Scotland by Rail – 11 Days

Begin your exploration of Scotland in the thriving city of Glasgow, home to a modern Scottish culture. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum to the new Riverside Museum. By night enjoy a vibrant nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Glasgow.
• Highlights: Glasgow City, Kelvingrove Museum and George Square.

DAY TWO – The West Highland Way and Fort William

Today embark on one of Scotland’s famous rail journeys as you travel the West Highland Railway to Fort William. On route you will pass scenic coast line, the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond and through the heart of the desolate expanse of the Rannoch Moor. Arriving in Fort William you can spend walk the harbour overlooking Loch Linhe, visit the Ben Nevis Distillery or the West Highland Museum or if you’re brave hike the towering mountain of Ben Nevis overlooking the town.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Fort William.
• Distance: 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: The West Highland Rail Line and Fort William.

DAY THREE – The Glenfinnan Viaduct and Portree

Departing Fort William you continue on the second leg of the stunning West Highland line crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (which appears in the Harry potter Movies) with views of the Glenfinnan monument. Arriving in Mallaig, take a ferry ride to the beautiful Isle of Skye. There is no railway network on Skye so take a public bus (private transfers can be arranged if preferred) to the main town of Portree to see the pastel fishing cottages overlooking the tiny harbour with the Cuillin mountain in the distance.

• Accommodation: overnight in Isle of Skye.
• Distance: 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.) to Mallaig – not including crossing to the Isle of Skye.
• Highlights: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Portree and the Isle of Skye.

DAY FOUR – The Isle of Skye and Dunvegan Castle

Today explore the wonderful natural beauty of Skye. You may choose to use local bus services or perhaps take one of the mini-bus tours available from Portree (can be prebooked and included in your tour if required) to the north of the island to see some of her famous natural landmarks along the Trotternish Peninsula such as the “Old Man of Storr”. You could visit Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery or take a boat ride to spot the natural coastal birdlife and sealife.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Isle of Skye.
• Distance: Depending on excursions/ day trips.
• Highlights: Dunvegan Castle.

DAY FIVE – Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

Departing Portree, travel by public bus (or pre-booked transfer) via the Skye Bridge, back to the Scottish mainland. Here you can pick up yet another of Scotland’s stunning train rides taking you through the remote, barren, heather-strewn Highlands between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness. Arriving in Inverness spend the balance of the day shopping in the gift shops, visiting the charming St Andrews Cathedral or exlploring the hill-top Inverness Castle and Museum.

• Accommodation: overnight in Inverness.
• Distance: 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Highland rail journey Lochalsh to Inverness and Inverness Castle.

DAY SIX – Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

From Inverness you may choose to take a public bus ride or book a guided mini bus tour along the shores of Scotland’s most famous Loch, Loch Ness. Visit the Loch Ness visitor centre at Drumnadrochit, take a Nessie hunting cruise on the Loch or simply enjoy a stroll along the banks watching the mist rise off the waters. Not to be missed is the stunning Urquhart Castle set overlooking the Loch.

• Accommodation: overnight in Inverness.
• Distance: Depending on excursions/ day trips.
• Highlights: Loch Ness and/ or Urquhart Castle.

DAY SEVEN – The Grampian Highlands and Aberdeen

Getting back on the rails today you can enjoy further glorious scenery as you traverse the Grampian Highlands through the Speyside region of Scotland to arrive in Aberdeen. Spend the afternoon exploring the “granite city” from the 13th century cobbled square of Castlegate, to the Georgian spires and turrets of Union Street and the granite Marchar Cathedral. Don’t miss the harbour and traditional fish market or a stroll along the promenade with its sweeping sandy bay and views over the wild North Sea.

• Accommodation: overnight in Aberdeen.
• Distance: 2 hours and 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Grampian Highlands and Aberdeen.

DAY EIGHT – Stirling, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument

From Aberdeen return south to the historic town of Stirling which has played a key role in Scottish history throughout the ages. Explore the spectacular Stirling Castle before taking a wander through the cobbled streets of the old town to visit the old town jail or make a short journey to the towering National Wallace Monument.

• Accommodation: overnight in Stirling.
• Distance: 2 hours and 10 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Stirling Town, Stirling Castle and National Wallace Monument.

DAYS NINE AND TEN – Edinburgh City and Edinburgh Castle

A short rail ride and you are back in Edinburgh where you spend the next three days exploring the Scottish capital city, from the twisting alleys of the cobbled old town to the sweeping avenues of the opulent Georgian new town. Possible visits include the queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Scottish Parliament building, a host of museums and the crowning glory at Edinburgh Castle.

• Accommodation: overnight in Edinburgh x 2 nights.
• Distance: 1 hour (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Edinburgh City, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and Palace of Holyrood House.

DAY ELEVEN – Return home

Your tour ends. Make your way to the aiport for your return flight home or onward travel.