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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Scottish Highlands Escape

Seven-day Scottish rail holiday from London via Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness

Illustration of Scottish Highlands Escape

Marvellous Escapes offers a 7-day Scottish rail holiday combining sleeper train comfort with guided exploration of the Highlands. The journey opens with an overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness, where you settle into a sleeper cabin and dine in the train's restaurant car. You then spend five nights based in Inverness, with three days of guided tours and two days free to explore the city at your own pace. Day 3 takes you on the Complete Loch Ness Experience, traveling along the Caledonian Canal, visiting Urquhart Castle, and cruising Loch Ness. Day 5 ventures to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, with stops at dramatic rock formations including the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Day 6 explores Scotland's remote interior, passing Rogie Falls, Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the white sands of Achmelvich Beach before returning to Inverness. Finally, you return to London by sleeper train or choose an alternative UK rail route. The package includes all accommodation with breakfast, rail fares, and guided day tours, with 24-hour on-trip support throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey on Day 7 offers a choice: Caledonian Sleeper back to London or alternative UK rail travel; confirm your preferred option when booking
  • The package is independent with guided tours on Days 3, 5, and 6; Days 2 and 4 offer free time in Inverness to explore on your own

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 6overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Today, set off from Inverness, the 'Gateway to the Highlands', for an adventure through some of Scotland's most remote and rugged scenery, including Rogie Falls, the Corrieshalloch Gorge, Ullapool ('Gateway to the Outer Hebrides'), Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt, a lunch stop in Lochinver, and the white sands of Achmelvich Beach. Return to Inverness that evening.

  7. Day 7rail

    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 1Overnight aboard the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness, with dinner in the dining car
  • Day 3Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, including Urquhart Castle and a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness
  • Day 5Isle of Skye excursion to Eilean Donan Castle, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing
  • Day 6Remote Highlands tour through Rogie Falls, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Knockan Crag, and white sands of Achmelvich Beach

Included

  • Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
  • 5-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
  • Remote and Rugged Highlands tour to Ullapool and beyond

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness (night 1) and return rail on Day 7, plus UK rail for day excursions.
Is this escorted or independent?
Independent tailor-made with guided tours on Days 3, 5, and 6 (Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and remote Highlands). Days 2 and 4 are free. Marvellous Escapes provides 24-hour on-trip support.
What is included in the price?
Overnight accommodation on the Caledonian Sleeper, five nights in an Inverness hotel with breakfast, the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour, and the remote Highlands tour to Ullapool.
When does this trip run?
The operator has not published a departures calendar in the available information; contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm dates.
What trains are used?
The Caledonian Sleeper operates the overnight journey from London to Inverness. Day excursions use UK rail and coach services as part of the guided tours.
How much walking is involved?
Days include walking tours of Inverness, scenic stops on the Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing), and visits to waterfalls and castles. Two free days in Inverness allow you to choose your activity level.

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