Independent Rail Tour of Scotland
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Scotland and rail to Glasgow
Arrive in the vibrant city of Glasgow either by air or train from London. Scotland’s largest centre of population, Glasgow is the home of modern Scottish culture. Explore the city from the elegant Victorian monuments and facades of George Square to the bustling Sauchiehall Street and the imposing Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. In the leafy West End you can visit the Kelvingrove Park and Museum set around the university quarter or head to the Merchant City to enjoy a host of modern Scottish bars and restaurants. Spend two nights in Glasgow in a city centre location.
Overnight: Glasgow
George Square, Glasgow
DAY 2 – West Highlands day tour from Glasgow
Today, join a small group tour from Glasgow which takes you on a journey through the natural beauty of the West Highlands: shimmering lochs, scenic mountain views, and romantic and historic castles. Visit the fishing town of Oban, picturesque Inveraray and haunting Glencoe.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Full day tour to west coast of Scotland
Overnight: Glasgow
Glencoe
DAY 3 – Stirling
After validating your rail pass, board the train for a short journey to historic Stirling. Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town, maybe visit the magnificent Stirling Castle with its wealth of history and stunning views of the Wallace Monument and surrounds. Once being the capital of Scotland, Stirling is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites, and offers visitors plenty of choice to learn about the dramatic moments of Scottish history. Being an old market town, there is a large selection of friendly pubs, cosy cafes and independent shops to enjoy.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail Pass
Overnight: Stirling
Stirling Castle
DAY 4 – Highland Main Line to Inverness
A glorious rail journey awaits today on the next leg of the stunning Scottish tour. Your route takes you along the Highland Main Line, and you will soon realise why it is regarded as one of the most scenic railway lines in the country. Travel through the Cairngorms National Park, past beautiful villages of Pitlochry, Dalwhinnie, the highest railway station on the line, historic Carrbridge and charming Aviemore. Your Eurail Pass allows you to make a stop or two along the journey to explore these lovely towns. Today’s journey ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands where you can settle in to your hotel for a three night stay.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail Pass
Overnight: Inverness
Inverness
DAY 5 – Loch Ness day tour from Inverness
Spend a day exploring the natural beauty of the Highlands on a small group tour with a local guide. Spend a day Nessie-hunting, take a cruise on the mysterious loch, explore the village of Fort Augustus, visit the ruined loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the Falls of Foyers and wander along Dores Beach on this fantastic one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness!
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Full day small group tour of the Highlands
Overnight: Inverness
Urquhart Castle
DAY 6 – Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle day tour from Inverness
Portree, Isle of Skye
Join a small group tour which takes you to the magnificent Isle of Skye and one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan Castle. The journey takes in some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer! See Loch Ness, visit Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock and much more.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Full day small group tour of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Overnight: Inverness
Quiraing, Isle of Skye
DAY 7 – Highland Rail to Aberdeen
This morning, your train journey takes you east through another of Scotland’s scenic regions as you traverse the Grampian Highlands and Speyside area of Scotland to arrive in Aberdeen, known as the “Granite City”. Your afternoon is free to explore this affluent maritime city from the 13th century cobbled square of Castlegate, to the Georgian spires and turrets of Union Street and the granite Marchar Cathedral. Don’t miss a visit to the harbour and traditional fish market or a stroll along the promenade with its sweeping sandy bay and views over the wild North Sea.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail Pass
Overnight: Aberdeen
Aberdeen
DAY 8 – Highland Excursion from Aberdeen
Today join a small-group tour taking you through Scotland’s eastern Highlands. Your journey will take you south to the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched overlooking the North Sea before heading inland deep into the Cairngorms National Park. Following a lunch stop in the Highland town of Braemar you’ll return east to Aberdeen through the scenic Royal Deeside region taking in various point of natural beauty such as the dramatic Muir of Dinnet and the Falls of Feugh. On selected days alternative tours to the northern Aberdeenshire countryside or the Speyside Whisky region are available. 
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Small group tour of Royal Deeside
Overnight: Aberdeen
Dunnottar Castle
DAY 9 – Rail to Edinburgh
This morning, a final rail journey south will take you to Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish capital city. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled Old Town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New Town. Stroll past the gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city’s historic Old Town. Visit the old market place of Grassmarket which is now bursting with independent shops, designers, bars and restaurants. Be sure to try traditional haggis, neeps and tatties at a cosy Scottish pub, washed down with a wee dram!
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail Pass
Overnight: Edinburgh
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
DAY 10 – Explore Edinburgh City
Spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s history with a sightseeing pass which provides entrance to Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official Edinburgh residence and Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith Docks. Included with the pass is a hop on, hop off bus tour of Edinburgh which also takes you to the included attractions. For one of the best views of Edinburgh, climb an extinct volcano to reach Arthur’s Seat for amazing cityscape vistas or simply relax in Holyrood Park.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Sightseeing pass
Overnight: Edinburgh
Palace of Holyroodhouse
DAY 11 – Tour ends in Edinburgh
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and any final sightseeing or souvenir shopping in Edinburgh. Your sightseeing pass can be utilized today to take in any attractions missed yesterday. Let us know if you need an additional night in Edinburgh or rail travel to London.
Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: 48 hour sightseeing pass
Waverley Station, Edinburgh
Proposed accommodation in 3 and 4 Star hotels located less than 10 minutes walk from arrival/departure railway station.
Prices are per person, sharing a double/twin room based on 01 Mar 2025 departure. A single supplement applies for solo travellers provided on request.
Terms & Conditions apply. Click to view
Exclusions:
Travel Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances
Flights – all tours are land only within the UK
Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.
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