How much does it cost?

From £2,455 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,316 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes, extensively: the West Highland Line to Crianlarich and on to Oban, the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh, and the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Yes, with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager throughout.

Which hotels are used?

The Crianlarich Hotel for three nights, then the Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness for four nights.

What meals are included?

Bed, breakfast, and an evening meal each of the seven nights, plus one lunch overlooking the Isle of Skye.

Three departures run in 2026: June, July, and September, all priced from £2,455 per person.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Queen of Scots 2026

Highland rail circuit on the West Highland and Jacobite lines

Railtrail Tours runs this eight-day escorted circular tour of the Scottish Highlands, travelling by rail, coach, and ferry with an experienced Tour Manager throughout. The route opens with the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond to Crianlarich for three nights, from where a second train reaches Oban for a cruise to the Isle of Mull and the historic abbey on Iona, and a separate day includes a cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the 'Lady of the Lake' and a whisky distillery tasting. A transfer through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness leads to four nights in Inverness, timed around the Jacobite Steam Train's run over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh, and a Strathspey Steam Railway excursion paired with a visit to Ballindalloch Castle. Day 7 is left free to explore Inverness at your own pace. This suits travellers who want several named Highland rail journeys built around two hotel bases rather than nightly moves.

What to know before you look closer

Day 7 is a full day at leisure in Inverness with no guided excursion included.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
West Highland Line to Crianlarich
Train to Glasgow, then the West Highland Line along the Clyde and past Loch Lomond to Crianlarich for a three-night stay.
Day 2railovernight: Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
Oban, Isle of Mull & Iona
Second Great Railway Journey on the western branch of the West Highland Line to Oban, then a cruise to the Isle of Mull and Iona to view Iona's abbey.
Day 3overnight: Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich
Loch Katrine & Distillery Tasting
Trossachs National Park cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the 'Lady of the Lake', then a whisky distillery tour and tasting.
Day 4railovernight: Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness
Jacobite Steam Train to Inverness
Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, then a road transfer through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness to Inverness for a four-night stay.
Day 5railovernight: Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness
Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh
'Great Railway Journey of the World' coast-to-coast to Kyle of Lochalsh via Plockton, with a light lunch overlooking the Isle of Skye.
Day 6railovernight: Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness
Strathspey Steam Railway & Ballindalloch Castle
Steam excursion on the Strathspey Steam Railway, then Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens with 500 years of history.
Day 7overnight: Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness
Inverness at Leisure
A day at leisure to relax at the hotel or discover Inverness at your own pace.
Day 8
Homeward Journey
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The West Highland Line's western branch reaches Oban, followed by a cruise to the Isle of Mull and Iona to view the historic abbey.
Day 3A cruise on Loch Katrine aboard the 'Lady of the Lake' in the Trossachs National Park, followed by a whisky distillery tour and tasting.
Day 4The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct from Fort William to Mallaig, passing the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument at the head of Loch Shiel.
Day 6A steam excursion on the Strathspey Steam Railway, followed by a visit to Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens.

Included

7 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,455 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,316 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes, extensively: the West Highland Line to Crianlarich and on to Oban, the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh, and the Strathspey Steam Railway.
Is it escorted?: Yes, with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager throughout.
Which hotels are used?: The Crianlarich Hotel for three nights, then the Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness for four nights.
What meals are included?: Bed, breakfast, and an evening meal each of the seven nights, plus one lunch overlooking the Isle of Skye.
When does it depart?: Three departures run in 2026: June, July, and September, all priced from £2,455 per person.