2-Day Jacobite Experience Including The Hogwarts Express From Edinburgh

Set out on a captivating 2-day journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich Jacobite history. Explore iconic sites like Culloden Battlefield and ride the renowned Jacobite Steam Train, featured as the Hogwarts Express. Discover the cultural and natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands, from charming towns to breathtaking viewpoints. This immersive tour promises an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts. But what makes this Jacobite adventure truly unique? Read on to uncover the fascinating details that set this tour apart.

Key Points

Explore historic Jacobite sites in Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Culloden Battlefield during the 2-day tour from Edinburgh.
Ride the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, featured as the Hogwarts Express, with breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
Stay overnight in the charming town of Fort Augustus, with opportunities to stroll along the Caledonian Canal and visit the Benedictine Abbey.
Visit the Glencoe Visitors Centre to learn about the 1692 Glencoe Massacre and Jacobite Risings through interactive exhibits and a captivating short film.
The tour has a maximum group size of 32 and includes transportation, accommodations, and one-way Jacobite Steam Train ride, while excluding food, drinks, and gratuities.

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Highlights of the Jacobite Experience

The Jacobite Experience takes travelers on a captivating journey through Scotland’s storied past, immersing them in historic locations tied to the 18th-century Jacobite movement.

Highlights include visiting Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as the famous Culloden Battlefield, the site of a pivotal Jacobite defeat.

But the undisputed star of the tour is the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Passengers will delight in the picturesque ride through the Cairngorm National Park before arriving in the charming town of Fort Augustus for an overnight stay.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore Scotland’s rich Jacobite heritage.

Included in the Tour Package

The Jacobite Experience package comes packed with an array of inclusions to enhance the overall journey. Travelers can look forward to a hearty breakfast each morning, as well as seamless transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

On top of that, the tour includes overnight accommodation in Fort Augustus, complete with a complimentary breakfast, and a one-way ride on the renowned Jacobite Steam Train, famously featured as the Hogwarts Express in the beloved Harry Potter films.

While the package covers these key elements, it’s important to note that food, drinks, gratuities, and pickup/drop-off from accommodations aren’t included, allowing travelers to personalize their experience.

Itinerary for Day 1

On the first day of the Jacobite Experience, travelers will visit a series of historic locations closely tied to the Jacobite movement of 18th-century Scotland.

The day’s itinerary kicks off with a stop in Dunkeld, followed by a journey to Pitlochry, where they’ll have the chance to explore the town’s charming streets and landmarks.

Next, they’ll visit Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site, before heading to the iconic Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite uprising.

After a full day of exploration, travelers will settle in for an overnight stay in the picturesque town of Fort Augustus, setting the stage for the next day’s adventures.

Overnight Stay in Fort Augustus

After a full day of exploring historic Jacobite sites, travelers will settle in for an overnight stay in the picturesque town of Fort Augustus. Nestled along the banks of the famous Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus offers a peaceful respite after an action-packed itinerary. Guests can stroll along the canal’s locks, enjoy a pint at a local pub, or simply take in the stunning Highland scenery. The overnight accommodation provides a comfortable home base, allowing travelers to rest and recharge before the next day’s adventure on the Jacobite Steam Train.

Amenities	Attractions	Dining
En-suite Bathrooms	Caledonian Canal Locks	Traditional Pubs
Tea/Coffee Making Facilities	Benedictine Abbey Ruins	Cozy Cafés
Free Wi-Fi	Loch Ness Viewpoints	Local Seafood Restaurants

Jacobite Steam Train Ride

Departing from Fort William, travelers will embark on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, featured as the Hogwarts Express in the beloved Harry Potter films.

This vintage locomotive will whisk them through the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering breathtaking vistas of lochs, glens, and majestic mountains along the way.

The journey takes them across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a picturesque railway bridge that has become a must-see attraction for fans of the wizarding world.

During the ride, passengers can enjoy the charming scenery and imagine themselves as young witches and wizards on their way to Hogwarts.

This experience is a highlight of the Jacobite tour, providing a truly magical transportation experience.

Glencoe Visitors Centre

The Jacobite tour then takes visitors to the Glencoe Visitors Centre, where they can enjoy the rich history and breathtaking scenery of this iconic Highland glen.

At the centre, guests can explore:

Interactive exhibits that detail the 1692 Glencoe Massacre and the ensuing Jacobite Risings
Panoramic viewpoints showcasing the dramatic landscape, including the famous Three Sisters mountain peaks
A short film providing insight into the region’s pivotal role in Scotland’s tumultuous past
A gift shop offering locally-sourced crafts and souvenirs to commemorate the experience

This stop on the Jacobite tour offers a captivating look at the cultural and natural wonders that have shaped the Highlands, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Group Size and Accessibility

The Jacobite Experience accommodates a maximum group size of 32 on its mini-coach tours. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility challenges may have difficulty participating.

The luggage restrictions also limit each person to a maximum weight of 15kg and a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus a small carry-on. This ensures the tour can accommodate all passengers comfortably.

While the group size is relatively small, the lack of wheelchair accessibility may be a consideration for some travelers. The Jacobite Experience caters to a specific group of visitors, prioritizing the tour’s logistics and safety over individual accessibility needs.

Luggage Restrictions

Along With the group size and accessibility considerations, the Jacobite Experience also imposes specific luggage restrictions on participants.

Travelers are limited to a maximum weight of 15kg and a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person, plus a small carry-on bag.

These strict luggage policies are in place to ensure a smooth and efficient tour experience for all.

Travelers should keep the following in mind:

Maximum weight of 15kg per person
Maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person
Small carry-on bag is also permitted

Adhering to these restrictions will make for a more comfortable and hassle-free journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time of year to take this tour is during the spring or summer months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor activities and sights.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private tour options, allowing you to customize the experience for your group’s needs. Group sizes and pricing may vary depending on your requirements.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are allowed on the tour, though the operator notes a maximum group size of 32 on the mini-coach. Parents should consider the day’s activities and their child’s abilities to ensure a comfortable experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to More Days?

There is no information provided about extending the 2-day Jacobite Experience tour. The tour details only mention the 2-day itinerary, and do not indicate an option to book a longer trip.

Can I Purchase Additional Items on the Train Ride?

Passengers can purchase additional items like snacks, drinks, and souvenirs on the Jacobite Steam Train ride. However, the tour package itself doesn’t include these optional purchases, which would be an additional cost for travelers.

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