Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Highlands & Isles - Scotland & Orkney

Eight-day Scottish rail journey from London to Orkney Islands via Inverness and Skye

Illustration of Highlands & Isles - Scotland & Orkney

Marvellous Escapes' 8-day Highlands & Isles journey combines the romance of the Caledonian Sleeper with Scotland's most historic and scenic destinations. Beginning with an overnight train from London to Inverness, where you'll dine in the sleeper's restaurant car, the tour unfolds across four nights in Inverness and two in Kirkwall, with guided exploration of Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and the Orkney Islands. You will visit Eilean Donan Castle, the Trotternish Peninsula's Old Man of Storr, Skara Brae's 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement, and stone circles dating back millennia. Ferry crossings connect the mainland to Skye and Orkney; a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness features Urquhart Castle. The itinerary mixes coach journeys through the Highlands, guided cultural tours, and days at leisure. Hotel breakfasts are included. This suits rail enthusiasts seeking a structured escape through Scottish landscape and history, and history-lovers drawn to Neolithic sites and medieval architecture.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary describes day 3 as exploring Isle of Skye while overnight in Inverness, suggesting a full-day coach excursion rather than a stay on the island.
  • Day 8 states an option to return via Caledonian Sleeper; confirm whether this is included or a separately bookable choice.
  • No single or group size limits are published; contact Marvellous Escapes for current tailor-made availability and any customization.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: onboard the Caledonian Sleeper

    Caledonian Sleeper

    Begin your adventure with a relaxing overnight journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Inverness, with dinner in the dining car and a comfortable sleeper cabin for the night.

  2. Day 2overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, explore the charming city of Inverness at your own pace, visiting Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market and the beautiful River Ness.

  3. Day 3overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Fault Line to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, then cross to the Isle of Skye, exploring the Trotternish Peninsula, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing.

  4. Day 4overnight: Kirkwall

    Kirkwall

    Your exploration of the Orkney Islands begins today, crossing the Black Isle and passing Dunrobin Castle to John o' Groats, then boarding the ferry at Gills Bay to Orkney, visiting the Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.

  5. Day 5overnight: Kirkwall

    Kirkwall

    Today, your exploration of Orkney continues with a visit to Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and the Standing Stones of Stenness.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    After a final visit to Kirkwall's cathedral, board the ferry back to the mainland and journey through Caithness and Sutherland, learning about the Highland Clearances, before returning to Inverness in the early evening.

  7. Day 7overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, embark on the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, travelling along the Caledonian Canal to Dores, Foyers, Fort Augustus and Urquhart Castle, before a relaxing one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return home

    Today, bid farewell to Inverness as you embark on your journey back to London, with the option to travel in style aboard the Caledonian Sleeper.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Overnight aboard the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness, with dinner in the dining car and sleeper cabin accommodation.
  • Day 3Coach journey through the Great Glen Fault Line to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, including stops at Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.
  • Day 4Ferry crossing from Gills Bay to Orkney, then exploration of the Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
  • Day 5Visit Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
  • Day 7Complete Loch Ness Experience tour travelling along the Caledonian Canal to Dores, Foyers, Fort Augustus, and Urquhart Castle, with a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.

Included

  • Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
  • 4-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Kirkwall with breakfast included
  • Caledonian Sleeper train
  • UK Rail
  • The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
  • Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan castle tour
  • Three-day Orkney Explorer tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness on day 1 and a return option on day 8, plus UK Rail travel during the tour.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a tailor-made, guided holiday. Marvellous Escapes includes the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, an Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour, and a three-day Orkney Explorer tour.
Which trains are used?
The Caledonian Sleeper operates London to Inverness with sleeper cabins and a dining car. UK Rail is used during the itinerary for shorter journeys.
What is the cost and what is included?
From £1,599 per person. Included are the Caledonian Sleeper, all hotel accommodation (one night onboard, four nights in Inverness, two nights in Kirkwall) with breakfasts, three guided tours, and ferry crossings.
How much walking is involved?
Days involve guided walking tours of cities and archaeological sites, plus stairs and luggage handling. The Complete Loch Ness Experience includes a one-hour cruise.
When does this trip run?
No published departure dates are listed; contact Marvellous Escapes to check availability and book your preferred dates.

Similar journeys