Search

Railbookers

Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders

Thirteen-day UK rail trip with Caledonian Sleeper and Royal Scotsman nights

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders

Railbookers runs this 13-day rail journey between London, Inverness, and Edinburgh, combining an overnight Caledonian Sleeper with three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The trip opens with two nights in London, including a hop-on hop-off tour and a three-hour walking food tour. The Caledonian Sleeper then carries you overnight to Inverness for two nights, with a day trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. A direct train continues to Edinburgh for two nights of city touring before you board the Royal Scotsman, traveling the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis, with stops at Arisaig for views of the Cuillin Mountains and the Isle of Bute for a visit to Mount Stuart. The train returns to Edinburgh, and a further train carries you back to London for a final night. This trip suits travelers who want an extended, multi-region rail itinerary combining a sleeper train, city time, and a luxury cruise train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists multiple hotel options in London, Inverness, and Edinburgh; the specific property depends on the tier you choose.
  • The included Caledonian Sleeper accommodation is a Classic room with a single or twin berth and a wash basin; Double or Club room upgrades cost extra.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    London

    Welcome to London! Get to know the storied streets and landmarks of London using your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. Icons include Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Today have a light breakfast and wear comfortable shoes as this walking tour lasts over three hours with your tour guide telling you lots of history on the way. There are lots of stops and you will have the opportunity to eat traditional British food (such as award-winning Fish and chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon and egg Baps), sample tasters from street food vendors, enjoy English cheeses paired with local beer/cider and try a classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, with all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day. Come the evening, why not treat yourself to an exciting West End show or have drinks at the opulent Ritz hotel?

  3. Day 3railovernight: onboard Caledonian Sleeper

    Overnight Onboard The Caledonian Sleeper

    Board the Caledonian Sleeper for your overnight journey to Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Your Classic room features a single or twin berth and wash basin. Please speak to one of our Rail Experts about upgrading your accommodations to a Double room or Club room, which includes priority access to the Club Car for meals and drinks and access to the lounge area to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the morning.

  4. Day 4overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Boasting an abundance of culture, history, a beautiful Old Town, and the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, this city and the surrounding region were made for exploring.

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Day Trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

    Travel by air-conditioned coach across the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness, where you'll choose from a one-hour boat cruise or a 30-minute boat ride to Urquhart Castle. Following lunch at Drumnadrochit, visit Glen Affric, known as Scotland's most gorgeous glen. Then, take a stroll amongst Caledonian pine trees before traveling to the town of Beauly. Stretch your legs while exploring the 13th-century town's historic ruins. Finally, take in the views of Beauly Firth and arrive back in the city centre of Inverness.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Edinburgh

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    Travel by direct train to Edinburgh. Settle in before setting out to explore the capital of Scotland! From the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town to the sweeping views from the top of the many hills, there is so much beauty to explore here.

  7. Day 7overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    During your included city tour, you'll get to see the best attractions and learn all about local traditions and stories. Visit Princes Street, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.

  8. Day 8railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    This afternoon, you'll board the luxurious and iconic Belmond Royal Scotsman for a three-night journey! Traveling west, the train heads through Falkirk to Craigendoran, which is the starting point for the West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea while gazing out of your window as the train approaches Loch Lomond. After climbing Glen Falloch, you'll arrive in Spean Bridge for the night for an informal dinner onboard the train and entertainment in the Observation Car.

  9. Day 9railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Your incredible journey continues west through Fort William. Keep an eye out for views of Ben Nevis. You'll disembark at Arisaig and stroll along Morar Sands to take in views of the majestic Cuillin Mountains. Back on the train, enjoy lunch as you travel back toward Fort William. Then, visit Glenfinnan Monument with a Highlander and enjoy tea at Inverlochy Castle. You have the option of walking to Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis. Back on the train, enjoy an informal dinner as you travel south to the village of Bridge of Orchy.

  10. Day 10railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Today's highlight and destination is the Isle of Bute, where you'll visit Mount Stuart. Back on the train, return to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner en route to Kilmarnock for the evening.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Have a leisurely breakfast onboard the train before arriving back in Edinburgh. Upon arrival, travel to your hotel and relax. If you're feeling adventurous, step out on the town to see any sights you didn't get a chance to in the beginning of your trip.

  12. Day 12railovernight: London

    Edinburgh to London

    Catch your train back to the English capital today. Upon arrival, spend your time relaxing or checking off any must-see places from your personal itinerary. We recommend checking out the National Gallery, Hampton Court Palace, and watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

  13. Day 13

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Caledonian Sleeper carries guests overnight from London to Inverness in a private berth, with an option to upgrade to a Double or Club room.
  • Day 5A day trip crosses the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness, with a choice of a boat cruise or a ride to Urquhart Castle, followed by a visit to Glen Affric.
  • Day 8Boarding the Belmond Royal Scotsman, the train climbs Glen Falloch after passing Loch Lomond on the West Highland Line.
  • Day 9The train stops at Arisaig for a stroll along Morar Sands with views of the Cuillin Mountains, then visits the Glenfinnan Monument with a Highlander guide.
  • Day 10A stop at the Isle of Bute includes a visit to Mount Stuart before the train returns to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner.

Included

  • Rail travel as specified in itinerary
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 1 night accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 3 nights accommodation onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman
  • All excursions as specified in itinerary
  • Meals on and off the train as specified in itinerary
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in London
  • Small-group food tour in London

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes an overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness, a direct train from Inverness to Edinburgh, three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, and trains connecting Edinburgh and London.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Caledonian Sleeper runs London to Inverness, the Belmond Royal Scotsman travels the West Highland Line via the Isle of Bute, and UK Rail services connect Inverness, Edinburgh, and London.
What class is the Caledonian Sleeper cabin?
The included fare is a Classic room with a single or twin berth and a wash basin; a Double room or Club room upgrade is available for an extra cost.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers a choice of hotels in London, including the Kimpton Fitzroy London, Inverness, including the River Ness Hotel, and Edinburgh, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes a three-hour-plus walking tour of London, a city tour of Edinburgh, and optional stops such as a stroll along Morar Sands and a walk to Steall Waterfall.

Similar journeys