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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London, Edinburgh, and Dublin

Independent rail and ferry trip from London through Edinburgh to Dublin

Illustration of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin

Railbookers runs this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation linking London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. It starts with a three-night stay in London, where the included Tower of London tour brings early access to the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive, followed by a Churchill War Rooms walking tour around Westminster. On day 4, the trip heads north by train from London's Kings Cross Station, crossing the Scottish border to Edinburgh in about four and a half hours for another three-night stay built around Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and a day trip to Loch Ness and Glencoe in the Highlands. Day 7 combines a train to Holyhead with a ferry crossing to Dublin, where the final three nights include a hop-on, hop-off city tour, the Guinness Storehouse, and a guided food tour of local dishes like Irish stew. Because travelers move between cities independently with free time built into most days, the trip suits independent explorers and history lovers who also want some guided structure around the highlights.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Edinburgh-to-Dublin leg is a train to Holyhead followed by a ferry crossing rather than a direct train the whole way, so build in time for the change.
  • The evidence names the train travel only as 'UK Rail' without specific train operators or classes; confirm exact train details with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. 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 three-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city with your included hop-on, hop-off tour, and perhaps enjoy some traditional fish and chips for dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast this morning, discover London’s royal history on this fascinating tour combining a visit to the iconic Tower of London with a scenic Thames River cruise. Explore the Tower’s storied past with early access to view the dazzling Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. Then, relax on a picturesque river cruise, enjoying stunning views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Houses of Parliament from the water. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and sightseeing along London’s historic riverfront.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast this morning, make your way over to Westminster to meet your small-group tour. Listen to fascinating tales as you pass by Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and No. 10 Downing Street, before stepping underground into the Churchill War Rooms. You’re sure to get an immersive experience following in the footsteps of Winston Churchill during World War II. The rest of the day is yours to cross any sights left on your London bucket list!

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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 - in fact, you can see a replica of Platform 9 ¾ before you board the train! Travel through the lush, rolling countryside north, crossing the Scottish border and arriving in Edinburgh about four and a half hours later. Make your way to your hotel and check-in for a three-night stay.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: 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 the Royal Yacht Britannia - a massive ocean liner used by Britain's royal family, or enjoy an introduction to the world of Scotch Whisky?

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Edinburgh

    Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands Day Trip

    Journey through Scotland today on a tour of the dramatic beauty in the Highlands. Travel through quaint villages, deep lochs, and impressive mountains as you visit Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. You'll have enough time to cruise along Loch Ness and see if you'll be able to spot the infamous monster in the river. Your local guide will teach you all about the history of the region, and the day will be filled with plenty of photo opportunities to capture your incredible day.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Dublin

    Edinburgh to Dublin

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the train station for a scenic ride through the countryside to Holyhead, where you'll catch your ferry over to Dublin. Check-in for the evening and get ready to explore the historic capital tomorrow.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Today, make the most of your first full day to explore Dublin using your included Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass to make your way around the city of Dublin and get familiar with all the tourist attractions with the ease of bus transportation! Hop off at the Guinness Storehouse, to learn about the famous brewing process, sample beers, and enjoy panoramic views of the city after learning the history of Dublin, and Guinness!

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Famous for its music scene, pubs and "the craic", Dublin embraces the local ingredients of the Emerald Isle in its cuisine. On your food tour today, your guide will take you to the hidden gems frequented by locals to dine on gourmet dishes including local seafood, and Irish stew, and enjoy the best of Irish dairy with creamy cheeses and delicious ice cream. (Overnight in Dublin) B,

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Early access to view the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London before the crowds arrive, followed by a Thames River cruise past Tower Bridge and the Shard.
  • Day 4Boarding the train to Edinburgh at London's Kings Cross Station, home to a replica of Platform 9 3/4, for a roughly four-and-a-half-hour ride crossing the Scottish border.
  • Day 6A day trip through Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park with a cruise along Loch Ness.
  • Day 7A scenic train ride to Holyhead followed by the ferry crossing to Dublin.
  • Day 9A guided food tour to local spots for Irish stew, seafood, and Irish dairy and cheeses.

Included

  • Rail travel as specified in itinerary
  • 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin
  • Hop-on, Hop-off tour in London
  • Tour of the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels and a Thames River cruise
  • Walking tour of Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms
  • Ferry between Holyhead and Dublin
  • Walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
  • Day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands from Edinburgh
  • Dublin Hop-on, Hop-off tour
  • Secret Food Tour in Dublin

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel as specified in the itinerary is included, along with the ferry crossing between Holyhead and Dublin.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers; travelers move between cities on their own, with a number of guided tours and excursions included at each stop.
Which trains are used?
The evidence lists the rail travel as 'UK Rail'. The route includes a train from London's Kings Cross Station to Edinburgh and a train from Edinburgh to Holyhead, where travelers connect to the ferry for Dublin.
What hotels are included?
Three nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast in each of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Specific hotel names are not given in the evidence.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes walking tours of Westminster, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle, plus hop-on, hop-off bus touring in London and Dublin, and an optional walk up to Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.

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