The Highlands have been named among the best places in the world for new trips this year.
A journey that takes in dolphin and wild cat watching as well stunning scenery from a train won the judges over.
Top travel guide Wanderlust’s top ten for 2019 included new breathtaking itineraries in South Africa, California, Nepal and Tibet, Greenland and Iceland and the USA’s famous Route 66 road trip.
But in eighth place was Scotland with a seven day rail journey in the Highlands, which starts at £1495.
The guide highlighted the Caeldonian Sleeper train service. The introduction of the new £100m fleet, which will include berths with en suite showers and double beds, is due to start in May.
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The first trains will operate between Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, with the Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness routes to follow.
“On Great Rail Journeys’ Castles and Wildlife of Scotland tour, your adventure begins with an overnight trip aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train, whisking you from London to Inverness in comfortable club cabins,” said Wanderlust.
“Over the next seven days, you’ll explore by road and rail, staying in luxurious heritage hotels.
“It’s a wild, wonderful week, with dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth, a 4WD red deer ‘safari’, and the chance to see red squirrels and wild cats in the Highlands’ Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
“Another treat for railway enthusiasts is a journey along the Kyle Line, which chugs at a leisurely pace between alluring lochs and crumbling castles. You’ll soon understand why it’s considered one of Scotland’s most scenic rail routes.”
Top of the list was the Elaphiti archipelago in Croatia.
