Grand rail tour of Scotland
This grand rail tour of Scotland really does get you to the best and most scenic locations in the country, and does it in the best and most scenic way it can – through a series of spectacular train journeys. Carefully selected guesthouses and hotels break up your journey and keep it relaxing.
Scotland grand rail tour Starting in Glasgow, ending in Edinburgh West Highlands on the West Highland Line Iona and Skye The Kyle Line Inverness Orkney Cairngorms National Park Perthshire
Price
£3265To£3370 excluding flights
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More info
The supplement for a single traveller is £1575, based on single occupancy of double/twin rooms.
There is an option to add on a half day of sailing for an additional £95pp – please let us know if this would be of interest to you.
There is an option to add on a half day of sailing for an additional £95pp – please let us know if this would be of interest to you.
Description of Grand rail tour of Scotland
Take your time and see Scotland in depth, with 15 nights exploring the Highlands and islands. The highlights are nothing short of the best experiences in Scotland: Nessie-spotting at Loch Ness, taking the Jacobite Express, visiting the Isle of Skye and even going all the way over to Orkney. This trip has been thoughtfully designed so that there are lots of two-night stopovers, meaning that you’re not unpacking and packing every day. There are some spectacular rail journeys to be had, including going First Class on the famous Jacobite Express from Fort William to Mallaig, which passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Then there’s the Kyle Line that runs to Inverness via spectacular Highland scenery. The Far North Line takes you across miles and miles of peat bog and salmon-rich rivers. When you’re on the Isles of Mull, Iona, Skye and Orkney, you’ll be joined by expert local guides who can tell you all about life on the islands, past and present. Our long-standing partners have planned every detail of this Grand Rail Tour of Scotland, and offer meticulous assistance and customer service to their guests – so you can sit back and relax.
Map
Price information
£3265To£3370 excluding flights
Convert currency:
The supplement for a single traveller is £1575, based on single occupancy of double/twin rooms.
There is an option to add on a half day of sailing for an additional £95pp – please let us know if this would be of interest to you.
There is an option to add on a half day of sailing for an additional £95pp – please let us know if this would be of interest to you.
Departure information
Can be booked at any time, the best times to travel are between April to the end of October
Travel guides
Rail travel is one of the most magnificent and restful ways you can explore Scotland.
Learn why the best holidays in the Scottish Highlands are those that deliberately slow you down.
Reviews
38 Reviews of Grand rail tour of Scotland
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025 by Janette Stojanovski
I loved the whole trip. It was so organised, the places I visited were all very special and the scenery magnificent. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Oct 2025 by Michele Stewart
I love trains, that’s the highlight…take in the amazing scenery that is Scotland. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Oct 2025 by Mark Muller
We saw a tremendous amount that I don't think I could have organized as much on my own, especially in Skye. The operator was wonderful to deal with. Very pleased. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2025 by Larry Crecelius
We were able to experience the local culture, the beauty of the country and the friendliness of the people.The detail and places we visited created memories we will have forever. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2025 by Steve Gore
Excellent, we have already recommended it to several friends. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2025 by Iain Summers
Excellent - well informed by the information provided by the operator. The support provided during the travel was very prompt and appreciated. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Aug 2025 by Gary Fraser
Excellent. All contacts and arrangements worked well. Accommodations varied a little, but all good and some outstanding. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Jul 2025 by Sharon Tonkin
Too many memorable moments. Loved seeing the Puffins up close on Staffa, and the ancient history on Orkney. Excellent. The arrangements of all the small details was comforting. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Jun 2025 by Martha Herm
We enjoyed the local guest houses and restaurants. The taxi drivers and tour guides were lovely. Outstanding. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jun 2025 by Christopher Croot
We just enjoyed using the train as our means of getting around and basically everything that was organised. Go for it !!Fantastic. Read full reviewReviewed on 10 Jun 2025 by Graham Clark
Have travelled very extensively during my career but never had an external company arrange travel before. I can admit to being sceptical, but my reaction to the trip has been absolutely positive and can anticipate booking a new holidays with you in the future. Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Jun 2025 by Lynne Barkhouse
This was overall a well organized, stellar, quality experience with excellent service and lots of variety. Accommodations were excellent, breakfasts substantial. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2025 by Sandra Senins
Quality top notch, the Old Pines BB in Spean Bridge was outstanding in many ways: spaciousness, FOOD, service. All contact with them was first class customer service. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jun 2025 by Linda Peters
The isles of Iona, Skye and Orkney were beautiful and on Mull we ran into Prince William and Princess Kate which was fun and exciting. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 May 2025 by Angela Bettridge
