EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Traverse Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes and discover its most enchanting towns and cities.

Destination
Starts at

London

Destination
Ends at

Edinburgh

Destination
Duration

7 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 18

Destination
Physical Rating

moderate Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

Having entered Scotland in style via train, this seven-day tour kicks off in the characterful city of Glasgow. From there we’ll journey up into the Scottish Highlands, carving through the countryside on the iconic Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter film series. We’ll adventure on, via ferry, to the Isle of Skye – before rejoining the railway the following day to Inverness. After a generous dose of art and culture, it’s south along the tracks to Aviemore, for a jaw-droppingly picturesque walk in the Cairngorms. Edinburgh – Scotland’s muscular, medieval capital – is our final stop, where we’ll visit the castle and raise a toast to an adventure to remember.

Trip Highlights

  • Travel into and around Scotland in style via scenic countryside rail routes
  • Get into the Scottish spirit with a whisky tasting session at Glengoyne Distillery
  • Ride the iconic Jacobite steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Explore the isle of Skye by boat and on a guided walk
  • Dive into Inverness’s art scene
  • Strike out on a scenic hike in the Cairngorms
  • Receive the royal treatment on a guided tour of Edinburgh

Your Itinerary

You’ll make a scenic arrival into Scotland. After meeting our Local Insider at London Euston station and carving through the north of England, we’ll crossover into the magical Scottish countryside, whizzing past lochs, woodlands and craggy hilltops en route to Scotland’s charismatic second city, Glasgow, where we’ll settle for the night. It’s the perfect way to enter the country, and a thrilling tease for the natural splendour that awaits over the next week.

Accommodation

Sandman Glasgow

Activities Included
  • Train from London Euston to Glasgow

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll head out this morning on a walking tour of Glasgow. The city is Scotland’s most populous, with economic heft and an impressive collection of cultural institutions, as well as two iconic football clubs and an unmistakably Scottish sense of civic pride. Having learnt all about Glasgow we’ll take you for a well-earned lunch to tuck into some locally sourced delicacies, before heading to the Glengoyne Distillery on the outskirts of the city, where a warming whisky tasting awaits – the perfect introductory toast to Scotland! Cockles warmed, we’ll wind through the spectacular Trossachs National Park to reach our country hotel for the night, where we’ll also tuck into a hearty group dinner.

Accommodation

Knipoch House Hotel

Activities Included
  • Glasgow City Tour
  • Welcome lunch
  • Whiskey Tasting at Glengoyne Distilery

Today is an epic adventure in itself. After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Fort William station to board the Jacobite steam train. Unarguably one of the world’s greatest train journeys, this 42-mile stretch of track takes you past lochs, mountains and over the soaring Glenfinnan Viaduct – made famous by the Harry Potter films – to the small fishing town of Mallaig. From here, we’ll ferry across the glassy waters of Loch Nevis to the Isle of Skye before transferring to the remote waterside hamlet of Elgol, where we’ll meet the Mackinnon family, who’ve lived and worked there since the 1300s. Today, their business is showing people the jaw-dropping beauty of this slice of Scotland, with a boat trip (plus a brief walk) to Loch Coruisk. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins along the way. We’ll end the day with a transfer to our accommodation in Kyle of Lochalsh, stopping off en route to snap photos of Eilean Donan Castle – one of Scotland’s most famous, and spectacular, castles.

Accommodation

Plockton Inn

Activities Included
  • Ride the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig
  • Take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye

After yesterday’s cross-country expedition, we’re taking things a little easier. Around midday we’ll head to Plockton station for the train to Inverness – a leisurely clop across the width of the Highlands, with plenty of gorgeous scenery thrown in. Once in the city we’ll head to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery for an expert-led tour of its all-thing-Highlands collection. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace – check out the castle, for city-wide views, and take a walk along the River Ness.

Accommodation

Craigmonie Hotel

Activities Included
  • Train from Plockton to Inverness
  • Private tour of the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

We’re getting back on track today, as we take the train south from Inverness to Aviemore. This small town offers easy access to the ski slopes, glassy lochs and ancient woodlands that make up the extraordinary Cairngorms National Park. We’ll spend the rest of the morning and the first half of the afternoon exploring on foot with a guided hike – or if your legs are tired you can alternatively opt for a scenic train ride through the park – before we hop back on the train to our final destination: Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel in the capital, you’ll have the evening to yourself. Catch a show, join a spooky ghost tour, gorge on a deep fried Mars bar or hole up in a classically cosy Edinburgh pub.

