Great Rail Journeys
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
Escorted 9-day Scotland tour on four named rail lines from Edinburgh
9 daysfrom $3,204
44% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands
Escorted Scottish Highlands rail tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite Steam Train
Great Rail Journeys runs this seven-day, six-night escorted tour through Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, with a UK Tour Manager accompanying the group throughout. The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh, where travellers have free time to explore before setting off by coach and rail. On day two, the group travels the West Highland Line by train from Glasgow to Fort William, passing Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor, then spends several nights based in the Fort William area. From there, days are built around named excursions rather than long transfers: a cruise on Loch Linnhe below Ben Nevis, a ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull and the port of Tobermory, and a return trip on the Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The route back to Edinburgh stops at the Falkirk Wheel. It suits travellers who want the Highlands' rail journeys and scenery handled by a tour manager rather than planned independently.
What to know before you look closer
- The overnight stop after day 2 is sometimes Glencoe rather than Fort William, so which hotel you get (the Isles of Glencoe Hotel or the Kingshouse Hotel) can depend on the departure you book.
- Solo travellers pay a notable single supplement: the single price is £2,599 against a from-price of £1,699 for the standard twin tour.
- Only two departures are listed for this tour, in September and October 2026; confirm current availability with Great Rail Journeys.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Edinburgh
Arriving in Scotland's ancient capital, Edinburgh
Your holiday begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to the centrally located hotel to check in. You are at leisure to start getting to know Scotland's capital, where more than 900 years of history await. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town's Royal Mile and the New Town's award-winning Georgian architecture. You might like to climb the 287 steps to the Scott Monument for panoramic city views. Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers, then sit down for the first dinner in Scotland.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Fort William (or Glencoe on selected departures)
The Kelpies and West Highland Line to Fort William
Bidding farewell to Edinburgh, board the coach towards Glasgow, passing the towering Kelpies en route. After time to admire these masterpieces, continue to Glasgow and journey along the West Highland Line by rail, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on the way to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe. After checking in, a guest speaker entertains with local history and 'tales of the Road to the Isles'. Note: On the 3 May and 17 May departures, guests stay at the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Fort William
Exploring Neptune's Staircase and Loch Linnhe
Following breakfast, visit Neptune's Staircase, the longest staircase lock in Scotland, situated on the Caledonian Canal, allowing boats to overcome a height of 64 feet over one-and-a-half hours. Continue to Loch Linnhe for free time through lunch, then join a cruise with live commentary taking in Ben Nevis, the Caledonian Canal and Black Rock (Seal Island), home to Common and Atlantic Grey seals. Return to Fort William for a leisurely evening of dinner and Scotch Whisky tasting at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Fort William
Sailing to the Isle of Mull
Travel to Oban by coach and catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, drifting through small islands and across Loch Linnhe. On a clear day, views of Duart Castle welcome you before docking at Craignure. Board the coach for the scenic drive to Tobermory, the island's colourful capital, famous for its fresh fish and sheltered bay where, according to legend, a Spanish Armada ship sank in 1588 carrying gold. Depart Tobermory in the afternoon, return to Craignure, board the ferry and retrace the journey back to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Fort William
Across the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train
Experience the final leg of the West Highland Line on the Jacobite steam train. Board the restored carriages at Fort William and cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct with its 21 arches, recognisable from the Harry Potter films. The train continues towards the coast through Arisaig and descends to Mallaig, a quaint fishing port overlooking the Isle of Skye. Enjoy lunch at leisure before the return journey on the Jacobite. Note: On the 6th and 20th September departures, the Jacobite steam train will be replaced by the scheduled ScotRail service with a visit to the West Highland Museum. On the 4th October departure, travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Edinburgh
A Scottish farewell in Edinburgh
After breakfast, say goodbye to Fort William and head back to Edinburgh by coach through endless hills, pristine lochs and cascading waterfalls. Pause at the Falkirk Wheel, opened in 2002, the rotating boat lift connecting the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal, the only one of its kind in the world. Time to admire and have lunch before continuing to Edinburgh. In the evening, enjoy a Scottish farewell banquet at the Great Scots Hall at the Radisson Blu, with bagpipes, traditional entertainment, customary dress and a multi-course Scottish banquet.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7
Homeward bound
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. You are free to continue exploring Edinburgh or begin your journey home at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2The West Highland Line carries the train past Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on the way to Fort William.
- Day 3A cruise on Loch Linnhe takes in views of Ben Nevis, the Caledonian Canal and Black Rock, home to Common and Atlantic Grey seals.
- Day 4A ferry from Oban crosses to the Isle of Mull, docking at Craignure with views of Duart Castle, before a coach ride to the colourful port of Tobermory.
- Day 5The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct on its way from Fort William to Mallaig, a fishing port overlooking the Isle of Skye.
- Day 6The coach back to Edinburgh stops at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift of its kind, connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union canals.
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 6 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Group luggage transfers between hotels in Edinburgh and Glencoe, Fort William and Edinburgh
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes all rail travel in the price, including the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and a return trip on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig, both in Standard Class.
- Is it escorted or independent?
- It's an escorted tour with a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, plus group luggage transfers between hotels in Edinburgh, Glencoe and Fort William.
- Which trains are used?
- The ScotRail West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William, and the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs the return trip from Fort William to Mallaig across the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- What hotels are used?
- The Radisson Blu Edinburgh in Edinburgh, and either the Isles of Glencoe Hotel in Ballachulish or the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe, depending on the departure.
- When does it run?
- The evidence lists two departures, in September and October 2026.
- What is not included?
- The evidence lists only cancellation and travel insurance as excluded from the price.
