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Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

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9 days From £1,699 £1,499 per person
4.4 stars(700 reviews)
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Experience the wonders of Scotland’s lochs, glens, castles, and more on a rail adventure across Edinburgh and the Highlands

Save up to £200pp

Save up to £200pp on selected British Isles 2025 departures, when you book by 16th December 2024.

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No Single Supplement

No Single Supplement subject to availability on selected departures. 

Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: SHS25

About the tour

Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Travelling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities.

Wander the rainbow streets of delightful Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase, and admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Scotland's beauty and culture pave the way for a range of amazing experiences and memories.

Unforgettable experiences

Journeying on the West Highland Line
Journeying on the West Highland Line
Passing the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, heather-clad moorland and the most isolated train station in the UK, the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is one of the country’s most scenic.
Travelling on the scenic Kyle Line
Travelling on the scenic Kyle Line
Leaving Inverness, the route to coastal Kyle of Lochalsh reveals spellbinding views of wide-open moorland, ancient forests, rising mountains glimmering lochs.
Sailing to the picture-perfect Isle of Mull
Sailing to the picture-perfect Isle of Mull
Home to the colourful fishing port of Tobermory, enjoy a boat journey off the west coast of Scotland to the rugged Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides.
Cruising legendary Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle
Cruising legendary Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle
Admire amazing views of surrounding hills and forests during a cruise on the deep waters of mysterious Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle and explore the beautiful 13th-century ruins.
Visiting the stunning 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle
Visiting the stunning 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle
Perched on a small island in the peaceful surroundings of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the Highlands’ most famous romantic castles.
Indulging in a farewell feast in Edinburgh
Indulging in a farewell feast in Edinburgh
Accompanied by pipers and dancers, we gather for a fantastic farewell evening of traditional entertainment and a Scottish banquet in the sumptuous Great Scots Hall.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh

Your holiday begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh independently and check in to our hotel where you are greeted by our Tour Manager. Afterwards, you're at leisure to start exploring Scotland's capital.

The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Old Town's Royal Mile and the New Town's award-winning Georgian architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. As you admire the grand neoclassical buildings of the New Town or stroll up Calton Hill to view the National Monument of Scotland, modelled on the Greek Parthenon, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'. There are so many great sights to see in Edinburgh, from renowned museums to picturesque streets and the historic delights of the Royal Mile. Outside the National Museum of Scotland, you can find a small fountain commemorating Greyfriars Bobby, the terrier who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years.

This evening, we gather at our central hotel for our first dinner together as a group.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The West Highland Line to Fort William

Bidding farewell to Edinburgh after breakfast this morning, we make our way to the train station and travel by rail to Glasgow. From here, we join the scenic West Highland Line.

Travelling along the shores of Loch Lomond and crossing wild Rannoch Moor, we enjoy our first glimpse of breathtaking Scottish landscapes and isolated areas that other modes of transport can't reach. Enroute, we pass Corrour station, the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK. Despite being nearly 10 miles away from the nearest public road, it remains a popular drop-off point for hikers drawn to this gorgeous part of the world.

On arrival in Fort William, we transfer to our hotel. After check-in, we're joined by a guest speaker who entertains us with 'tales of the road to the isles'. Keeping alive the ancient art of storytelling that's been a way of life for centuries here, we're taken on an atmospheric journey through time before dinner tonight.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Sailing to the picturesque Isle of Mull

Travelling by coach after breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the port of Oban. Here, we catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Drifting through small islands and across the waters, the views are awe-inspiring. Rugged coastline, hills rising from the shores and jagged, exposed rock faces create the striking backdrop as we sail.

On a clear day, stunning views of Duart Castle welcome us before we dock at the port of Craignure where a coach transfers us to the island's main town, Tobermory. There's time at leisure to wander along the harbour, admiring the colourful houses gathered round the port or enjoy lunch in this town that is famed for its fresh fish. Alternatively, seek out its sheltered bay where, according to legend, one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying a stash of gold.