Accommodation

BW Kings Manor Hotel

Activities Included
  • Train from Inverness to Aviemore
  • Guided walk in the Cairngorms National Park
  • Train from Aviemore to Edinburgh

Today is our last full day, so we’re going out in style with an Insider-led tour of the Royal Mile, leading all the way to Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city from its lofty position on Castle Rock. The views are stupendous, and it’s not hard to see why this imposing fortress – one of the oldest in Europe – has remained standing so long, despite being the most besieged place in Britain. Tour over, you’ll have the rest of the day to see Edinburgh at your own pace – take a stroll in Princes Street Gardens, browse the Edinburgh Farmers Market and dip into the National Museum of Scotland. Just make sure you’re available to meet back up with the rest of the group in the evening for a farewell dinner – where we’ll swap highlights and toast to what we hope has been a rail-y good time!

Accommodation

BW Kings Manor Hotel

Activities Included
  • Guided tour of the Royal Mile
  • Farewell dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast in the Scottish capital before checking out and making your way home, or on to other adventures.

What's Included

  • Six nights accommodation (including a night on the Highland Caledonian Sleeper)
  • Six breakfasts
  • One lunch
  • Two Dinners
  • Whiskey tasting at Glengoyne Distillery
  • Jacobite steam train to Mallaig
  • Boat trip to Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye
  • Private tour of the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
  • Guided walk in the Cairngorms National Park
  • Guided tour of the Royal Mile
  • Train travel across Scotland, including a ride the Jacobite steam train
  • Glasgow city tour

What's Not Included

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

Sandman Glasgow

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This brand new hotel, found between Glasgow’s West End and the city centre, places you perfectly to explore the city’s cultural highlights and foodie gems. The hotel itself is a cosy, modern four-star establishment that also houses Chop Grill & Bar, where local Scottish ingredients are the focus from breakfast to dinner and into cocktail hour – award winning Donald Russell steaks and Haggis bon-bons await.

Knipoch House Hotel (or similar)

Image #1 of Knipoch House Hotel (or similar)
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This west coast Highlands hotel is brimming with country charm, from the warm interiors of its restaurant and bar to the luxurious king-size bedding in your room. The house overlooks Loch Feochan, with sweeping views of nearby mountains and islands, which you can enjoy as you tuck into your locally sourced full Scottish breakfast, or perhaps over a glass of something stronger in the evening – the selection of wine, gin and, of course, whisky here is sensational.

Plockton Inn

Plockton Inn - Upfront Photography for Highland Coast Hotels
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Plockton Inn

Plockton Inn - Upfront Photography for Highland Coast Hotels
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Plockton Inn

Plockton Inn - Upfront Photography for Highland Coast Hotels
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Plockton Inn

This characterful family-run pub with rooms on the edge of Loch Carron epitomises Scottish hospitality. Rooms are simple but homely, with a nautical theme to the decor. Downstairs, the pub bar hums softly with local chit-chat, while the kitchen serves up fresh, locally-caught seafood. 

Craigmonie Hotel

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It’s hard to believe that you’re just minutes away from central Inverness when you’re in the quaint leafy surrounds of this storied old hotel, which dates back to 1880. Think country house vibes in the city, with a cosy bar to keep the cockles warm, and a free-to-use indoor pool and sauna, for that refreshing start to the day.

BW Kings Manor Hotel

Image #1 of BW Kings Manor Hotel
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Our home in the capital will be a laid-back spot on the eastern suburbs of Edinburgh, near the golden sands of Portobello Beach. The building was once a convent, but now stands as a relaxing place to stay on the edge of the city. You’re just 20 minutes from Edinburgh Castle, but you also have an indoor pool and sauna to keep you invigorated, as well as a variety of spa treatments bookable at reception.

COVID Safety

The safety and wellbeing of all travellers is our top priority. To help us ensure this, please refer to this checklist:

  • Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
  • We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

  • You must be aged 18 years or over to join this trip.
  • Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • To upgrade to a private room, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
  • Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
  • Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel 56 days or more before your scheduled departure date, you will receive a 100% refund. Otherwise, the total cost of your trip is:

  • 100% payable if you cancel 29 days or less before your departure date.
  • 50% payable if you cancel between 30 - 55 days before your departure date.

Please note you can only book this trip in advance up to 14 days before the departure date. After this time the trip may be booked on request.

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Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions.

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