Welcome to the start of this epic Scotland rail tour! Where better to start than the capital of Scotland? Edinburgh is a stunning city known for its striking hill-top castle and medieval architecture. Arrive at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in the afternoon. This evening, set off on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Head up to the famous Calton Hill and admire the magnificent views of the city and Arthur’s Seat. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the heart of the city.

Today offers a full free day to explore Edinburgh and discover what makes it such a magical destination! If weather allows, take a hike out to Arthur’s seat. Or, visit some of the spots seen on your orientation tour yesterday. There is also a fantastic optional excursion on offer this morning, which showcases the main highlights around Edinburgh and offers an in-depth look into the city. Visit Holyrood Palace, John Knox House, St Giles Cathedral and Grassmarket before enjoying some time to explore Edinburgh Castle. This evening, why not join the Spirit of Scotland optional excursion for an authentic Scottish evening of delicious food, dancing, singing, bagpipes and even a bit of haggis?

Bid farewell to Edinburgh this morning and get ready for your first Scottish train journey of the trip! As the tour travels towards Perthshire on the Highland Main Line, enjoy the views and look out for the famous Forth Bridge while crossing the Firth of Forth. Later, arrive in the Victorian town of Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel. Set off on an orientation tour of this charming town, which was beloved by Queen Victoria and Robert Louis Stevenson. Then, enjoy an included lunch. Then, get a taste of fine Scotch whisky while touring the Blair Athol distillery!

After breakfast, head to the train station for the next stop on this Scottish adventure. En route to Inverness, travel through the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK. Be prepared for spectacular views of mountain passes, hilltops and heathland, and look out for the viaducts at Culloden and Tomatin. Arrive in Inverness and head out on an orientation tour of the city. Inverness means the Mouth of the River Ness and is considered to be the Gateway to the Highlands. See highlights including Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral! This afternoon, choose to visit Brodie Castle in the Scottish Highlands before an included dinner in Inverness tonight.

Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands making it the perfect place for a free day! Its ideal location means that many of the top sights in the Highlands can be easily reached from the city. One of the most iconic locations is, of course, Loch Ness. Home to the beloved Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), this beautiful freshwater loch is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Join the Loch Ness cruise optional excursion today to admire the natural scenery surrounding the loch and try to spot Nessie!

Get ready for two of the most scenic train journeys in all of Scotland in just one day! This morning, travel along the Kyle Line from Inverness to the Isle of Skye and admire the spectacular beauty of the highlands complete with lochs, moors and mountain ranges in the distance. Arrive on the Isle of Skye and embark on a coach driving tour. This region is known for its rugged landscapes, fairytale castles, charming fishing villages and cascading waterfalls. Later, take a ferry to the coastal town of Mallaig. Here, board the famous Jacobite Steam Train towards Fort William. After yet another incredibly scenic train trip, arrive in Fort William and check into tonight’s accommodation.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before departing Fort William and setting off on one final train journey. Take the West Highland Line south to Glasgow. This trip is the highlight of the day, with more fantastic views of the moors, mountains and lochs on the cards. Keep an eye out for Loch Treig, Laidon, Tulla, Lomond, Long and Gare. The route between Tulloch and Rannoch stations is not connected by roads, so the train will pass through true wilderness! Arrive in Glasgow, check into the hotel and then take an orientation walking tour with your tour leader before enjoying a farewell dinner with the group. Reminisce over the last 7 days of memorable rail adventures!

Today marks the end of this Scotland rail tour. Enjoy your last breakfast with the group and, if time allows, enjoy more sightseeing in Glasgow before you continue with your travels. From Glasgow, you can easily return back to Edinburgh, as both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are within easy reach. Be sure to swap contact details with your new travel friends. We hope you enjoyed your scenic train journey through Scotland!