Touring Scotland by Train – 10 Day Pre-Planned Tour

*photo courtesy of Railbookers

COMPLETE SCOTLAND BY RAIL – 10 DAYS, 4 DESTINATIONS

STARTING FROM $1,549 PER PERSON

From the historic capital city to the rugged and dramatic coastline of the Highlands, Scotland’s fresh air, ancient castles and rugged landscapes are best discovered by rail! Explore ‘Complete Scotland’ on your next vacation and take to the tracks around some of the most beautiful corners in the world – including a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train!

Day 1: Edinburgh

*photo courtesy of Railbookers

Arrive in Edinburgh today and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. The historic Scottish capital plays host to a treasure trove of medieval delights, impressive Georgian townhouses, vast green swathes of gardens and neoclassical delights on almost every corner. Use your Sightseeing Pass and visit Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a hill residing over the city and is certainly one of the Scottish capital’s top attractions. Here you will be able to visit St Margaret’s Chapel, admire the dazzling Crown Jewels, learn all about the key battles of Scotland’s history and walk through the Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son. (Overnight in Edinburgh)

Accommodations Options:

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Holiday Inn express Edinburgh – Royal Mile

Day 2: Edinburgh

For a breath of fresh air today why not scale Arthurs Seat, an ancient extinct volcano which rewards those who make it to the top some spectacular views. Or take the sightseeing bus the short ride out to Leith for a wander around the Royal Yacht Britannia, then top your evening off with an introduction to the wonderful world of Scotch Whisky at the well-stocked Scotch Whisky Experience back on the Royal Mile? (Overnight in Edinburgh)

Accommodations Options: (same as above)

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Holiday Inn express Edinburgh – Royal Mile

Day 3: Edinburgh to Fort William

*photo courtesy of Railbookers

Catch the train across Scotland from Edinburgh to Fort William today, and check-in for your two-night stay. Once settled head out to explore this pretty town on the shore of Lochaber. Pay a visit to the West Highland Museum to learn about the regions rich history, including Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. (Overnight in Fort William)

Day 4: The West Highland Line

Embark on a scenic train journey described by some as the world’s most beautiful. The Jacobite winds its way through breath-taking Scottish scenery. You’ll pass lochs and mountains, across the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct and on until reaching Mallaig. Explore this charming coastal community before returning to Fort William. (Overnight in Fort William)

Day 5: Fort William to Glasgow

*photo courtesy of Railbookers

Travel directly to Glasgow today for an overnight stay. The historic port city is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, all funded by the city’s prominent role in global trade and shipbuilding between the 18th-20th-centuries. (Overnight in Glasgow)

Accommodations Options:

Novotel Glasgow Centre

Mercure Glasgow City Hotel

voco Grand Central Glasgow

Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow City Centre

Hotel Indigo Glasgow

Holiday Inn Express Glasgow – City Car Theatreland

*photo courtesy of Railbookers

Catch the train to Inverness today, riding the rails north through the breath-taking, rugged scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Check in at your hotel and begin exploring the vast natural beauty of Scotland’s northeast coast. Discover Inverness Cathedral, an imposing 19th-century structure, or wander around the Victorian Market at the Old High Church. (Overnight in Inverness)

Day 7: Inverness

Embark on a scenic tour to Loch Ness today, marvelling at the mystery of one of the world’s most mythical phenomena. Enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands to Clansman Harbour, and cruise across the tranquil waters of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, where a guide will teach you the secrets and grisly past of the site. A quick hop to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition will also teach you all about the Loch Ness Monster! (Overnight in Inverness)

Day 8: Inverness

Today, enjoy a day trip over to the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful corners of the globe. Admire glens, mountains and views of lochs and castles along the way, crossing Skye Bridge and stopping for lunch and free time to explore. Visit Eilean Ban Island, the home of Gavin Maxwell, and soak up the sheer natural beauty of the coast. (Overnight in Inverness)

Day 9: Edinburgh

Spend a day at leisure in Edinburgh, indulging some shopping in the old bookshops and boutiques along the cobbled lanes, walk to Arthur’s Seat, stroll the Royal Mile, or learn about Scottish history in the National Museum of Scotland. (Overnight in Edinburgh)

Accommodations Options: (same as the first Edinburgh stays)

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Holiday Inn express Edinburgh – Royal Mile

Day 10: Edinburgh

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and continue with your travels. If you’ve got more time to spend on holiday, why not catch the train down to London to experience the English capital city?

Trip Highlights:

• Explore Edinburgh’s history with skip-the-line entrance to the Castle

• Take one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys and cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train

• Visit the cultural hub that is Glasgow

• Search for Nessie with a Loch Ness cruise

• Admire the immense natural beauty of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands

*photo courtesy of VisitInvernessLochNess Instagram

What’s Included:

• 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh

• 2-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Fort William / Glencoe

• 1 nights hotel accommodation in Glasgow

• 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Inverness

• Rail travel in standard class throughout

• 48hr Edinburgh sightseeing pass including

• Hop-on Hop-off pass

• Skip the line access to Edinburgh Castle

• Palace of Holyrood House entrance

• Royal Yacht Britannia entrance

• Roundtrip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train (April – October only)

• Loch Ness Cruise including Urquhart Castle

• Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness

Options:

• Travel onboard an iconic train

• Add extra nights in any destination

• Take a roundtrip journey or experience a trip in reverse

• Combine set itineraries or create your very own

• Handpick your hotels, sightseeing, restaurants and more

• Extend your river cruise

UK Rail Amenities:

• Luggage Guidelines

• There are no luggage restrictions on the trains. However, please be aware some of these may be used for commuting so space may be tight, as well as getting access to your luggage on crowded trains. Trains connecting to major airports sometimes have extra space for luggage.

• Check – in Times

• There is no check-in time. However, most operators close the train doors 30 seconds before departure.

• Dining

• There are no dining facilities on most trains. A lot of commuter trains have also stopped trolley services. However, the long-distance trains usually have a bar-buffet where you can get sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Some operators offer complimentary tea or coffee for First Class ticket holders.

• Accommodations

• On most commuter trains, both First Class and Standard Class carriages have seats four across, whereas, on a lot of intercity trains, seats are three across for First Class. A lot of operators also have lounges for First Class ticket holders at the stations. Most people who upgrade to first class, do it to have more space and fewer people in the carriage. A lot of trains also have quiet carriages and mobile carriages in First Class. There are more than 20 train operators in the UK, and they all offer different First Class services and benefits at different fares.

• Perks Usually Include:

• Reclining seats

• Extra leg and elbow room

• Complimentary newspapers

• Complimentary WiFi

• Complimentary food and drinks

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