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
Orkney & The Shetland Islands
All aboard for a nostalgic journey through the Scottish Isles. A 7-day rail and ferry vacation that guides us from one stunning island to the next.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Edinburgh
Arrival in Edinburgh
Arrive at the hotel in Edinburgh and meet the Tour Manager, with time at leisure to explore the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Old and New Towns.
- Day 2railovernight: Ferry
Discovering the hidden gems of the Granite City
Train to Aberdeen over the Forth Bridge, a guided coach tour of Footdee, Old Aberdeen and the city center, then an overnight ferry crossing to Lerwick with dinner onboard.
- Day 3overnight: Brae
Exploring the charming Shetland Islands
Disembark in Lerwick, visit Scalloway and meet Shetland ponies, lunch in Scalloway, a walking tour of Lerwick, then travel to the hotel in Brae.
- Day 4overnight: Brae
The wildlife of the Shetlands
Coach trip to Eshaness via Ronas Voe, a visit to the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, a Shetland pony croft, and Lunna, the wartime headquarters of the Shetland Bus.
- Day 5overnight: Kirkwall
Incredible views and Norse history in the Shetlands
Visit St. Ninian's Isle and Jarlshof, then Sumburgh Head nature reserve, before an evening ferry sailing to Orkney and a late check-in at the hotel in Kirkwall.
- Day 6overnight: Ferry
Uncovering Orkney's ancient sights
A talk from archaeologist Professor Nick Card, a visit to the Italian Chapel, an optional tour of St. Magnus Cathedral, then the Heart of Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, before an overnight ferry to Scrabster.
- Day 7railovernight: Inverness
Royal Castle of Mey and John O'Groats
Transfer to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, a photo stop at John O'Groats, then a scenic train journey through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.
- Day 8rail
Traveling home
A train journey through the Cairngorms back to Edinburgh, where the tour comes to an end.
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
- 2 nights in a cabin on Northlink Ferries
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day, 1 lunch
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Flights and Airport transfers not included
