Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies via the Caledonian Sleeper

Overnight sleeper trip from London to Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies

Illustration of Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies via the Caledonian Sleeper

Railbookers operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation centered on the Caledonian Sleeper, Britain's overnight train between London and Edinburgh. Travelers depart London in the evening and settle into a private Classic Cabin, waking up to a Scottish breakfast on board before arriving in Edinburgh. The trip then spends three nights in Edinburgh, with a walking tour of the Royal Mile, a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and time to explore on foot, including the option to climb Arthur's Seat. A small group day tour covers Loch Lomond National Park, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies before travelers return to London. Guided tours are included on select days, but the trip overall runs independently rather than as an escorted tour. This suits travelers who want to experience an overnight sleeper train and a focused few days in and around Edinburgh, rather than a longer multi-city itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 12 accommodation options across London and Edinburgh and different price tiers, so the exact hotel you get depends on the tier and city combination you choose.
  • Only the outbound London to Edinburgh leg is described as the Caledonian Sleeper in a private Classic Cabin; the return trip is listed simply as 'Travel from Edinburgh to London' without naming the train or class.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: onboard the Caledonian Sleeper train

    Your Journey Begins in London

    From London depart in comfort onboard the Caledonian Sleeper train. Enjoy the comfort of your own private cabin and do speak to any of our Rail Experts about perhaps upgrading for en-suite facilities.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Savor a fine Scottish breakfast on the train prior to pulling into Edinburgh. Once disembarked make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay then head out to explore the city. Perhaps a climb to the top of Arthur's Seat to stretch your legs, or why not visit the Scotch Whisky Experience for a wee dram or two?

  3. Day 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Learn the secrets of the Royal Mile and the historic center of Edinburgh today on a wonderful walking tour, then move onto historic Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortifications in all of Europe.

  4. Day 4overnight: Edinburgh

    Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, and The Kelpies

    Depart the city and the first stop is the huge Kelpies Monument, then it's onto the shores of Scotland's largest loch, Loch Lomond. Take a stroll in the footsteps of Rob Roy before heading into the stunning Trossachs, a region famous for its steep mountains, shimmering lochs, and thick forests. There's a stop for lunch in the heart of the National Park, then you will visit the medieval city of Stirling which has played a major role in Scotland's turbulent history. Learn the rich history of Stirling Castle before taking the scenic route back to Edinburgh.

  5. Day 5rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before making your way to the station and your journey back to London or do speak to any of our Rail Experts if you would like to extend your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Departing London in a private Classic Cabin onboard the Caledonian Sleeper.
  • Day 2A Scottish breakfast onboard before arriving in Edinburgh, with the option to climb Arthur's Seat.
  • Day 3A walking tour uncovering the secrets of the Royal Mile, followed by a visit to historic Edinburgh Castle.
  • Day 4A small group tour to the Kelpies Monument, the shores of Loch Lomond, the mountains and forests of the Trossachs, and the medieval city of Stirling.

Included

  • Classic Cabin onboard the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh
  • Travel from Edinburgh to London
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh walking tour
  • Skip the line Edinburgh Castle entrance
  • Small Group Tour of Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. A Classic Cabin on the Caledonian Sleeper covers the outbound overnight journey from London to Edinburgh, and travel from Edinburgh back to London is also included.
Is it escorted or independent?
The evidence describes it as 'Independent, with guided tours included': an Edinburgh walking tour and a small group tour of Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies are scheduled, and the rest of the time is unguided.
Which train is used?
The Caledonian Sleeper, in a Classic Cabin, for the overnight journey from London to Edinburgh.
What hotels are included?
Railbookers lists 12 accommodation options across London and Edinburgh, including the Kimpton Fitzroy London and the InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
What else is included besides rail and hotels?
An Edinburgh walking tour, skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle entrance, and a small group tour of Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from 1,319 US dollars per person.

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