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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye from London

London to Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye via Caledonian Sleeper

Illustration of Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye from London

Railbookers runs this 10-day independent rail vacation from London into the Scottish Highlands, opening with two days of hop-on, hop-off sightseeing in London before the Caledonian Sleeper carries you overnight to Inverness on day 3. Three nights in Inverness include a full-day tour to Eilean Donan Castle, described as the most photographed castle in Scotland, and on to the Isle of Skye, with a photo stop at the Red Cuillin Mountains and free time in the coastal town of Portree. A direct train continues to Edinburgh on day 7, where a guided Royal Mile tour with castle entrance takes in Princes Street, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace. The trip returns to London by train on day 9. Because Railbookers builds in the overnight sleeper and several guided day tours rather than leaving you to book each stop, it suits first-time rail travelers, history lovers drawn to castles and Old Towns, and photographers chasing Highland and coastal viewpoints.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Inverness runs only from April to September; outside that window it is not part of the included itinerary.
  • 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: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    With a full day of leisure to experience London on your own, there's no telling what you'll discover. Head to the South Bank to watch musicians and artists perform or walk across Abbey Road.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Use your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to explore the city at your own pace. Visit Big Ben, the Shard, London Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and much more!

  3. Day 3railovernight: Caledonian Sleeper (onboard)

    Overnight Onboard Caledonian Sleeper

    Depart London on the Caledonian Sleeper for your overnight journey to Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.

  4. Day 4overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Boasting an abundance of culture, history, a beautiful Old Town, and the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, this city and the surrounding region was made for exploring.

  5. Day 5overnight: Inverness

    Isle Of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

    Today's included tour features many memorable moments. You'll travel through dramatic Highland landscapes before visiting Eilean Donan Castle, known as the most photographed castle in Scotland. Then, you'll cross over into Isle of Skye, where you'll stop for a photo of the Red Cuillin Mountains. In the coastal town of Portree, you have free time to enjoy lunch and stroll the Trotternish Peninsula. Kilt Rock and the Quiraing will certainly be highlights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Spend this free day seeing any sights and points of interest you didn't get a chance to experience, yet. Check out the Victorian Market, Botanic Gardens, Greig Street Bridge, or the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Inverness to Edinburgh

    Travel by direct train to Edinburgh. 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.

  8. Day 8overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    During your included city tour, you'll get to see the best attractions and learn all about local traditions and stories. Visit Princes Street, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.

  9. Day 9railovernight: London

    Edinburgh to London

    Catch your train back to the English capital today. Upon arrival, spend your time relaxing or checking off any must-see places from your personal itinerary. We recommend checking out the National Gallery, Hampton Court Palace, and watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

  10. Day 10

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Caledonian Sleeper departs London overnight, arriving in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
  • Day 5The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour crosses dramatic Highland landscapes to Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland, with a photo stop at the Red Cuillin Mountains and free time in the coastal town of Portree.
  • Day 7A direct train carries you from Inverness to Edinburgh's medieval Old Town.
  • Day 8A guided Royal Mile tour with Edinburgh Castle entrance visits Princes Street, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 1 night accommodation onboard Caledonian Sleeper
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in London
  • Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Inverness (Apr-Sept only)
  • Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile city tour with Castle entrance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, including the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness and the direct trains between Inverness, Edinburgh, and London.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation with several included guided day tours: the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness and the Royal Mile city tour with castle entrance in Edinburgh.
What is the Caledonian Sleeper?
The overnight train service between London and Scotland. It runs as two separate trains, the Highland sleeper (serving Inverness and Fort William) and the Lowland sleeper.
Where do you stay?
Three nights in London (Kimpton Fitzroy London), one night onboard the Caledonian Sleeper, three nights in Inverness (River Ness Hotel), and two nights in Edinburgh (InterContinental Edinburgh The George).
Is the Inverness hop-on, hop-off tour available year-round?
No, it is included only from April to September.
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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