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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Scottish Highlands Adventure

Sleeper train from London to Inverness, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye

Illustration of Scottish Highlands Adventure

Marvellous Escapes' Scottish Highlands Adventure is a 6-day independent tailor-made rail journey that begins with an overnight ride aboard the Caledonian Sleeper from London. You arrive in Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, and base yourself there for four nights with breakfast included. The package features two guided excursions: the Complete Loch Ness Experience, which travels the Caledonian Canal, visits Urquhart Castle, and includes a cruise on the loch; and a full-day journey to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, exploring the Trotternish Peninsula with stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Between excursions, you have free days to wander Inverness's city centre, visit Culloden Battlefield, or explore local museums at your own pace. The journey concludes with a second night aboard the Caledonian Sleeper back to London. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and independent explorers who want structure on certain days and flexibility on others, as well as history lovers and couples seeking a relaxed pace in one of Scotland's most storied regions.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey on Day 6 offers flexibility: you can board the Caledonian Sleeper back to London or choose to travel by rail to another UK city; confirm your preferred option when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard the 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 a delicious dinner in the dining car 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, and learn about the city's role in the Jacobite uprising.

  3. Day 3overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, embark on the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour. Travel along the Caledonian Canal to Dores, continue to Foyers for the Falls of Foyers, enjoy lunch in Fort Augustus, then visit Invermoriston and Urquhart Castle before a relaxing one-hour cruise on Loch Ness. Return to Inverness in the evening.

  4. Day 4overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, enjoy a full day to explore Inverness at your own pace. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the picturesque Inverness Castle, or head to the nearby Culloden Battlefield or the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Fault Line to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, then cross over to the Isle of Skye. Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, with stops at the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, with free time in Portree.

  6. Day 6rail

    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 1Board the Caledonian Sleeper from London and settle into your sleeper cabin, enjoying dinner in the dining car as you travel overnight to Inverness.
  • Day 3Complete Loch Ness Experience tour: travel the Caledonian Canal to Dores and Foyers, visit Urquhart Castle, and enjoy a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.
  • Day 5Journey through the Great Glen to Eilean Donan Castle, cross to the Isle of Skye, and explore the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.

Included

  • Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
  • 4-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
  • Caledonian Sleeper train
  • UK Rail
  • The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
  • Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan castle tour

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted or independent?
Marvellous Escapes describes it as an independent tailor-made journey. Days 3 and 5 include guided tours of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye; Days 2 and 4 are yours to explore Inverness at your own pace. You have 24-hour on-trip support.
What trains are included?
The Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness (Day 1) and the return sleeper from Inverness to London (Day 6), plus UK rail as needed for the excursions.
Where do I stay?
Four nights in a hotel in Inverness with breakfast included. You sleep onboard the Caledonian Sleeper on Night 1.
What is included in the price from £1,099?
The Caledonian Sleeper (both ways), four nights' hotel in Inverness with breakfast, the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, and the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour.
How much walking is involved?
The Loch Ness tour includes a one-hour cruise and visits to Urquhart Castle. The Isle of Skye excursion includes stops at the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, with free time in Portree. Expect moderate walking on excursion days; Days 2 and 4 are flexible for your pace.
When does this trip run?
Marvellous Escapes does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact them directly to confirm availability.

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