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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scotland and the Highlands by Rail

Independent rail trip from Edinburgh to Inverness and Isle of Skye

Illustration of Scotland and the Highlands by Rail

Railbookers runs this 8-day independent rail vacation between Scotland's two most historic cities, starting and ending in Edinburgh with a three-night stay in Inverness at the midpoint. The first three days are spent exploring Edinburgh at your own pace, with a skip-the-line ticket to Edinburgh Castle and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour covering 14 stops around the city. On day 4 the train carries you north through Highland scenery to Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, for a small-group Loch Ness cruise on day 5 and, from April to October, a day trip across glens and mountain passes to the Isle of Skye on day 6. Outside that season the Skye day is replaced with an Inverness sightseeing tour. The train returns you to Edinburgh for a final night on day 7. At USD 1,299 for 8 days, the trip suits first-time rail travelers, history lovers drawn to Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness lore, and independent explorers comfortable with a lighter level of escort.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Isle of Skye day trip (day 6) runs only from April to October; outside that window it is replaced with an Inverness hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing tour.
  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Arrive in Edinburgh today and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Settle in before setting out to explore the capital of Scotland! From the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town to the sweeping views from the top of the many hills, there is so much beauty to explore here.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Spend a day at leisure in Edinburgh today, exploring the iconic attractions of the city. Your journey includes a skip-the-line entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle, where you'll be able to see the Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace, discover the tiny St Margaret's Chapel and uncover fascinating history at the National War Museum.

  3. Day 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Today you will be able to plan your very own sightseeing tour of Edinburgh with a hop-on, hop-off ticket included with your journey. Get on and off the bright red double decker bus at any of 14 stops around the city, discovering the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Inverness

    Edinburgh to Inverness

    Catch the train from Edinburgh to Inverness today, riding the rails through the wonderful scenery of Scotland into the Highlands. Arrive in Inverness, on the northeast coast of the country, and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Loch Ness Cruise

    Unearth the wonders of Loch Ness today! Keep an eye out for the Loch Ness Monster as you cruise from Clansman Harbor, marveling at the wonderful scenery along the way. Visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to hear about the legendary water monster, too!

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Isle Of Skye Day Trip

    Immerse yourself in the rugged and dramatic beauty of Scotland's Highlands with a trip over to the Isle of Skye. Sit back and relax as you pass through glens and mountain passes, lochs and castle ruins en route to the famous Isle. This trip runs from April to October. Between November and March, enjoy an Inverness hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing tour instead.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel in Inverness after breakfast this morning and spend a little more time exploring, if you like. Catch the train back to Edinburgh and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey, perhaps by catching the train from Edinburgh down to the English capital, London, just speak to one of our Rail Specialists.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A skip-the-line ticket lets you see the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle's Royal Palace and the tiny St Margaret's Chapel.
  • Day 4The train from Edinburgh to Inverness rides through Highland scenery into the north of Scotland.
  • Day 5A Loch Ness cruise departs from Clansman Harbor, with a stop at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to learn about the legendary monster.
  • Day 6The Isle of Skye day trip crosses glens, mountain passes, lochs, and castle ruins, running seasonally from April to October.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • Four nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Three nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • Skip the Line: Edinburgh Castle Entrance Ticket
  • 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Edinburgh
  • Small-Group Loch Ness, Urqhart Castle & Outlander Day Trip from Inverness including Cruise
  • Isle of Skye day Trip from Inverness (runs April to October; November to March replaced by an Inverness hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing tour)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, rail travel in standard class is included throughout, including the train journeys between Edinburgh and Inverness.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation. Edinburgh sightseeing is self-guided (with an included hop-on, hop-off ticket), while the Loch Ness cruise and Isle of Skye day trip are run as small-group tours.
What is included?
Standard class rail travel, four nights in Edinburgh and three in Inverness with breakfast, a skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle ticket, a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off Edinburgh bus tour, a small-group Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Outlander day trip with cruise, and the Isle of Skye day trip.
Does the Isle of Skye day trip run year-round?
No. It runs from April to October. Between November and March it is replaced with an Inverness hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing tour.
When does this tour run?
The operator's materials list no scheduled departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

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