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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

Six-day Scottish escorted tour: Edinburgh, steam trains, Highlands castles

Illustration of Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted holiday through Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. The tour departs from Edinburgh, where you spend one night near the Royal Mile, then relocates to Blair Atholl in the Highlands for four nights at the three-star Atholl Arms Hotel, before returning to Edinburgh on the final day. The itinerary emphasizes heritage railways: you ride the Jacobite Steam Train in restored carriages across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig on the west coast, travel the Strathspey Steam Railway along the River Spey, and board the Cairngorm Mountain Railway for a summit ascent through the national park. Between rail journeys, you visit Blair Castle, explore Queen's View above Loch Tummel, see the Kelpies sculptures at Falkirk, and tour the Highland Folk Museum. A Tour Manager leads the group throughout, handling logistics and guided excursions. The pace is relaxed, with most days combining a major railway experience with one historical or cultural stop. All breakfasts, three dinners, and standard-class rail and coach travel are included.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour is based in Blair Atholl for four of five nights; Day 4 returns from Mallaig the same day rather than staying on the west coast.
  • Only three dinners are included; other evenings you arrange and pay for meals separately.
  • Group size may reach 40 people, which affects the pace of guided stops and coach travel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Arriving in historic Edinburgh

    Your holiday begins in Edinburgh, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group at the hotel located just off Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. After checking in, you have time to explore the Scottish capital's architecture, history and cultural scene at your own pace. You might choose to visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, or enjoy a scenic walk up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views over the capital. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the Old Town's historic Royal Mile and the New Town's renowned Georgian architecture. This evening, enjoy the first dinner together as a group at one of Edinburgh's popular restaurants.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Blair Atholl

    The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and Blair Atholl

    After breakfast, travel by coach to the magnificent Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures designed by Glasgow-based artist Andy Scott. Nearby, experience the Falkirk Wheel – the world's only rotating boat lift – with a boat trip including two full rotations and a canal ride. The journey continues to Blair Atholl with a stop in historic Stirling, where you can enjoy lunch with views of Stirling Castle or stroll the charming streets. Board the train to Blair Atholl and check in to the hotel with time to unwind before dinner. Please note: the running order of the itinerary may vary.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Blair Atholl

    Queen's View, Pitlochry, and Blair Castle

    After breakfast, visit Queen's View, one of Scotland's most famous lookouts, with breathtaking views across Loch Tummel towards the Glencoe Hills. Continue to the charming town of Pitlochry for free time to explore independent shops, cafés and Victorian architecture. Return to Blair Atholl to visit the impressive Blair Castle – a vision in white stone with grand interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore Blair Atholl independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Blair Atholl

    Journey on the incredible Jacobite steam train

    A scenic journey aboard the Jacobite steam train awaits after breakfast. Travelling in beautifully restored carriages along the West Highland Line, a highlight is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct with its 21 arches. The train continues towards the coast, passing through Arisaig before descending to Mallaig, a quaint fishing port overlooking the Isle of Skye. Enjoy leisure time in Mallaig before the return journey on the Jacobite. Please note: journeys are steam-hauled where possible, but some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service. On the 7th & 21st June and 6th & 20th September departures, travel is one way on the Jacobite steam train.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Blair Atholl

    Through the Cairngorms on heritage railways

    After breakfast, take a memorable journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway departing from Aviemore, following the historic Highland Railway route along the River Spey. Board the Cairngorm Mountain Railway for a breathtaking ascent through the national park to the summit, with sweeping views across the Highlands. Later, continue by coach to Newtonmore to visit the Highland Folk Museum, an open-air museum paying tribute to traditional Highland life with authentic 18th-century buildings and historic artefacts. Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and the final group dinner. Please note: on the 24th May and 7th & 21st June departures, the Highland Folk Museum will not be visited.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, make your way back to Edinburgh from Blair Atholl. Arriving in Edinburgh, you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh at the Ibis on the Royal Mile; free time to visit Edinburgh Castle or climb Arthur's Seat for views of the city.
  • Day 2Day 2: Visit the Kelpies horse-head sculptures and ride the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift, with two full rotations.
  • Day 4Day 4: Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train in restored carriages across the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct to the fishing port of Mallaig.
  • Day 5Day 5: Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway along the River Spey, then ascend Cairn Gorm on the mountain railway for Highland panoramas.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 3 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Jacobite Steam Train, Strathspey Steam Railway, Cairngorm Mountain Railway, ScotRail, and West Highland Line is included. Coach travel between locations is also included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, handles luggage transfers, and coordinates all guided tours and excursions.
What are the main highlights?
The Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Falkirk Wheel boat lift, Blair Castle, Queen's View at Loch Tummel, the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway summit, and the Highland Folk Museum.
What hotels are included?
One night at the Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile in Edinburgh and four nights at the Atholl Arms Hotel in Blair Atholl, both three-star properties.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is provided every day. Three dinners are included; remaining dinners are not covered.
How much walking is involved?
You explore Edinburgh independently on Day 1, walk around Pitlochry, visit castles and museums, and ascend to the Cairn Gorm summit by railway. Most travel is by coach and train.

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