Spean Bridge was beyond expectations- location, food and proximity to Nevis Range. Boat trip to Staffa and Iona; Private tours of Skye & Orkney with great guides. All accommodation was excellent but special mention to Dalrachney Lodge and Old Pines. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 May 2025 by Angela Bettridge
We were so lucky with the weather which made our overall holiday most enjoyable and made us keen to take advantage of any extra activities and excursions eg wildlife boat from Portree, Blair Castle, gondola to Nevis range and more. All accommodation was excellent but special mention to Dalrachney Lodge and Old Pines. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Oct 2025 by Malcolm Housden
We enjoyed Skye immensely. All in all a very good holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Jul 2025 by Sarah Bledsoe
Trains, ferries and taxis are always fun. Not having to drive a car was great. Hotels were all different and neat Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Nov 2024 by David Christensen
I enjoyed the train rides and the ability to relax and see the beauty of Scotland while someone else was taking care of the driving. All of us agreed that Portree and tour of the Isle of Skye was a highlight. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Oct 2024 by Christine Gamble
Interesting train travel following landscapes, quaint accommodation, meeting new travel companions... Overall very well organised with connections, train tickets and comfortable accommodation. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Oct 2024 by Stuart Nicholls
Right from the start we really gelled with the others, and we became really good friends, so much so that saying goodbye at the end of our trip was really hard... Excellent, very well-organized, very good accommodation, food and service. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Oct 2024 by Christine Josephson
Will be using this company again to plan Ireland tour given that they did such a wonderful job for us on our tour through Scotland. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Oct 2024 by jan seward
Fantastic. We saw so many different and varied locations, such beauty and historic sites. The tour operator is THE best... Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Jul 2024 by Patricia Lumsden
The scenery is beautiful and the excursions were well done. Accommodation was great. Some of the meals provided were gourmet; unexpected and wonderful. … I have travelled with the tour operator before and I’m impressed with their quality. Read full reviewReviewed on 11 Jul 2024 by Donna Lindsay chidlow
VERY GOOD. …comfortable, relaxed and casual. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Jun 2024 by Mary McKay
It was wonderful. For us, we enjoyed the more layback pace of the trip and the fact we had time to ourselves. The local people were friendly and always willing to help. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Jun 2024 by Elsie Perez
5 stars and would use this service again on future travels. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jun 2024 by Paul Krissel
Terrific, the tour operator was there when we had glitches and eased our minds. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Nov 2024 by Gae Ferris
It was all great. I really enjoyed the visit to the Orkney Islands on the ferry to see the standing stones and the neolithic village... Fantastic. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 May 2024 by Sue Henczel
Travelling with long time friends that live a world away from us. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2023 by Jean Elwell
Excellent! Thanks to the people at the tour operator. They arranged everything and answered all of our questions. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 May 2023 by Liz Hobbins
Odd as it may seem, the best parts were when we were further away from people. We loved our hikes in Glen Nevis, Kingussie, and our tramp through the hills and woodlands above Pitlochry. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We are continually increasing and improving our range of public transport holidays for those who actively choose low-carbon transport. We take away the hassle by using our years of expertise with the timetables of boats and trains to ensure guests can access remote areas without the need for a car. We encourage travellers to use more sustainable methods of transport, and seek to reduce carbon emissions in this tour by ensuring that the majority of travel is by train. This holiday has been carefully-curated to allow guests to experience the true beauty and romance that the Scottish highlands and islands have to offer in a slower, eco-conscious manner.We take care to choose local business partners who share our commitment to responsible travel. For instance, the hotel in Spean Bridge which is included as part of this trip is committed to making wonderful home-cooked organic food and using locally-sourced produce.
We are corporate members of the John Muir Trust, an organisation committed to protecting the wild land of the Scottish highlands and islands.
People
For us, true sustainability means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life, where the economic benefit from tourism can make a genuine difference. That’s why we work almost exclusively with local, family-run businesses. We build close and lasting relationships with our business partners, based on mutual trust and an unerring commitment to customer satisfaction. We carefully select these partners to ensure that they share our values and commitment to responsible travel. For instance, the small hotel featured in this holiday on the Isle of Skye is based in the heart of a welcoming Gaelic community and all staff are encouraged to learn the language, no matter what their native tongue is.All of our holiday packs include "Robert's Recommendations", our specific tips on places to visit, places to eat and places to shop locally, all of which have been researched by us, and many of which are off-the-beaten track.
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