Scotland’s West Coast by Rail

Arriving into Edinburgh Airport (or Glasgow Airport), board the train to the thriving city of Glasgow. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and home to modern Scottish culture. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street and the imposing Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. In the leafy West End you can visit the Kelvingrove Park and Museum set around the university quarter or head to the Merchant City to enjoy a host of modern Scottish bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Glasgow

Journey details: 1 hour 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport / 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport (approx.)*

Today enjoy a small-group excursion to for a taste of Scotland’s dramatic Highlands. Meet your driver and group in the heart of Glasgow then head North passing the historic town of Inveraray and its white-washed castle on route to Scotland’s scenic West Coast. Pause in Oban “Gateway-to-the-Isles” for lunch before continuing deep in to Glencoe Valley; one of the most eerily beautiful areas of Scotland and home to a tragic history of clan battles. By afternoon you’ll return South over the barren Rannoch Moor and along the banks of Scotland’s largest Loch, Loch Lomond.

Overnight: Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning 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 coastline, 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 the afternoon walking the harbour overlooking Loch Linhe, visit the Ben Nevis Distillery or the West Highland Museum for a candid history of the region. Alternatively, the brave might choose to take a hike in the foothills of the towering mountain of Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest peak.

Overnight: Fort William

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 4 hours (approx.)*

Departing Fort William, continue your rail journey North on the second leg of the stunning West Highland line. Your journey will take you over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (which features in the Harry Potter Movies) offering panoramic vistas over the Glenfinnan monument and Loch Shiel beyond. Arriving in Mallaig, board the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Here you’ll enjoy a private transfer from Armadale port to the island’s main town of Portree where you can spend the balance of the day wandering this charming port town of pastel fishing cottages overlooking the tiny harbour with the Cuillin mountains in the distance.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 20 minutes to Mallaig followed by 2 hours to Portree (approx.)*

Meet a local guide and join a small-group tour for a journey dedicated to exploring the very best of Skye. Your journey will take you to the farthest reaches of the small island on a journey of discovery of its dramatic natural landscapes; spot sea and bird-life in the chilly Atlantic waters from Neist Point, pass through the enchanting Fairy Glen and tour the Trotternish Peninsula which is home to a host of unique geological features such as “The Old Man of Storr” and Kilt Rock. There’ll be ample photo-stops and the opportunity to take in some of Skye’s cultural highlights including Dunvegan Castle and Talisker Distillery.

Overnight: Portree, Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, you’ll enjoy a private transfer from Portree over Skye Bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh on the Scottish mainland. Here you can board the train and pick up yet another of Scotland’s magnificent rail journeys as you travel the North Highland Line. Your journey takes you over the barren wilderness of the Northern Highlands with views of the Torridon peaks before descending to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Straddling the banks of the river Ness, explore this picturesque Highland town from the cobbled Mercat Cross and St Andrews Cathedral to the hill-top castle and museum.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 50 minutes to Kyle of Lochalsh followed by 2 hour 40 minutes to Inverness (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, make a final rail journey south to taking you through the heart of the Cairngorm National Park with stunning mountain vistas before arriving in 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: 3 hours and 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