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Edinburgh, Glencoe & Isle of Skye

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Small Group

Heritage and tradition surround you as you experience the charms of Scotland aboard iconic trains, such as the Caledonian Sleeper, the West Highland Line and the Jacobite Steam Train.

You are viewing the 2022 itinerary. Select your departure year
20222023
9 days From $2,495 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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2022 Tour code: GR-SKSA-22

About the tour

From journeys on the  West Highland Line and discovering previously hidden streets in Edinburgh, to exploring the history of some of Scotland's famous clans, the heritage of Scotland is fascinating. On a small group tour, you have the benefit of enjoying more exclusive entrances and special experiences such as the fantastic Mary King's Close and Armadale Castle, both of which are closed off to larger groups.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – The Caledonian Sleeper Train to Edinburgh

Arrive in London today, and transfer to London Euston train station to meet your Tour Manager. Together with your fellow travelers, board the  Caledonian Sleeper Train for an overnight journey to Edinburgh. Settle into your onboard accommodations, and enjoy the passing scenes as the big city lights fade into the distance. Overnight train.

Day 2 - Arrive in Edinburgh

Awake to the beauty of Scotland as the train approaches Edinburgh. Upon arrival this morning, take the day at leisure to get acquainted with the immense history and culture of the city. You may wish to explore medieval Old Town or to meander through the Georgian buildings of New Town. The National Museum of Scotland is filled with amazing exhibits, and the Scottish National Gallery houses a fine collection of Scottish artwork. Edinburgh Castle, the crowning jewel of the city, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse offer a step back in time through their tours. This evening, we reconvene at the hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Historic Edinburgh

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then take the morning at leisure to continue your explorations of Edinburgh. Princes Street is a place to explore the city's retail offerings - yet is also a hub for history and natural beauty. Peruse the shops, or wander through the lush surroundings of the Princes Street Gardens. Alternatively, you may wish to hike up to Arthur's Seat. This stunning area boasts panoramic views of the city, as well as ancient structures - one of which dates back to 600 A.D.

This afternoon, we head into Edinburgh's underground with a guided tour at the Real Mary King's Close. The birthplace of legends and lore and notoriously one of Scotland's most haunted destinations, this network of underground streets, passageways and homes date back to the 1600s. In fact, the Close is the only preserved 17th-century street in all of Edinburgh. Mary King's Close had been closed to the public since the 18th century and has only been recently opened for tours. Back on the surface, you are at leisure to discover Edinburgh by night; why not take a stroll up the lively Royal Mile, which is right above Mary King's Close? Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - The West Highland Line

Find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the Scottish countryside as we travel inland by train to Glasgow today. Hills and moorlands dot the tracks as we make the hour-long journey. In Glasgow, we board the iconic  West Highland Line bound for Fort William. This award-winning rail journey is regularly voted as one of the most scenic in the world and presents the unique splendor of the Scottish Highlands effortlessly. We pass through horseshoe curves and across lovely bridges; the train navigates past lochs and moors and stops at charming, remote train stations. Mountain views enhance the picture-perfect panoramas. Traveling at a leisurely pace, the train covers nearly 125 miles in just under 4 hours. As we arrive in Fort William, we are transferred to our hotel in Roybridge. Dinner is served at the hotel and following, we enjoy a Scotch whiskey tasting experience, complete with information about the production of this beloved drink. Overnight Roybridge. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - The Clansman Centre at Loch Ness

Today, we visit the Clansman Centre on the shores of Loch Ness to learn about life in the Highlands over the centuries, enjoying the chance to try on the traditional Scottish dress of the region - Feilidh Mhor and Arisaid - and hear about the history of the local clans. Stepping back in time to the 17th century, the past is brought to life with recreations of a Highland turf house, an old school room and a variety of interactive exhibits. We then take a scenic drive to the Glen Ord Distillery where we get a taste of Scotland with a a tour and whisky tasting. Overnight Roybridge. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Isle of Skye & Armadale Castle

Savor a hearty Scottish breakfast at the hotel this morning ahead of our journey to the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge. During our route, we make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle for a photo opportunity and to explore the visitor's center, which includes a coffee shop, information about the castle and gifts from the Clan Macrae Society. Back on the road, our route continues to the Isle of Skye, where we visit Armadale Castle. Home to the Clan Donald, the Armadale Castle was built in the 18th and 19th centuries; however, it fell to ruin in 1925. What remains is exquisite, with its ivy-draped walls and ruined stone walls. Beautiful gardens and wooded trails surround the castle grounds. In addition to exploring the ruins, we also enjoy afternoon tea at the castle.

A ferry takes us back to the mainland, and as we dock in Mallaig, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Glencoe. Overnight Glencoe. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - The Jacobite Steam Train*

Another of one Scotland's legendary railway journeys lies ahead as we travel by coach to Fort William this morning and board the Jacobite Steam Train. One of the United Kingdom's most famous steam trains and arguably one of the best rail journeys in the world, this train follows an 84-mile round-trip route through the magnificent Highlands to Mallaig. The journey is one of extremes, featuring Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain; Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain and the deepest saltwater loch in all of Europe, Loch Nevis. One other particular highlight of the journey is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an enormous 21-spanned concrete structure that was featured in the "Harry Potter" movies.

On arrival in Mallaig, enjoy some free time for lunch and to take in the charming atmosphere of this port town. The return train ride to Fort William features just as much grandeur. Our coach takes us back to Glencoe upon arrival, and we enjoy one final dinner in Scotland. Overnight Glencoe.

*Please note on some departures this journey may be operated by schedule Scotrail service

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Loch Linnhe and the Caledonian Sleeper Train

Our day begins with some time at the Glencoe visitor center ahead of a visit to the West Highland Museum, which tells the story of the West Highlands and Islands via archaeological finds and treasured heirlooms. We continue in the afternoon with a scenic cruise on Loch Linnhe, during which we hope to see salmon farms and mussel beds as well as seals basking on the rocks and plenty of birds. If the weather's clear, we should even be able to spot the summit of Ben Nevis. We enjoy dinner together before joining the overnight Caledonian Sleeper Train to London.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Glencoe and return to London

Breakfast is served aboard the train this morning ahead of our arrival at London Euston train station. As you disembark the train, your Scottish adventure comes to a close.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh

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Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

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Glenspean Lodge Hotel

Glenspean Lodge Hotel, Roybridge

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Trains

Caledonian Sleeper
Jacobite Steam Train
West Highland Line

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