Railbookers
Scotland and the Highlands by Rail
Independent rail trip from Edinburgh to Inverness and Isle of Skye
8 daysfrom $1,279
25% rail
Railbookers
Grand London and Edinburgh
Two-capital UK rail trip from London to Edinburgh
Railbookers runs this 8-day, 7-night rail vacation from London to Edinburgh, spending four nights in London and three in Edinburgh, with a single train journey connecting the two capitals. Day 2 opens with a full-day guided tour taking in St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and its Crown Jewels, and a Thames river cruise, while days 3 and 4 are left flexible with an included hop-on, hop-off bus pass. On day 5, the train departs London's Kings Cross, passing a replica of Platform 9 3/4, and travels through rolling countryside to Edinburgh in about four and a half hours. In Edinburgh, a guided tour covers the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle before a small-group day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness. The trip suits travelers who want a balance of guided sightseeing and time to explore two historic capitals at their own pace.
What to know before you look closer
- Railbookers lists six hotel choices in London and six in Edinburgh for the one stay in each city, so which specific hotel you get depends on the tier you select.
- Two of the four days in London, days 3 and 4, are self-directed using the included hop-on, hop-off bus pass rather than a guided tour.
- The evidence available to us does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: London
Your Journey Begins in London
Welcome to London! Arrive in the history-steeped, cosmopolitan English capital and check in at your hotel for a four-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city, perhaps enjoying some traditional fish and chips for dinner.
- Day 2overnight: London
London
After breakfast, join a full-day guided tour showcasing London's most iconic sights. Begin with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral before heading to Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. Continue to the historic Tower of London to explore its storied past and view the Crown Jewels, then enjoy a relaxing private cruise along the River Thames. Conclude with sweeping panoramic views over the city from the London Eye.
- Day 3overnight: London
London
After breakfast, enjoy a flexible day discovering London at your own pace with your included hop-on, hop-off bus pass. Perhaps wander through the vibrant streets of Covent Garden, explore the markets of Camden, or stroll along the South Bank.
- Day 4overnight: London
London
Make the most of your final day in London by continuing to use your hop-on, hop-off pass to explore the city at your own pace. Take this opportunity to revisit favorite spots from earlier in your stay or discover any landmarks you may have missed.
- Day 5railovernight: Edinburgh
London to Edinburgh
All aboard the train to Edinburgh! Make your way to London's Kings Cross Station, made world-famous in the Harry Potter series - you can see a replica of Platform 9 ¾ before you board the train! Travel through lush, rolling countryside north, crossing the Scottish border and arriving in Edinburgh about four and a half hours later.
- Day 6overnight: Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is certainly a treat to explore. Learn all there is to know about the iconic Royal Mile and historic Edinburgh Castle on a specially curated tour. After, why not fill your lungs full of fresh air on a scenic walk up to Arthur's Seat, visit HMY Britannia, or enjoy an introduction into the world of Scotch Whisky?
- Day 7overnight: Edinburgh
Edinburgh
No visit to Scotland is complete without exploring the magnificent beauty of the Highlands! Take a small group daytrip to the rugged, mythical corners of the country, stopping off at Loch Ness. Explore the historic battle sites of Glencoe, Stirling Castle and Fort Augustus and spend free time exploring the wonderful wilderness before returning to Edinburgh.
- Day 8rail
Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh
Your journey ends today in Edinburgh. Continue on with your journey, or why not extend your trip? Speak to one of our Rail Vacation Specialists about taking the train to explore the Scottish Highlands further, perhaps including a daytrip over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A full-day guided tour visits St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Crown Jewels, and a private Thames river cruise.
- Day 5The train leaves London's Kings Cross Station, passing a replica of Platform 9 3/4, and travels through rolling countryside across the Scottish border to Edinburgh in about four and a half hours.
- Day 6A curated tour covers the Royal Mile and historic Edinburgh Castle.
- Day 7A small-group day trip to the Highlands stops at Loch Ness and takes in the historic sites of Glencoe, Stirling Castle, and Fort Augustus.
Included
- 4 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in London
- 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Edinburgh
- Rail travel as per the itinerary
- London city tour including the London Eye
- Multi-day hop-on, hop-off pass in London
- Edinburgh Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle guided tour
- Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Small-Group Day Trip from Edinburgh
Questions travellers ask
- Is rail travel included?
- Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, with the train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh on day 5.
- Which train and route are used?
- UK Rail service from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh, a journey of about four and a half hours through the English countryside and across the Scottish border.
- What hotels are used?
- Railbookers lists six hotel options in London, including the Kimpton Fitzroy London and the InterContinental London Park Lane, and six in Edinburgh, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George and the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
- How long is the trip?
- The itinerary runs 8 days and 7 nights, with 4 nights in London and 3 nights in Edinburgh.
- What is included besides rail and hotels?
- A full-day London city tour including the London Eye, a multi-day hop-on, hop-off bus pass, a guided Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle tour, and a small-group Highlands day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort Augustus.
