Scotland by train / 13 days

Programme

Day 1: Arrival in Glasgow

Individual arrival in Glasgow (or Edinburgh). After you have settled into your accommodation in the centre of Glasgow, we recommend you hop on a sightseeing bus, the perfect way to discover the city. Highlights are Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow University and the revitalised docks on the river Clyde. Finish your first day in Scotland with an ale or whisky in one of the numerous cosy pubs and bars. Accommodation: Glasgow

Day 2: Glasgow to the West Coast

Spend the morning exploring Glasgow before starting your train adventure with a scenic journey along Loch Lomond and into the Western Highlands. You will pass castle ruins, mountains and sea lochs before reaching Oban, a pretty seaside town and harbour on the west coast. Accommodation: Oban

Day 3: Oban and the islands Mull & Iona

Take a walk along the harbour and up to the Scottish ´Colosseum` with spectacular views over Oban bay and the island off the west coast. The town, also known as the `gateway to the isles`, offers day trips to the Isles of Mull and Iona as well as boat trips to the Isle of Staffa with its impressive basalt columns and its teaming wildlife. If you`re in luck, you might spot dolphins and whales and the charming puffins, on your way. Alternatively, spend the day in Oban and perhaps visit Oban Distillery. Accommodation: Oban

Day 4: The West Highland Line to Fort William

One of the highlights of the trip is the journey on the West Highland Line, which delves deep into one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. The Moor of Rannoch is a vast expanse of boggy moorland, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops and makes for beautiful panoramas. You will reach Fort William, the hiking capital of Scotland, right at the foot of Great Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis. Accommodation: Fort William

Day 5: The `Iron Road to the Isles` by steam train

Considered by many as the most scenic rail journey in the world, you carry on to Mallaig, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which played a starring role in the Harry Potter films with the Hogwarts Express chuffing across it. The `Iron Road to the Isles`, will captivate you with its rugged landscape, wild lochs, jagged fjords and breath-taking views over the islands off the west coast. Accommodation: Mallaig

Day 6: Mallaig and the Sound of Sleat

In the morning you will cross over to the famous Isle of Skye, its mountainous interior often draped in mist and clouds! Visit Armadale Castle, , former home of Clan MacDonald and admire the colourful gardens before taking the bus to Portree, the largest town and capital of Skye. Take a walk around the town and relax in one of its many cafés. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 7: The Isle of Skye

The Cuillin mountain range, picturesque fishing villages, waterfalls and thatched cottages – every view is a great view! The basalt columns of the famous Kilt Rock sea cliff resemble a kilt, here the Mealt Waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. Visit the truly spectacular Quiraing Massive, with its distinctive landscape an icon of Scotland. The landslip on the north eastern side of the Trotternish Ridge is still moving today. Rock formations like The Needle, The Table and The Prison in ever-changing lightin conditions provide superb motives to be captured with your camera. In the afternoon step back in time at the “Museum of Island Life” in the north of the island. Here, traditional thatched blackhouses have been restored and offer visitors a unique experience and a true insight into island life 100 years ago. Accommodation: Portree/Isle of Skye

Day 8: North West Highlands

The day begins with a leisurely journey by bus, which takes you over the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh. From here it’s back to the railroads. The journey from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness boasts plenty of sights, as it hugs the beautiful coastline and passes through the massive mountain ranges of the Northern Highlands. On arrival in Inverness you might want to familiarise yourself by taking a stroll through this lively city and along the river Ness. Accommodation: Inverness

Day 9: Inverness and Loch Ness

The capital of the Highlands is a tourist destination most famed for its proximity to Loch Ness. The city on the banks of the river Ness is one of the fastest growing cities in Western Europe, centre of the local folk music scene and packed with lively pubs, shops and restaurants. Visit Urquhart Castle, the famous ruin on the shores of Loch Ness, or take a boat trip on the loch. Perhaps you even spot Nessie! Accommodation: Inverness

Day 10: The Cairngorm National Park

Today’s journey takes you through the heather-covered plateaus of the Cairngorms National Park. The largest national park in the United Kingdom boasts a spectacular landscape and provides a unique habitat, home to many rare plants and animals. The Pass of Drumochter is a main mountain pass in the Central Scottish Highlands and the only gap suitable for road traffic for almost 70 miles. You will pass Dalwhinnie, where Scotland’s highest distillery is situated, before reaching the quaint Victorian town of Pitlochry, to this day a popular tourist resort. Accommodation: Pitlochry

Day 11: Pitlochry and the Central Highlands

Today you can visit Edradour Whisky Distillery, one of the smallest and most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. Immerse yourself in the secrets of „aqua vitae“, from the making to maturation techniques, followed by a dram full of character and flavours. In the neighbouring town resides the radiant Blair Castle, its history dating back to the 13th century. Take a walk through Killiecrankie, a magnificent wooded river gorge where one of the goriest battles in Jacobite history took place. Accommodation: Pitlochry

Day 12: The capital Edinburgh

The train takes you through beautiful Perthshire to Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland is said to be built on seven hills, an allusion to the seven hills of Rome. Take a walk through the Old and New Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), discover Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the view over town from Carlton Hill. In the evening fantastic restaurants and cosy pubs invite you to linger and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you’re brave enough you can join one of the many ghost tours through to discover Edinburgh’s dark past. Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 13: Departure 

Today you have to say goodbye to a wonderful, welcoming country. Take a last stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, buy a few last souvenirs or visit one of the many galleries and museums before starting your journey home.

Services

Tour includes

• 12 overnight stays in 3*-4* en-suite accommodation
• Scottish breakfast
• all train journeys as per programme
• ferry to Skye
• local bus on Skye
• city tours Glasgow & Edinburgh
• Jacobite steam train
• comprehensive info-pack
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• airport transfer
• luggage transfer
• lunch and dinner
• admissions

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in B&B accommodation (+ £41 pp single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in hotel accommodation (+ £61 pp single supplement)

Additional Information

Duration: 13 days
Participants: 1-8 pax
Starts: Glasgow (transfer from Edinburgh possible)
Finishes: Edinburgh (transfer to Glasgow possible)

We endeavour to book all accommodation within walking distance (no more than 10 minutes) of the train station. If this is not possible, for whatever reason, we will inform you and discuss further options and suitable alternatives. We will also make sure that train departures fit the overall itinerary and that all interchanges are coordinated to make for a smooth and relaxed experience. 

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

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