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
Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour
Highlights of the United Kingdom
Discover the historic sights and time-honored stories of Scotland, England and Wales, from Roman times to the present, on this journey from Edinburgh to London.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Edinburgh
Arriving in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh
Transfer independently to the central hotel to check in for two nights. Return to the hotel to meet the Tour Manager and group for the first dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Edinburgh
Getting to know Edinburgh
A guided walking tour along the Royal Mile passing St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House, followed by an included visit to Edinburgh Castle. Evening feast in the hotel's Great Scots Hall with a traditional piper and dancer.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: York
Into England to the ancient city of York
First Class train from Edinburgh to York, just over two hours. A guided walking tour through the 13th-century Shambles and to York Minster, with entry included.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Chester
Chester's timeless charms
Coach to Chester, arriving in time for the town crier's noon announcement. A guided walking tour of the town walls and Roman ruins. Dinner with the town crier as a special guest.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Chester
Snowdonia National Park views in Wales
Coach to Llanberis to ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a 4.7-mile journey to the summit over Llanberis Pass. Continue to Conwy for lunch and a tour of the UNESCO-listed Conwy Castle, then return to Chester for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon
Ancient sites and Shakespearean history in Stratford-upon-Avon
Coach journey south, pausing at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire. Guided tour of Stratford-upon-Avon's Tudor buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Medieval feasting banquet in the hotel's Tudor hall.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: London
Uncovering the university city of Oxford
Coach transfer to Oxford for a guided tour of the university campus led by an Oxford graduate, ending with punting on the River Cherwell. First Class train from Oxford to London, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: London
London's iconic landmarks
A motorcoach tour of London's highlights including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, followed by an included visit to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Afternoon free to explore before a final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9rail
Traveling home
After breakfast, the vacation comes to a close; travelers are free to make their own way to the local railway station or London Heathrow for onward travel home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
- First & Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- 8 breakfasts, 7 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between all hotels
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights and Airport transfers not included
