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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

North Coast 500

Seven-day Scottish rail holiday from London through the Highlands to Loch Ness

Illustration of North Coast 500

Marvellous Escapes operates a seven-day tailor-made rail holiday that begins with an overnight journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper, departing London and arriving in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Once in Inverness, you spend three nights at a hotel with breakfast included, plus two nights in Ullapool on the northwest coast. The heart of the trip is a three-day driver-guided tour of the North Coast 500, Scotland's celebrated coastal route, where you travel winding roads past glittering lochs, towering mountains, and remote beaches, with stops at small villages, Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle, and Girnigoe Castle. On day 6, you join the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, which includes a walk to the Falls of Foyers and a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness. The package suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and couples seeking a slower pace across Scottish landscapes and castles.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey on day 7 offers an optional Caledonian Sleeper; if not taken, alternative rail or coach options are available but details are not specified.
  • Days 2 and 6 in Inverness are guided touring (Loch Ness Experience) or unstructured exploration; these are not independent city wandering.
  • The itinerary descriptions for days 4 and 5 end mid-sentence in the source material; confirm the exact stops and activities with Marvellous Escapes before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Caledonian Sleeper

    Caledonian Sleeper

    Begin your adventure with a relaxing overnight journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Inverness. Settle into your comfortable sleeper cabin and enjoy the unique experience of travelling through the night in style. Onboard, enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining car and relax as you glide through the night, arriving refreshed and ready to discover Inverness in the morning.

  2. Day 2overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, explore the charming city of Inverness at your own pace. Visit must-see attractions like Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market, and the beautiful River Ness. Learn about the city's fascinating history, including its pivotal role in the Jacobite uprising, and experience the vibrant culture that makes this city a gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ullapool

    Ullapool

    From Inverness set off on Scotland's own 'Route 66' - the North Coast 500. As you drive towards Ullapool, your driver-guide will lead you along winding roads that hug the shores of glittering lochs, pass towering mountains, and reveal some of Scotland's most secluded and pristine beaches. By the late afternoon, you'll arrive in Ullapool, a charming port town nestled along the coast.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ullapool

    Ullapool

    Today, the landscapes grow even more dramatic as you head further north, with rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines becoming the backdrop to your journey. Your driver-guide will take you to some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring sights - you might venture into the mystical Smoo Cave, explore the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, or pause to admire the dazzling white sands of remote beaches. After a scenic lunch stop in a Highland village, you'll continue your adventure, eventually reaching Thurso.

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, you'll have plenty of opportunities to step off the coach and explore some of Scotland's most picturesque and historic spots, including cosy fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, ancient Neolithic landmarks, Girnigoe Castle and Dunrobin Castle. Your unforgettable journey concludes with a scenic drive back to Inverness.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, embark on the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, exploring the secrets and stunning views of this famous loch. Departing Inverness, travel along the Caledonian Canal to Dores, continue to Foyers for a scenic walk to the Falls of Foyers, enjoy lunch in Fort Augustus, then visit Invermoriston and Urquhart Castle before boarding a relaxing one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.

  7. Day 7rail

    Return home

    Today, bid farewell to Inverness as you embark on your journey back to London. You have the option to travel in style aboard the Caledonian Sleeper, or, if you'd prefer to extend your adventure, choose to travel by rail to another UK city or town of your choice.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Overnight in a Caledonian Sleeper cabin from London, with dinner in the dining car.
  • Day 3Driver-guided journey along the North Coast 500, traveling winding roads along glittering lochs and past towering mountains to reach Ullapool.
  • Day 4Optional visits to Smoo Cave, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and remote white-sand beaches along the northern coast.
  • Day 6Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, including a scenic walk to the Falls of Foyers and a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.

Included

  • Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Ullapool with breakfast included
  • Caledonian Sleeper train
  • UK Rail
  • The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
  • Three-day tour of the North Coast 500 route

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of £1,649 includes the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train from London to Inverness and return UK rail travel. The optional return Caledonian Sleeper on day 7 is included in the package.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a tailor-made escorted tour. A driver-guide leads the three-day North Coast 500 tour (days 3-5) and the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour (day 6). Day 2 in Inverness is at your own pace.
Which trains are used?
The Caledonian Sleeper operates the overnight journey from London to Inverness (day 1) and the optional return to London (day 7). UK rail is also included for any alternative return routing.
What accommodation is included?
One night in a Caledonian Sleeper cabin, three nights in hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast, and two nights in hotel accommodation in Ullapool with breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is primarily coach-based with stops to explore villages, beaches, and castles. Day 6 includes a scenic walk to the Falls of Foyers. Day 4 offers optional walks at various sites.
When does this tour run?
No departure dates are published in the available information. Marvellous Escapes markets it as a tailor-made holiday, so availability may be on request.

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