Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Scenic Rail

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Scotland is one of the friendliest places you can visit, and that spirit has a wonderful way of carrying over to the group.

On this small group journey, the scenic train rides through the Highlands are part of the fun — a chance to relax, talk, laugh, and enjoy the views together. In the evenings, travelers often find themselves heading out to a local pub for Scottish music, good conversation, and the warm atmosphere that makes Scotland so memorable.

This is Scotland at a comfortable pace, with beautiful scenery, rich history, and the kind of friendly group experience that makes travel even more rewarding.

It’s not just the places you go. It’s the people you meet along the way.

• Travel in a small group of just 12–16 travelers for a more personal and relaxed experience.
• Spend time in both Inverness and Edinburgh, giving you the perfect balance of the Scottish Highlands and Scotland’s historic capital.
• Ride two scenic rail journeys through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.
• Visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, set along one of Scotland’s most legendary lochs.
• Explore Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns, two of the Highlands’ most fascinating historic sites.
• Travel to Dunrobin Castle and enjoy its spectacular setting in the northern Highlands.
• Experience the Isle of Skye, known for rugged scenery, mountains, coastal views, and unforgettable landscapes.
• Visit St. Andrews, famous for its medieval streets, university, cathedral ruins, and legendary golf heritage.
• Enjoy time in Edinburgh, including its historic Old Town and many of the city’s most important attractions.
• Stay longer in each destination, with fewer hotel changes and built-in free time to explore on your own.

Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

Begin your Scotland small group tour in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Staying several nights in one hotel gives you time to enjoy the region without constantly packing, unpacking, and changing hotels.

Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Culloden

Travel through the Highlands to legendary Loch Ness and visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking the water. Continue to Culloden Battlefield, site of the final Jacobite uprising, and explore the ancient Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s best-preserved prehistoric sites.

Dunrobin Castle and the Northern Highlands

Journey north through spectacular Highland scenery to Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive historic estates. Explore the castle and grounds and enjoy its beautiful setting overlooking the North Sea.

Isle of Skye by Scenic Rail

Experience one of the most memorable journeys of the tour as you travel by scenic rail toward the Isle of Skye. The route passes through mountains, lochs, and remote Highland landscapes, making the journey itself one of the highlights of the day.

St. Andrews

Visit historic St. Andrews, known for its medieval streets, ancient university, cathedral ruins, and legendary golf heritage. Enjoy time to explore this fascinating Scottish town and its remarkable history.

The Scottish Borders, Abbotsford and Rosslyn Chapel

Travel into the beautiful Scottish Borders to visit Abbotsford, the remarkable home of legendary Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Continue to mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its extraordinary stone carvings and known around the world for its role in The Da Vinci Code.

Edinburgh

Finish the tour in Edinburgh, Scotland’s magnificent capital. Discover the historic Old Town, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle, while also enjoying free time to explore the city’s museums, shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods at your own pace.

Travel with confidence on this small group Scotland tour, limited to just 12 to 16 travelers for a friendly, comfortable, and well-organized experience. Our small group format allows us to move efficiently, enjoy Scotland at a relaxed pace, and create a welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers, couples, and friends. Many departures include a strong number of solo women travelers, making this an especially appealing choice for independent travelers who want both community and comfort.

This thoughtfully planned Scotland itinerary includes two spectacular scenic rail journeys, professionally guided sightseeing, and ample free time to explore on your own. We work with professional, licensed guides and carefully design each day to balance major highlights with time to enjoy the destination without feeling rushed.

Just as important, travelers receive personal service before and during the tour. We help with air itinerary guidance, packing advice, money matters, passports, and practical trip preparation so you know exactly what to expect. When you travel with Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, you are never on your own. Call us at 413.528.2125 or email us anytime with questions.

• 5 nights in Inverness at the 4-star Inverness Palace & Spa
• 4 nights in Edinburgh at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel
• Daily full breakfast included

Free Time

This thoughtfully designed Scotland itinerary includes plenty of free time for shopping, pubs, music, museums, gardens, and independent exploring. We believe the best tours combine expert planning with the freedom to enjoy Scotland at your own pace.

Transportation & Special Inclusions

Scenic train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh, including hotel transfers VIP admission to Edinburgh Castle Hop-On, Hop-Off sightseeing bus in Edinburgh

Guided Tours & Experiences

Professionally guided walking tours of Inverness, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle visit, and Culloden Battlefield excursion, including guide, admission, and transportation Dunrobin Castle excursion with falconry demonstration Glenmorangie Whisky Experience distillery visit and tour, including transportation and admission Isle of Skye full-day tour with professional guide, scenic train journey, picnic lunch, and transportation St. Andrews excursion with professional guide and transportation Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel excursion, including admission, transportation, and on-site guides

This tour is designed for active and mobile travelers who are comfortable walking and being on their feet for extended periods.

Travelers should be prepared for walking tours of approximately 2–2½ hours, as well as walking on cobblestones, uneven pavement, gravel paths, hills, and occasional stairs. Edinburgh in particular has hilly streets and uneven surfaces, while castles, historic sites, and Highland attractions may involve additional walking.

The tour also includes scenic rail journeys, so travelers must be able to board and exit trains, walk through stations, and manage their own luggage when necessary.

This tour is not suitable for travelers who require a wheelchair or have severely limited mobility. A reasonable level of balance, stamina, and mobility is important to comfortably enjoy the itinerary.

• July 2026
• August 2022
• September 2022