Search

Railbookers

Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders with Edinburgh, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye

Eight-day Edinburgh to Inverness trip with three nights on the Royal Scotsman

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders with Edinburgh, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye

Railbookers runs this eight-day rail journey from Edinburgh to Inverness, built around three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The trip opens with two nights in Edinburgh, including a guided walking tour of the old town and skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. On day three you board the Royal Scotsman, traveling the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond and climbing Glen Falloch, with stops at Arisaig for views of the Cuillin Mountains, the Glenfinnan Monument, and the Isle of Bute for a guided tour of Mount Stuart. The train returns to Edinburgh, and a Scotrail service continues north to Inverness for two nights, including a day trip past Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. The package includes travel back to Edinburgh at the end. This trip suits travelers who want a multi-night luxury train journey paired with a Highlands base in Inverness for further day exploring.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists six hotel options in Edinburgh and three in Inverness; which one you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The package includes travel back to Edinburgh only on day 8; an onward overnight Caledonian Sleeper journey to London is a suggested optional add-on, not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to Edinburgh! Once checked in at your hotel for a 2-night stay head out to enjoy this great city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Enjoy exploring this beautiful city today. Perhaps a morning stroll to Arthur's Seat for an amazing view across the city, but in the afternoon learn the secrets of the city's ancient centre with a guided walk, then make your way to Edinburgh Castle for a journey through Edinburgh's vast history.

  3. Day 3railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Following breakfast at your hotel board the luxurious and iconic Belmond Royal Scotsman for a three-night journey! Travelling 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 will arrive at Spean Bridge for the night for an informal dinner onboard the train and entertainment in the Observation Car.

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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 will 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

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

  6. Day 6railovernight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Bid farewell to your fellow Royal Scotsman passengers as the train pulls into Edinburgh, and from here, take the Scotrail train north to Inverness. On arrival into the historic capital of the Scottish Highlands check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay, then take a stroll along the River Ness perhaps and enjoy exploring the town centre.

  7. Day 7overnight: Inverness

    Day Trip to The Isle Of Skye

    After an early start, travel along the Great Glen Fault Line towards Loch Ness. Here, you have a chance to spot the monster and admire the lovely Castle Urquhart from afar. Next, continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle 'the most photographed castle in Scotland'. Cross over to the breathtaking Isle of Skye and travel along the island's east coast past the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters. Following a stop in Portree for lunch your tour continues to the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful. You venture to Kyleakin for refreshments and a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Travelling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Inverness

    Make your way to the station to begin your journey home. The package includes the travel back to Edinburgh but how about an exciting overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper train perhaps?

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Royal Scotsman departs through Falkirk to Craigendoran, the start of the West Highland Line, passing Loch Lomond and climbing Glen Falloch before an overnight stop at Spean Bridge.
  • Day 4A stop at Arisaig includes a stroll along Morar Sands with views of the Cuillin Mountains, followed by a visit to Glenfinnan Monument and tea at Inverlochy Castle.
  • Day 5A guided tour of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute is followed by a formal dinner en route to Kilmarnock.
  • Day 7A day trip passes Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before reaching Eilean Donan Castle, described as the most photographed castle in Scotland, and crossing to the Isle of Skye.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman journey, 3 nights’ accommodation
  • 24hr Steward service
  • All meals onboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • An excursion to Morar Sands
  • A choice between a visit to Glenfinnan Monument or a walk to Steall Waterfall
  • A guided tour of Mount Stuart on the isle of Bute
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • Guided walking tour of Edinburgh and Skip the line entrance to Edinburgh Castle
  • Small-group tour to Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a Scotrail train from Edinburgh to Inverness, and rail travel back to Edinburgh at the end.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman travels the West Highland Line via the Isle of Bute, and a Scotrail service connects Edinburgh and Inverness.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers a choice of hotels in Edinburgh, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, and Inverness, including the River Ness Hotel.
What's included onboard the Royal Scotsman?
24-hour steward service, all meals and alcoholic drinks, an excursion to Morar Sands, a choice of Glenfinnan Monument or a walk to Steall Waterfall, and a guided tour of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute.
What's not included?
The package covers travel back to Edinburgh at the end; an overnight Caledonian Sleeper journey onward to London is a suggested add-on, not included in the price.

Similar journeys