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A Scottish Christmas

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Spend Christmas with the Scots, ringing in the holiday in Inverness and enjoying Boxing Day at Loch Ness - with plenty of other destinations along the way.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
7 days From $2,195 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2023 Tour code: GR-SHXA-24

About the tour

Scotland plays host for Christmas on this holiday rail tour. The festive journey follows a round-trip route that begins in Edinburgh and travels through beloved destinations such as Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness and Loch Ness. Traveling by Scotrail,  the Kyle Line  and coach, we enjoy views of the picturesque Cairngorms Mountains and Eilean Donan Castle. Christmas is spent toasting to family, friends and good fortune in Inverness, and for Boxing Day, we embark on an excursion to Loch Ness. As the tour returns to Edinburgh, bid farewell to Scotland by sightseeing through the city and enjoying the sites illuminated in twinkling lights. Celebrate this season with traditions both old and new.

Your vacation start or end can be tailored to meet your travel needs.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh today, and transfer to your centrally located hotel to meet your Tour Manager. Many of the city's attractions, restaurants and shops are at your fingertips during your afternoon at leisure. This evening, join the group for a welcome dinner. Overnight Edinburgh. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Through the Cairngorms to Inverness

Begin the day with a scenic rail excursion across the iconic Forth Bridge and through the dramatic scenery of the Scottish countryside to Inverness. Along the way, we enjoy vistas of the mighty Cairngorms mountain range and surrounding protected parklands. Additionally, we pass through the charming towns of Kingussie, Pitlochry and Aviemore before arriving in Inverness and checking into our hotel, Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. A drinks reception with traditional live entertainment concludes the evening. Overnight Inverness. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Christmas Eve along the famous Kyle Line

What better way to spend Christmas Eve than aboard the exceptional  Kyle Line, a quintessential Scottish railway that treks alongside misty lochs and looming mountains. As we arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh, we visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century marvel in the heart of the Highlands. This iconic building is located on a private island and offers breathtaking views. Back at our hotel, we enjoy a Christmas reception, complete with festive sherry drinks and live entertainment. Overnight Inverness. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Christmas Day in Inverness

Merry Christmas! Our morning begins with a full Scottish breakfast accompanied by Buck's Fizz. After, the morning is yours to relax, spend time with friends and family or to stroll the banks of the River Ness. A sumptuous Christmas lunch is served at the hotel, and later, you can toast the King's speech and enjoy afternoon tea. This evening is filled with holiday cheer, as you dine on a festive buffet dinner, listen to live Scottish music and enjoy traditional dancing. Overnight Inverness.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Boxing Day excursion to Loch Ness

Boxing Day's excursion takes us along the stunning shores of Loch Ness by coach. We make our way to the acclaimed Loch Ness Exhibition Center, where the history and geology of the region are brought to life through seven fascinating themed areas. There is even an exhibition dedicated to the lore of Nessie herself. Back in Inverness, we enjoy a scrumptious dinner together at the hotel and an evening of entertainment. Overnight Inverness.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Return to Edinburgh

We travel to Edinburgh today in Standard Class aboard  Scotrail.  The journey again takes us through the beauty of the Cairngorms en route to the city. Upon arrival, we check-in and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to discover the city. Perhaps take an open-top bus tour past Edinburgh's major attractions, or visit some of the world-class art galleries and museums. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town and the award-winning modern architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. Of course, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the famous castle. Later, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Edinburgh.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Tour Conclusion

Following one last hearty Scottish breakfast, your festive adventure through Scotland concludes. 

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Prices are land-only, per person based on double-occupancy. Hotels & Accommodations are subject to change based on availability. Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above. Itinerary and accommodations may vary for 2023 departures, please speak with a rail specialist for details.

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.

Hotel

Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

View hotel

Trains

The Kyle Line
London North Eastern Railway
Scotrail

Reviews

1.5 stars1.5 / 5 · 2 reviews

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

BLUNT, HARRY

2 stars

Submitted 9/Jan

Hotels and meals were fine. Needed more activities outside the hotel.

Collected by Trustpilot

Stephanie Lester

1 stars

Submitted 4/Jan

This was a profoundly disappointing experience. I have so many concerns and issues that there is not space here for me to review them all with you. There was a failure on Great Rails part to notify us of the ongoing strikes to the rail service and the NHS in Great Britain. We were shoved on over-capacity commuter trains and forced to stand for hours. The hotel experience in Inverness was not something created unique for us but a standing offer from Best Western. The tour guide was disorganized and incapable of “guiding” the tour. And so much more… There was no part of this tour that I could not have organized and organized better.

Collected by Trustpilot

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