This morning, after breakfast, we will head to our main destination—Snowdon Mountain.

Standing at 1,085 meters (3,560 ft), Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and the tallest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Nestled in Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, it’s often regarded as "the busiest mountain in Britain" and is a designated nature reserve due to its unique flora and fauna.

For those interested, Snowdon Railway tickets can be purchased directly or through Star Tours via our website for an additional cost. Please confirm the departure time with us before booking directly with Snowdon Railway.

Our adventure begins at Llanberis station, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Here, you’ll board a rack railway for an unforgettable journey up the slopes of Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak.

As the train departs, it begins its scenic ascent, a journey experienced by nearly 12 million adventurers since 1896. If you’re lucky to have tickets on the "Snowdon Lily," your carriage will be powered by one of the original 1896 steam locomotives or a diesel engine. You’ll feel the engine’s strength as you climb, passing the serene Llanberis waterfall. Over the course of 45 minutes, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Eryri—"the land of the Eagles."

The views from the train as it travels along the ridge toward the summit are nothing short of spectacular. On clear days at the peak, you can see as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and the Isle of Man.

After descending back to Llanberis, we will begin our journey back to London.

Note: Breakfast will be a cold breakfast box.
B = Breakfast

From Inverness, the line travels along the south side of Beauly Firth, with views back across to the “Black Isle” before turning north to the market town of Dingwall. 

There it heads west once again, climbing slowly through the remote northern Highlands, with glimpses on clear days of towering Liathach and its Torridon mountain neighbours.

Probably the most spectacular part of the journey is when the line descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, and runs alongside the Loch past Attadale Estate and Plockton, both featured in many a TV series, and onto Kyle. 

Your return coach journey back to the hotel starts with a brief visit to Kyleakin on the renowned Isle of Skye before stopping en route at one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Eilean Donan. 

Have your cameras and phones ready here for that picture postcard image. Your final highlight of the day will be a picture stop on the banks of Loch Ness.  

Today sees you head to Aviemore for a somewhat shorter, but no-less-special rail journey. 

Join your tour manager and fellow guests as you board the Strathspey Steam Railway, a wonderful reminder of the golden days of steam. 

This run takes you through some delightful unspoilt Highland scenery, and past great sweeps of the River Spey, through moorland and forest. 

Return to Aviemore, where this is an opportunity to explore the famous resort town, which is one of Britain’s most famous outward-bound centres. Continue to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer centre, to experience close up, the lives of reindeers with their handlers. 

After your visit, drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain visitor centre, which offers glorious unspoilt views of the surrounding region. 

Take time to soak in the views from this vantage point. 

Fort William beckons today, as you enjoy your holiday’s final highlight – the journey on the last stretch of the famous West Highland Line, to the tiny fishing village of Mallaig. Voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine as the world’s best train journey, this is another truly spectacular route.

As the train pulls out of Fort William, look back and left to see Ben Nevis towering above the town. Minutes later, the train crosses the Caledonian Canal – look out for Neptune's Staircase, a succession of eight locks, to your right. The train then runs alongside Loch Eil before reaching the spectacular, 21-arch, Glenfinnan Viaduct - famously featured in the Harry Potter movies. Other highlights of the journey include views of the island-studded Loch Eilt (considered by many to be the prettiest along the route), Arisaig (Britain’s most westerly railway station) and the white Atlantic sands of Morar.

Mallaig is a delightful little working port, and is well worth exploring. You may like to explore the Heritage Centre or visit the Smokery where you can arrange for kippers to be sent anywhere in the world. We return to the hotel by coach.

Bid farewell to the Highlands today, and travel to the airport to board your flight home.