SCOTLAND BY TRAIN

From one iconic city to another, we leave Edinburgh via train this morning – don’t worry, we’ll be back for more – for Scotland’s largest town, Glasgow. Bigger, buzzier and imbued with a working spirit, this epic city has become one of the UK’s trendiest travel spots. You’ll take a tour to learn all about the city’s huge industrial heritage, vibrant cultural institutions and two iconic football clubs – Celtic and Rangers. You’ll get a further taste of Scotland at lunch, before heading out to Glengoyne Distillery for a soul-warming whisky tasting session – the ultimate Scottish welcome. Our hotel for the evening is on the spectacularly beautiful west coast, reachable via a stunning drive through the Trossachs National Park.

Today is an epic adventure in itself. After starting the day with a hearty breakfast you will enjoy scenic views on the way to Fort William. Once there we will board the famous Jacobite steam train (also known as Hogwarts Express). Unarguably one of the world’s greatest train journeys, this 42-mile stretch of track takes you past lochs, mountains and over the soaring Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter films, to the small fishing town of Mallaig. Once arrived, enjoy some free time to explore this charming village at your own pace. You will then take a 30-minute ferry ride from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye. After arriving on Skye, transfer to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle for a brief photo stop and continue your journey to Plockton where you will spend the night.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head out to the Misty Isle. Embark on a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline and views of the Isle of Skye and breathtaking views of the famous Loch Coruisk, situated in the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. You will then enjoy a hike around Loch Coruisk, soaking the beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings. It’s then time to continue towards Inverness. Once in the city we’ll head to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery for an expert-led tour of its all-thing-Highlands collection. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace – check out the castle, for city-wide views, and take a walk along the River Ness.

We’re getting back on track today, as we take the train south from Inverness to Aviemore. This small town offers easy access to the ski slopes, glassy lochs and ancient woodland that make up the extraordinary Cairngorms National Park. We’ll spend the rest of the morning and the first half of the afternoon exploring on foot with a guided walk, before we hop back on the train to our final destination: Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel in the capital, you’ll have the evening to yourself.

Today is our last full day, so we’re going out in style with an Insider-led tour of the Royal Mile, leading all the way to Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city from its lofty position on Castle Rock. The views are stupendous, and it’s not hard to see why this imposing fortress – one of the oldest in Europe – has remained standing so long, despite being the most besieged place in Britain. Tour over, you’ll have the rest of the day to see Edinburgh at your own pace – take a stroll in Princes Street Gardens, browse the Edinburgh Farmers Market and dip into the National Museum of Scotland. Just make sure you’re available to meet back up with the rest of the group in the evening for a farewell dinner – where we’ll swap highlights and toast to what we hope has been a rail-y good time!

Enjoy a final breakfast in the Scottish capital before checking out and making your way home, or on to other adventures!