Grand Tour of Scotland
- 10 Days
- From £949
- United Kingdom
- The cosmopolitan city of Glasgow to begin your adventure
- West Highland Line to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis
- Glenfinnan Viaduct, as featured in Harry Potter films
- Kyle of Lochalsh Line, and Highland Railway through the glorious mountain scenery
- Edinburgh – Scotland’s stunning capital city
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Travel from your local station in England or Wales
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel from London (we can book your travel from any station in England or Wales – contact one of the team for a tailor made quotation)
- 9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Small-group excursion to Loch Ness from Inverness
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Travel from your local station and make your way north into Scotland, passing the eastern edges of the English Lake District and the rolling hills of southern Scotland. Arrive into Glasgow Central station and check in at the Marriott Glasgow (or similar) for a 2-night stay
You have a full day to explore the fascinating city of Glasgow. Whether you’re interested in whisky tasting, world-class art galleries, the works of the architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or exploring the history of a city famous for its shipyards, music, and shopping, there are plenty of attractions to make you wish you were staying in Glasgow for longer.
This morning, catch the train from Glasgow’s Queen Street, which takes you out of the city and alongside the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. You’ll soon be travelling across moorland and across viaducts on what has regularly been voted amongst the most scenic railway journeys in the world. When you arrive into the mountain resort of Fort William, check in at the Premier Inn Fort William (or similar), your home for the next 2 nights.
Often referred to as the ‘outdoor capital of Scotland’ due to its excellent hill-walking and skiing, Fort William also has plenty to offer less energetic visitors. You can explore the West Highland Museum, enjoy a short cruise on Loch Linne, or visit the local whisky distillery for an explanation of how the flavoursome drink is made – and perhaps sample the local product!
The spectacular West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig includes a crossing of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct whose graceful arches you may have seen in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express steams north. From Mallaig station, head to the port and take a ferry to the famed Isle of Skye. If you have time, why not add a couple of nights here?
A taxi will meet you at Armadale port on Skye and take you to Kyle of Lochalsh where you will pick up the Kyle Line train through the Highlands to Inverness. On arrival into Inverness, make your way to the Mercure Inverness (or similar) and check in for a 2-night stay.
Included today is your chance to go Nessie hunting on a small group tour to Scotland’s most famous lake. You’ll have a guided walk around the Highlands village of Invermoriston, as well as an optional visit to the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the loch and a boat cruise.
Back in Inverness later on this afternoon, there are plenty of attractions to choose from, including a castle and cathedral, a Victorian market, as well as a wide-range of places where you can eat, drink and relax.
Bid your farewells to the UK’s most northerly city today as you travel south through the Grampian mountains, passing through the ski resort of Aviemore as you share the route with the A9 trunk road towards Perth.
As you travel through more sedate farmland of Fife, the excitement builds as you approach the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1889, and arriving at Edinburgh’s Waverley station. From here, it’s a 15 minute walk or short taxi ride to the Ten Hill Place Hotel BW Premier Collection (or similar) where you will have a 3-night stay.
A truly magnificent city, Scotland’s capital has a seemingly endless array of attractions to explore. The majestic castle dominates the skyline, at the top end of the Royal Mile, a street through the famous old town. On one side of the Royal Mile is Cowgate and the Grassmarket with their lively bars and music venues, and at the lower end of the old town you will find the Scottish Parliament building. The new town contains some attractive Georgian architecture and there are plenty of inviting shops on Princes Street to tempt you.
It’s time to leave Edinburgh this morning as you make your way back to Waverley station to take a train south across the border. Look out for some spectacular views on the left hand side of the train as you race alongside the coast around the border with England.
Don’t forget, although this sample itinerary is based from London, we can arrange travel from any UK station to and from Scotland, contact one of the team for details.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
This modern hotel offers large rooms each with luxury bedding, a work desk, and a large flat-screen TV. The hotel is less than a mile from the shops of Buchanan Street and the bars and restaurants surrounding Princes Square. There is also a health and beauty spa offering a range of treatments, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
Only a few minutes’ walk from Fort William railway station, the Premier Inn offers modern, comfortable accommodation with luxurious Hypnos beds, en suites with power shower and free Wi-Fi internet access. There is also an in-house restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner should you prefer to dine in the hotel itself.
The Mercure Inverness is located in the heart of the city, overlooking the River Ness with the train Station within easy walking distance. Each en suite bedroom at Mercure Inverness has a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour room service. Brasserie Restaurant serves modern bistro food, and has views across the river. There is also a friendly bar and a lounge area.
Ten Hill Place, BW Premier Collection is located within easy reach of the Royal Mile and Waverley Station. All bedrooms are equipped with en suite facilities, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access. There is also a restaurant serving a menu of locally sourced produce and a range of beverages including local ales and malt whiskies.
Although pricing here is shown from London, we can arrange travel from any local station in the UK – contact us for more details and a quote.