Heart of Scotland by Rail

Arrive into Edinburgh Airport and make your way into the city by public transport. Validate your Scotland rail pass and take the train the short distance to historic Stirling. After exploring the cobbled old town and historic jail, climb to the stunning Stirling Castle which, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. Time-permitting take a public bus or taxi to the nearby Wallace Monument tower erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero "Braveheart" William Wallace and offering stunning panoramic views of the town, countryside and the infamous battlefield of Bannockburn.

Overnight: Stirling

Journey details: 1 hour from Edinburgh Airport (approx.)*

Board the train and head north for a journey into the heart of Scotland to the traditional Victorian resort town of Pitlochry set on the banks of the river Tummel. Discovery the charming highland culture as you wander the town bustling with cafes and boutiques – perhaps tour the Blair Atholl Distillery and visitor centre to learn about Scotland’s famous “Water of Life” or stroll to the river dam to spot salmon in the waters. Time permitting you may hop on board the train for the ten minute journey north to visit Blair Castle which dates back to the 13th century and is the ancestral home of Clan Murray.

Overnight: Pitlochry

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)*

Today, ride the rails northwards on a spectacular rail journey through the heart of the Cairngorm National Park with panoramic mountain vistas before descending to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. This charming highland city straddles the banks of the river Ness offering tranquil riverside walks or the opportunity to explore the old town home to the cobbled Mercat Cross, the 18th century Old High Church and St Andrews Cathedral. Discover the highland shopping, the Victorian market hall bustling with craft stalls or the hill-top castle and museum offering art and historic exhibitions.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)*

Meet a local guide and join a small-group tour dedicated to exploring the Highlands and the scenic area surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness. Your journey will take you along the dramatic shores of the loch with an opportunity for a boat rip on the chilly waters and a stop at the iconic Urquhart Castle perched on the loch-side. There’ll be stops at various points of interest including the Highland towns of Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus and the picturesque Falls of Foyers.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning your rail ride takes you East through another of Scotland's scenic routes as you traverse the Grampian Highlands and Speyside region of Scotland to arrive in Aberdeen, the "Granite City". Spend the afternoon exploring this affluent maritime 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 a visit to the harbour and traditional fish market or a stroll along the promenade with its sweeping sandy bay and views over the wild North Sea.

Overnight: Aberdeen

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours 20 minutes (approx.)*

Today meet a local guide and join a small-group tour taking you in to Scotland’s Eastern Highlands. Your journey will take you South to the dramatic ruins of Dunottar Castle perched overlooking the North Sea before heading inland deep into the Cairngorms National Park. Following a lunch stop in the Highland town of Braemar you’ll return East to Aberdeen through the scenic Royal Deeside region taking in various point of natural beauty such as the dramatic Muir of Dinnet and the Falls of Feugh. On selected days an alternative tour to Speyside Whisky region is available.

Overnight: Aberdeen

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning, make a final rail journey south along the Aberdeenshire coastline before turning inland and crossing the Firth of Forth into Edinburgh the capital city of Scotland. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town. Stroll past the gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy a spot shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland’s national museums and galleries or discover “Royal” Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queens Edinburgh residence, or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks, the official Royal yacht for over forty years. You may choose to visit the seat of Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, climb Arthur’s Seat for amazing cityscape vistas or simply soak up the Edinburgh’s excellent pub scene.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Today bid farewell to Scotland as you return to Edinburgh Airport for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included