to Fort William on the Jacobite steam train (also known, since J K Rowling’s Harry Potter books as Hogwarts Express)
• From Fort William to Glasgow on the world-famous West Highland Line.

To see stunning landscapes

[caption id="attachment_18788" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Glenfinnan Viaduct.[/caption] The train journeys themselves take passengers on memorable trips through fabulous Highlands scenery. For example, the West Highland Line crosses wildly beautiful Rannoch Moor and follows the “horseshoe curve” at the foot of many mighty Glencoe mountains. The Kyle Line is also unforgettable as you travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, speed past picturesque lochs, through remote glens and look out to magnificent mountains. The holiday also includes walking in the glorious Great Glen, through woodlands of Perthshire and a trip to the forever-memorable island of Skye.

For iconic mountain views

You’ll see, among many others, Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, stunning Aonach Mor, the Cuillin of Skye and the mountains of Glencoe, such as Beinn Dorain, Beinn a’ Chaiseil and Beinn Odhar.

To visit Skye

[caption id="attachment_18787" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Skye: Lochs and mountains.[/caption] Skye is one of Scotland’s most famous islands and a must-go for so many visitors. It’s easy to see why when you arrive and find yourself surrounded by truly inspiring Scottish scenery. You’ll enjoy a private tour of the island, taking in such highlights as the rock pinnacles of The Storr, the 60m high basalt pillar cliffs of Kilt Rock, fossil-rich Staffin Beach, the curious rock formations of the Quiraing, Fairy Glens, Talisker Distillery Shop and the dramatic Black and Red Cuillins.

Scottish cities

The holiday visits Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh, the Highland ‘capital’ city of Inverness and Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city that is often claimed as the most cosmopolitan.

Great castles

[caption id="attachment_18786" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Edinburgh Castle.[/caption] Edinburgh Castle could be on your list of must-see highlights in Scotland. Or how about the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl, Blair Castle; Urquhart Castle, located on the shore of iconic Loch Ness; or the Royal residence of Balmoral Castle for further treats? [caption id="attachment_18792" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Urquhart Castle, Loch ness.[/caption]

Luxury lodges and hotels

[caption id="attachment_18793" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Inverlochy Castle Hotel.[/caption] The clue is in the name of this holiday and you can expect a high standard of carefully selected overnight accommodation, including Killiecrankie Hotel, Perthshire; Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness; Kinloch Lodge on Skye and Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, HIghlands. See Luxury Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike.