Great Rail Journeys
Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands
Escorted Scottish Highlands rail tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite Steam Train
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Glasgow & the Highland Adventure
Experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands, the historic city of Glasgow, a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and journeys on Scotland's renowned railways.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Glasgow
Welcome to Glasgow
Your tour begins in Glasgow where you meet the Tour Manager at the hotel. Explore the city independently before or after checking in. Glasgow straddles the River Clyde and is a lively centre with a rich history and outstanding Victorian architecture. Meet back at the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Carrbridge
Edinburgh Castle & on to the Highlands
After breakfast, take the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe. After a one-hour tour, explore the city at your own pace before boarding the train to Inverness. Transfer by coach to the four-star hotel in Carrbridge, set in the Spey Valley opposite the famous 1717 packhorse bridge. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Carrbridge
A round trip on the Jacobite steam train
Coach journey through stunning Highland scenery to Fort William for a return journey on the Jacobite steam train. Travel through the West Highland Line to Mallaig in vintage carriages, passing Ben Nevis, spotting red deer, and crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Free time in Mallaig before returning on the Jacobite. Evening storytelling session with Scottish whisky at the hotel. Note: on early/late season departures the Jacobite may be replaced by the scheduled ScotRail service. On the 26th July departure, travel is one-way on the Jacobite with return by coach.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Carrbridge
A cruise on Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle
Transfer to Clansman Harbour for a cruise across Loch Ness, the largest loch in the UK by volume, to the atmospheric ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle. Free time at the castle to explore or grab lunch, then a short coach drive to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre for a guided tour with interactive displays. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Carrbridge
Strathspey Steam Railway and Culloden Battlefield
Travel to Aviemore to join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a return journey through the Cairngorms National Park, following the River Spey past rolling hills, heather, Cairngorm Mountain and pine forests. Then coach to Culloden Battlefield for a private guided tour of the site of the final Jacobite Rising battle in 1746, followed by access to the visitor centre with 360-degree battle immersion theatre, artefacts, and roof garden panoramic views. Last dinner in the Highlands. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible; alternatives may apply.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Glasgow
Return to Glasgow
Depart Carrbridge and return to Glasgow by rail via Perth, arriving early afternoon. Check in to the hotel; rest of the day at leisure to explore Glasgow's retail heart around Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Willow Tea Rooms, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Final dinner of the tour at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7
Homeward bound
After breakfast, the tour ends and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 6 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
