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 Group Tour
Loch Lomond & the Scottish Highlands
See the Scottish Highlands by train and discover the country's rugged charm. Relax among the tranquility of Scotland's breathtaking lochs and glens.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Glasgow
Arriving in the culture-packed city of Glasgow
Your holiday begins today in Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Make your way to our hotel in Glasgow, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers this afternoon. With check-in available from 3pm, you can head out and start exploring before our first dinner as a group this evening. Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde and has a welcoming atmosphere with art, culture, music and attractions to interest every visitor. Stroll through the West End, admiring the architecture of the University of Glasgow and exploring Kelvingrove Park. Alternatively, you could admire the 22 galleries on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has free entry.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Crianlarich
The scenic West Highland Line to Crianlarich
After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to discover more of Glasgow. Early this afternoon, we gather at the train station for a scenic rail journey on the West Highland Line to Crianlarich in Glen Strathfillan. As we leave Glasgow, we are quickly surrounded by the wild and windswept Scottish Highlands as we travel through landscapes of mountains, steep-sided lochs and heather moors. After checking in to our hotel on arrival, there's time to relax or take a leisurely stroll before dinner. The quaint village of Crianlarich is the perfect base to explore the Highlands.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Crianlarich
Sailing Loch Lomond and discovering Inveraray's history
This morning, we travel by coach to Tarbet for a cruise on Loch Lomond. Enjoy your lunch on board while surrounded by the impressive scenery with live guided commentary. After soaking up the beauty of Loch Lomond, we head to Inveraray, a town on the western shore of Loch Fyne. With time at leisure here, you could visit Inveraray Castle or explore Inveraray Jail, a 19th-century prison and courthouse now a 'living museum'. Note: For departure 21st June, Days 3 & 4 have been swapped around.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Crianlarich
A day of exploration at Oban, Duart Castle and Tobermory
We experience more of the Scottish Highlands by rail after breakfast, heading for Oban with striking views of the Glen Ogle viaduct and Loch Awe. We board the ferry in Oban and set sail for the Isle of Mull. Arriving at Craignure, our coach drives us to Duart Castle for a guided tour of the imposing 13th-century estate. Our next destination is Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, famous for its brightly coloured houses. Later, we catch the ferry back to Oban from Craignure, where our coach takes us back to our hotel in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Crianlarich
Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train
We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the Jacobite Steam Train. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, a highlight of the route is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct with 21 arches, recognisable from the 'Harry Potter' films. The train continues towards the coast, passing through Arisaig and descending towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port looking over the Isle of Skye. We retrace our journey on the Jacobite Steam Train this afternoon, arriving in Fort William and then transferring back to our hotel in Crianlarich for our final dinner in the Highlands. Note: Journeys are steam-hauled where possible, some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service. For departure 20th September, the return journey will be via coach.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6rail
Homeward bound
As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Crianlarich. We head back to Glasgow by train, where you can continue exploring on your own or make your way home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
- Standard class rail travel
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- 1 lunch (on board Loch Lomond cruise)
- Group luggage transfers between all hotels
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