After catching the ferry to Lochaline on the remote Morvern Peninsula, we travel by coach through scenic landscapes to our hotel for dinner this evening.

Please Note - For some departures Day 3 and Day 4 have swapped around

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – The impressive Neptune’s Staircase and relaxing Loch Linnhe cruise

An exploration of the area by land and sea awaits today as we first visit Neptune's Staircase. Situated at the southern end of the Caledonian Canal this impressive sight is the longest staircase lock in Scotland, allowing vessels to overcome a height of 64 feet in one-and-a-half hours.

After time to admire the staircase and take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe for a peaceful cruise. Live commentary from our ship's skipper adds fascinating insights into the panoramas surrounding us as we discover more about Ben Nevis, the Caledonian Canal and Black Rock - a protected area also known as 'Seal Island' because it's home to both common and Atlantic grey seals. Back on land, a coach transports us through atmospheric Glencoe, a breathtaking area where wild moorlands and small, gleaming lochs are encircled by dramatic mountains. One of Scotland's most loved and evocative landscapes, Glencoe has a long history and has become a popular filming location, featuring in movies as varied as Braveheart and Skyfall.

At our hotel this evening, we enjoy dinner followed by a traditional whisky tasting.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Riding the iconic Jacobite steam train to Mallaig

A highlight of this Highland adventure awaits after breakfast this morning. Boarding the wonderful vintage carriages of the Jacobite steam train, the 42-mile journey to Mallaig passes through some of the UK's best scenery.

Pulling out of Fort William station, the highest mountain in the British Isles - Ben Nevis - passes the windows, before fishing boats and the seasonal colours of Scotland hone into view. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as red deer grazing on the hillside. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, particularly the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the route crosses. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, the Jacobite reaches journey's end in the coastal town of Mallaig. Spend free time exploring the charming streets or pop into a café or restaurant.

Boarding a coach, we pause enroute at Glenfinnan viewing point. From this stunning vantage point, it's possible to see the Jacobite train glide across the iconic viaduct. Reaching our next hotel, we check in and enjoy dinner this evening.

On early/late season departures the Jacobite steam train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service on the same route.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Breathtaking Loch Ness cruise to Urquhart Castle

Remember your cameras for a cruise on Loch Ness this morning because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth £1million.

This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by mountains, we glide by fairytale forests before visiting Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. These atmospheric ruins are a delight to explore and house a historic collection of weaponry including a working trebuchet. There's also plenty of time to make the most of the panoramic views over Loch Ness before heading back to our hotel.

You're at leisure in Inverness for the rest of the day and could enjoy a beautiful riverside stroll, delighting in the babbling river, verdant forests, and local wildlife. Alternatively, visit the stunning Inverness Castle whose most famous resident, King Mac Bethad mac Findláech, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth. With no scheduled dinner, tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the city's many appealing pubs or restaurants.

Please note: On certain departure dates, we stay at the Drumossie or the Clansman Hotel outside Inverness. Therefore, we have dinner at the hotel on this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – The Kyle Line and enchanting Eilean Donan Castle

Spectacular views are revealed this morning as we ride on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways. After passing the birdwatching hotspot of Beauly Firth, the route skirts alongside lochs and through wild landscapes with views of cascading waterfalls and undulating hills rolling by the windows. At the end of this sensational route is Kyle of Lochalsh, a picturesque coastal village that looks out across the waters to the Isle of Skye and its mountainous landscape, which we also see during a short stop at the Skye Bridge viewpoint.

