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Edinburgh, the Jacobite & Isle of Skye

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
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9 days From $3,375 $3,175 per person
4.0 stars(24 reviews)
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Scotland’s most enticing destinations beckon on this in-depth exploration featuring time in Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye and a trip aboard the incredible Jacobite Steam Train.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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2025 Tour code: MK-EJSR-25

About the tour

A land where legends are just as prevalent as natural beauty, Scotland plays host for this journey of a lifetime. Settle in as you explore from south to north aboard a legendary rail line, and by way of scenic roadways through the highlands. Incredible history and stunning neogothic architecture offer a grand introduction to the country as the trip commences in Edinburgh. Grandeur lies around every corner as you explore on foot, soaking in the ambiance forged by Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Old Town. From here, venture into the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and then out to the Isle of Skye, where majestic coastlines and Viking history merge to create a location unlike any other. Our route loops back toward Inverness and then Edinburgh, but the adventures do not end here. One last day trip to the Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews introduces you to yet another facet of the local culture. Ancient castles, medieval cities and landscapes that rival those anywhere else in the world are yours to behold in beautiful Scotland.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer on your own to the Hotel Indigo, your home for the next two nights. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this historic city. Overnight Edinburgh.  

Day 2 – Edinburgh Guided Tour

See the best of Edinburgh on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed pockets. Explore cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, immerse yourself in royal opulence at Edinburgh Castle, and pass iconic locations like St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square, and John Knox House. The remainder of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your own. You may choose to return to Edinburgh Castle (payable locally), home to - amongst other fantastic relics - the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Edinburgh to Inverness

Make your way to Edinburgh's train station to begin your rail journey to Inverness. Your route takes you across the Forth Road Bridge, with sweeping views over the Firth of Forth, into the wild Highlands, and past Cairngorms National Park with its lush forests, mountains, and moorlands. On arrival, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel. Overnight Inverness. 

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – Jacobite Steam Train

Discover the wild Scottish Highlands as you travel around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Today's excursion reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches, and a hidden waterfall - with mountain backdrops never far from sight. Not only will you watch the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will also step aboard and experience it for yourself. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, it was voted one of the world's most scenic railways and is an experience not soon forgotten. Overnight Inverness.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 – Day at leisure in Inverness or choice of exciting excursions

Today you can spend the day at leisure exploring Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands crowned by a stunning castle, or choose from two exciting excursions. The first takes you on a scenic cruise of legendary Loch Ness followed by a visit to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. After lunch in Beauly, you have the chance to take an optional excursion to a Highland whisky distillery (payable locally), where the best way to learn about the 'water of life' is to taste it. Afterwards, journey to the renowned Culloden Battlefield - where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746 - the inspiration for 'Outlander'. Then, attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns.

Alternatively, travel to Aviemore where you will join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a round trip through the stunning sights of Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, which let you marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Snaking alongside the River Spey, enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain, and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks. Following your journey on this scenic railway, return to Inverness and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

*Entrance to Culloden Visitor Center payable locally

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Today's adventure takes you to the magical Isle of Skye. Drive along the world-famous Loch Ness - home of the elusive monster - and onwards through the mountains towards the west coast. Included is a stop at Eilean Donan Castle with time to explore inside.

After crossing the Skye Bridge, learn about the island's myths and legends as well as the real-life tales of rival clans and a fugitive prince. Enjoy lunch in Portree and visit the colorful harbor. Explore the Isle of Skye's stunning coastline, and marvel at the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, and Kilt Rock. Overnight Inverness.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Inverness to Edinburgh

Return to Edinburgh by train today. Scenic highlights of your rail journey include the diverse landscapes of Cairngorms National Park and dreamy views across the Firth of Forth. On arrival, transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - St Andrews Excursion

Set off on a day trip to Scotland's home of golf-the ancient town of St. Andrews-and the fishing villages of the "Kingdom of Fife." As you depart Edinburgh by coach this morning, cross the iconic Forth Bridge and travel through Aberdour to the East Neuk of Fife. Stop in the town of Anstruther, home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum. See the villages of Pittenweem, Crail and St. Monans, once thriving fishing communities which were made prosperous by trade within the continent.

Your day trip continues to the medieval town of St. Andrews in time for lunch. Enjoy free time to stroll around the town, home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as impressive historic buildings and delightful cobbled streets. On the return to Edinburgh, stops include Falkland, Loch Leven and the picturesque village of South Queensferry. Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 – Return Home

Your vacation through the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye concludes after breakfast today.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please Note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, due to availability, the order may differ from that shown above.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

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.

Train

Jacobite Steam Train

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 24 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (11)
  2. 4 stars
    (5)
  3. 3 stars
    (5)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

MANDY COLVIN

5 stars

Submitted 16 Aug 2024

Wonderfully organized and efficient! No stress going between various transportation, hotels, and tours. It made our Scotland trip amazing and unforgettable.

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Mary

5 stars

Submitted 19 May 2024

As usual, Vacations by Rail came through with an amazing trip. They took care of all the details and we just had fun. The scheduled tours were all excellent yet we had some time to explore on our own. It was great!

from Vacations By Rail
We are so glad to hear that you had a great time! We can't wait to help plan your next vacation with you.
1 comment

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Mary
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FREDERICK MICHAEL DEDOLPH

5 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2023

Well organized itinerary - all of the reservations arrangements worked seamlessly. All of the day trips were conducted by very entertaining, professional (and local) guides. The weather cooperated and the scenery was everything we hoped for. All in all, an outstanding introduction to Scotlands highlands.

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MURRAY YOUNG

5 stars

Submitted 01 Sep 2023

Tour was well organized and hit all the highpoints we were looking for.

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Sally Codarmaz

5 stars

Submitted 26 Jun 2023

Everything was organized and perfect. The sites were astonishing.

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DEBRA JOYCE WATERER

5 stars

Submitted 16 Jun 2023

It was very easy to access our rail tickets and the meeting destinations to join excursions were easy to find. The only disappoint we had was not going into Edinburgh castle as part of our Royal Mile walk about.

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