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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scottish Highlands and the Orkneys from London

London to Inverness, the Orkney Islands, and Edinburgh by rail and ferry

Illustration of Scottish Highlands and the Orkneys from London

Railbookers runs this 9-day independent rail and ferry vacation from London to two of Scotland's most remote highlights, opening with the Caledonian Sleeper's overnight run to Inverness on day 1. After a guided tour to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye on day 3, the trip heads further north on day 4, crossing the Black Isle and the Pentland Firth by ferry to reach Kirkwall on Orkney for two nights. A guided day exploring Orkney's Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae, the standing stones of Brodgar and Stenness, and Maeshowe, is followed by the return crossing and a drive back through Caithness and Sutherland to Inverness. The trip then continues by direct train to Edinburgh for a guided city tour before returning to London. With a guide provided for both the Skye and Orkney excursions, the trip suits history lovers drawn to ancient sites and castles, first-time rail travelers who want the connections handled, and photographers chasing Highland and island scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.
  • Day 4 (Inverness to Orkney) is a long travel day combining road and a ferry crossing of the Pentland Firth, with 'an early start' noted in the itinerary; day 6's return follows the same route in reverse.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: 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.

  2. Day 2overnight: 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.

  3. Day 3overnight: 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.

  4. Day 4overnight: Kirkwall

    Inverness to Orkney

    After an early start, you travel north through the Black Isle, past the imposing Dunrobin Castle, before crossing the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles. Check in for your stay in Kirkwall, the modern-day capital of Orkney, for two nights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Kirkwall

    The Orkney Islands

    Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norserunic inscriptions.

  6. Day 6overnight: Inverness

    Orkney to Inverness

    You'll have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland, you travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland, learning about the Highland clearances. We arrive back in Inverness early evening.

  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 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Spend one final morning in Edinburgh before catching the train back to London where your journey ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Caledonian Sleeper departs London overnight, arriving in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
  • Day 3The 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 4The journey to Orkney passes the Black Isle and Dunrobin Castle before crossing the Pentland Firth to Kirkwall.
  • Day 5Orkney's ancient sites include Skara Brae, the prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where 12th-century Vikings left Norse runic inscriptions.
  • Day 6The return route back to Inverness passes through Caithness and Sutherland, tracing the history of the Highland clearances.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night accommodation onboard Caledonian Sleeper
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Inverness
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast on The Orkney Islands
  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness
  • 3 day round trip with guide to the Orkney Islands
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in Inverness
  • City tour of Edinburgh

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, including the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness and direct trains between Inverness, Edinburgh, and London; travel to Orkney includes a ferry crossing of the Pentland Firth.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation with guided components: the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour and the 3-day round trip to Orkney are both run with a guide.
What do you see on Orkney?
A 3-day guided round trip includes Skara Brae, the prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe.
Where do you stay?
One night onboard the Caledonian Sleeper, two nights in Inverness (River Ness Hotel), two nights on Orkney in Kirkwall, a further night back in Inverness, and two nights in Edinburgh (InterContinental Edinburgh The George).
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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