From here, we are given a guided tour of Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, this iconic fortress was formerly a stronghold for the clans Mackenzie and Macrae. There is time to uncover the castle's history and admire views of the fjord-like lochs before returning to our hotel by coach. After dinner we are treated to a wee dram to hear tales of myth, legend and monsters from a Highlands storyteller.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Return to Edinburgh for a fantastic farewell feast

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head back to Edinburgh by rail. Travelling south through the Cairngorms, captivating scenes of mountain peaks, winding rivers and rushing waterfalls drift by the train windows, occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

Settling into our new hotel in Edinburgh, we enjoy our last evening in Scotland in style. The grand Radisson Blu sits at the heart of the Royal Mile - and it is in this luxury hotel's Great Scots Hall that we sit down for a wonderful Scottish banquet. The hall features traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels and an open fire. It is an ideal setting for a fine feast accompanied by traditional Scottish entertainment of pipers and dancers. This time-honoured celebration of Scottish culture is the perfect farewell evening to our amazing holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Homeward bound

It's time to say goodbye our Tour Manager and fellow travellers after breakfast as our time in stunning Scotland comes to an end. You are free to make your way home or continue exploring beautiful Edinburgh on your own.

As you leave, you can look back on the wonderful new memories we have created. We have enjoyed journeys on some of the UK's most scenic railways, including the West Highland and Kyle lines, as well as a stunning trip on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig. Sailing to the Isle of Mull, we spent time among the pastel-hued buildings lining the harbour at Tobermory, while we viewed Ben Nevis during a peaceful cruise on Loch Linnhe and took to the water of Loch Ness to look for its famous monster. The romantic castles at Urquhart and Eilean Donan added charm to this enchanting holiday that was concluded in incredible style during a banquet with pipers and dancers in Edinburgh's Great Scots Hall.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Please note on some dates we use different hotels in various locations - please call for details.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

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Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Edinburgh

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Edinburgh

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Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

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Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

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Clansman Hotel, Loch Ness

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The Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range, Fort William

The Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range, Fort William

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Trains

Jacobite Steam Train
The Kyle Line
Scotrail
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail connections
Extending your holiday in Edinburgh

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 700 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (370)
  2. 4 stars
    (234)
  3. 3 stars
    (59)
  4. 2 stars
    (23)
  5. 1 star
    (14)

Arthur MacKie

2 stars

Submitted 21/Nov

It could/should have been an outstanding trip, but our tour guide, altho personable, was not knowledgeable about the tour. He left us to "enjoy the scenery/ride" while not informing us what we were "enjoying" -- no explanation of what we were seeing. Each day we received our daily itinerary (i.e. "today we visit Neptune Staircase, visit Fort William, cruise on Loch Linnhe, and visit Glencoe"). There was no further explanation of history, or what we were seeing.

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NEWHART, KENT

5 stars

Submitted 30/Oct

The trip and scenery and food were fantastic. As well as the accommodations! Our guide, Rosie is what really pulled the trip together...she was wonderful!! Improvements: The roads are very winding and too much time on the coaches, sometimes made us out of sorts. Drivers were excellent and knowledgeable and entertaining, but too much time on coaches. Also, the whiskey tastings were at the end of long days and not well attended. Passed numerous distilleries, why didn't we stop there instead and get a full immersion of the whiskey process.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Kent - nice to hear from you! We were delighted to read that you enjoyed the Scottish scenery and food (haggis, anyone?) We're sorry the motorcoach segments left you out of sorts but glad the drivers added local charm - we'll be sure to pass those compliments along. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
1 comment

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Dorcas Holzapfel

5 stars

Submitted 19/Oct

Our Tour Manager, Andrea Kinnear, was perfect for this tour! Warm, friendly, well informed, approachable and a great sense of humor.

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Theresa Knox

4 stars

Submitted 18/Oct

Scheduling left free time chopped up with too little time to do anything. Also seemed we repeatedly covered the same route to arrive at different destinations. Accommodations were really good but with better planning, could have been a 6 day tour

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Ms

5 stars

Submitted 18/Oct

Incredible

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Pauline

4 stars

Submitted 18/Oct

Tour was good apart from no tour of Edinburgh, and unfortunately no tour of islands as ferry cancelled. So was really a tour of just Highlands which are beautiful. Tour manager was great and we did something else when ferry cancelled but still very disappointing. Glenspean lodge was a superb accommodation, can’t fault it!

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