How much does it cost?

From £5,249 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $7,090 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes, First Class rail from your home station to Inverness is included, along with the Kyle Line from Kyle of Lochalsh back to Inverness on day 9. Most of the trip is spent aboard a cruise ship rather than on trains.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes, an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group, on what is described as a small group tour.

What is the accommodation?

Two nights at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness and seven nights aboard the Lord of the Glens cruise ship on the Caledonian Canal, in Category 2 or Category 3 cabins.

One departure is listed, in April 2027, from 5,249 GBP.

What is not included?

Drinks, gratuities and travel insurance are not included in the price.

Railtrail Tours · Rail & Cruise Tour

Secrets of the Highlands & Islands 2027

Caledonian Canal cruise from Inverness with a Kyle Line return by rail

Railtrail Tours operates this 10-day, 9-night rail and cruise tour based from Inverness, combining two nights at the Kingsmills Hotel with seven nights aboard the Lord of the Glens on the Caledonian Canal. After visiting Culloden battlefield, the ship sails through Loch Ness, ascends Neptune's Staircase, and calls at Corpach, Oban, the Isle of Mull, Iona, Tobermory, Knoydart, and the Isle of Skye before reaching Kyle of Lochalsh. ' A Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and First Class rail and full board accommodation are included. It suits travelers who want island and Highland history and scenery from the comfort of a small cruise ship, bookended by First Class rail travel.

What to know before you look closer

The single cabin supplement is very high; solo travelers pay from 9,078 GBP, nearly double the twin-share price of 5,249 GBP.
Drinks, gratuities and travel insurance are not included in the price.
Only one departure is currently listed, in April 2027, so date choices are limited.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Home station to Inverness
Journey in First Class from your home station to Inverness and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Kingsmills Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Day 2overnight: Lord of the Glens, berthed at Inverness
Embark the Lord of the Glens
This morning, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time in Inverness before our private transfer takes us to embark on the Lord of the Glens, a luxurious vessel that embraces a classic and timeless style. After settling into our cabins, we enjoy a welcome reception and dinner whilst remaining berthed in the city.
Day 3overnight: Lord of the Glens, Fort Augustus
Culloden and the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus
After breakfast this morning, we visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated and explore the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. We set sail this afternoon on the Caledonian Canal entering Loch Ness and passing the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle before ascending the impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of the scenic and historic of Fort Augustus, where we remain overnight.
Day 4overnight: Lord of the Glens, Corpach
Neptune's Staircase and Glenfinnan Viaduct
Today, we will continue along the canal through Loch Oich, ascending to 106 feet at Laggan Locks and onwards through picturesque Loch Lochy, before descending Neptune's Staircase, a dramatic flight of eight interconnected locks. After lunch, we visit the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct, surrounded by mountains with our overnight mooring in Corpach.
Day 5overnight: Lord of the Glens, Oban
Loch Linnhe to Oban
Today we sail on Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach our destination of Oban, the seafood capital of the highlands. We enjoy a guided walk up to McCaig's Tower (inspired by the Roman Colosseum) where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Hebrides. This evening, we berth in Oban overnight and enjoy our evening meal aboard the Lord of the Glens.
Day 6overnight: Lord of the Glens, Tobermory
Isle of Iona and Tobermory
This morning, we sail to Craignure on Mull for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland, and we enjoy time to discover the restored medieval abbey, beautiful beaches, and fantastic wildlife. Later, we sail to the island capital of Tobermory where brightly painted houses adorn the waterfront and where we remain berthed overnight.
Day 7overnight: Lord of the Glens
Isle of Mull and Knoydart
Today, we enjoy time at leisure to discover the stunning Isle of Mull at our own pace before continuing to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula. Here, we will explore on foot with a local guide, and we can enjoy a drink at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, The Old Forge Inn.
Day 8overnight: Lord of the Glens, Kyle of Lochalsh
Isle of Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh
Today we take an early morning sail across the Sound of Sleat leading us to Armadale on the Isle of Skye where we can explore scenic walks ashore or enjoy a gallery visit to appreciate local artists who are inspired by the stunning landscapes. Our final port of call is historic Kyle of Lochalsh where we visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This evening, we enjoy a farewell reception and dinner on board the Lord of the Glens.
Day 9railovernight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Kyle Station Museum and the Kyle Line to Inverness
After breakfast this morning, we disembark and visit Kyle Station Museum and café to learn of the intertwined stories of the famous Kyle Line Railway and Kyle Harbour before enjoying free time in the Kyle of Lochalsh. We will experience a 'Great Railway Journey of the World' returning to Inverness and transferring to the Kingsmills Hotel for our final evening meal together.
Day 10
Departure from Inverness
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3A visit to Culloden battlefield and the standing stones of Clava Cairns, then sailing the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness past the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Day 4The ship descends Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight interconnected locks, before a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Day 6A visit to the Isle of Iona, 'the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings,' then sailing to the brightly painted waterfront of Tobermory.
Day 7Going ashore at Knoydart with a local guide to visit The Old Forge Inn, 'the most remote pub on mainland Britain.'
Day 9Disembarking to visit Kyle Station Museum, then riding the Kyle Line, Scotland's 'Great Railway Journey of the World,' back to Inverness.

Included

9 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 6 lunches
Full Board accommodation on the cruise
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
First Class rail throughout, where available
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed

Not included

Drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £5,249 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $7,090 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes, First Class rail from your home station to Inverness is included, along with the Kyle Line from Kyle of Lochalsh back to Inverness on day 9. Most of the trip is spent aboard a cruise ship rather than on trains.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes, an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group, on what is described as a small group tour.
What is the accommodation?: Two nights at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness and seven nights aboard the Lord of the Glens cruise ship on the Caledonian Canal, in Category 2 or Category 3 cabins.
When does it depart?: One departure is listed, in April 2027, from 5,249 GBP.
What is not included?: Drinks, gratuities and travel insurance are not included in the price.