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Edinburgh, the Jacobite & Isle of Skye

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4.2 stars(6 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.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
9 days From $2,592 per person
Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2023 Tour code: MK-EJSR-23

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, by way of scenic roadways and even upon one of the world's most iconic bodies of water, Loch Ness. 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. Anticipation builds as you head back into the Highlands and set sail on Loch Ness with the lore pouring from each stop around the lake. 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 with optional skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. 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. 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 – 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 6 – Loch Ness

Today's adventure 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. Later, learn the true story which inspired "Outlander" at Culloden Battlefield and attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. Overnight Inverness.

*Entrance to Culloden Visitor Center payable locally

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

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 6 reviews

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

JANET KAY SHINN

5 stars

Submitted 2/Jun

We started to plan our own tour and found that this tour was nearly identical to what we were planning. I don't think we would have saved any money doing it ourselves. The hotels were all of good quality and the day tours didn't overlap each other. The local guides did an excellent job. The whole trip went without a glitch.

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CHELSEY DUFOUR

3 stars

Submitted 1/Jun

Most of the time was spent on a bus.

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CHELSEY DUFOUR

3 stars

Submitted 28/May

Not as advertised. The biggest part of all the tours were on a bus, not a train.

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KATHLEEN PATRICIA REZENDES

5 stars

Submitted 17/May

Spend more time in Portree.

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KATHLEEN PATRICIA REZENDES
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KATHLEEN PATRICIA REZENDES

5 stars

Submitted 13/May

We had a great time. I was a little worried about getting place’s on our own , but the trains and cabs were very efficient. The guides were great on the tours. The only thing I would suggest is to give more time in Portree.

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HEATHER REINERT

4 stars

Submitted 22/Apr

Loved our visit to Scotland. It was so nice to have all of our reservations made for us. In retrospect I would have preferred to take a night on Skye rather than the day trip from Inverness- as it was the bus tours were very long and 3 days in a row was too much. I can’t wait to return to Scotland in the future.

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