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Travelmarvel (APT Travel Group) · Small Group Rail Tour

Scotland by Rail

Scottish Highlands by rail from Edinburgh to Glasgow, 10 days

Illustration of Scotland by Rail

Travelmarvel's Scotland by Rail is a 10-day small-group tour that follows Scotland's most celebrated railway lines from Edinburgh to Glasgow. The journey weaves through the Highlands, beginning with two nights in Edinburgh exploring the Royal Mile and castle, then traveling by rail to Aberdeen's granite streets, before venturing into the remote north. The tour's centrepiece is a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig, where the train passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct and wild mountain scenery. You will also travel the Kyle Line from Inverness, ride the West Highland Line beneath Ben Nevis, and cruise Loch Ness near Urquhart Castle. Along the way, a Travelmarvel Tour Director manages the logistics, and the itinerary mixes longer stays (three nights in Inverness) with shorter ones, creating a pace that balances exploration with time to settle into each location. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, history lovers, and anyone drawn to Scotland's landscapes and culture without the demands of independent planning.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Scotland are not included in the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Arrive Edinburgh

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

  3. Day 3overnight: Aberdeen

    Edinburgh, Aberdeen

  4. Day 4overnight: Aberdeen

    Aberdeen

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness, Loch Ness

  7. Day 7overnight: Inverness

    Inverness, Kyle of Lochlash

  8. Day 8overnight: Fort William

    Inverness, Fort William, Mallaig

  9. Day 9overnight: Glasgow

    Fort William, Arrochar, Glasgow

  10. Day 10

    Depart Glasgow

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: A traditional Scottish dinner and cultural show in Edinburgh featuring Highland dancing and traditional music.
  • Day 3Day 3: Rail journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, exploring the granite streets of this historic city.
  • Day 7Day 7: The scenic Kyle Line runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh through remote Highland mountains, lochs and moorland.
  • Day 8Day 8: The Jacobite Steam Train travels from Fort William to Mallaig along the West Highland Line, passing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, lochs and mountains.
  • Day 6Day 6: A cruise on Loch Ness with a visit to Urquhart Castle.

Included

  • Three nights in Inverness; two-night stays in Edinburgh and Aberdeen; and one-night stays in Fort William and Glasgow
  • 13 Meals - 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director
  • Transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Explore seven towns, villages and cities
  • Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner and lively cultural show in Edinburgh
  • Travel on one of the world's most famous rail journeys aboard the Jacobite steam train
  • Ride the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines

Not included

  • Flights (unless specified)

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The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Which trains does this tour include?
The tour travels on the Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William to Mallaig), the Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh), and the West Highland Line (Fort William to Arrochar). You also travel by rail between Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and other stops.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a small-group escorted tour led by a Travelmarvel Tour Director. Group size is capped at 24 guests.
What meals and accommodation are included?
The package includes 13 meals (9 breakfasts and 4 dinners), accommodation in three nights in Inverness, two-night stays in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and one-night stays in Fort William and Glasgow. Travelmarvel also provides transfers and the services of a Tour Director.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary does not specify walking requirements. Contact Travelmarvel directly to confirm the physical demands of daily activities.
What is not included?
Flights (unless specified in your booking) are not included. Lunch is not provided on most days.

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