Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Scenic Rail is one of our most popular small group tours.
Inverness and Edinburgh: Stay at top hotels, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. The 4-star Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, situated in the center of Inverness along the River Ness is our Highlands home. Bountiful breakfast included each day. Professional guided walking tours in each city. In Edinburgh, VIP admission included Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Royal Yacht Britannia and all major attractions. Get around the city with a Royal Edinburgh Hop-On Hop Off bus pass, included with the trip.
Highland Day Trips: Inverness is the perfect launching pad to the visit the Highlands. See "Nessie" on our Loch Ness cruise on the way to Urquhart Castle. Finish the day at Culloden Battlefield where the Jacobite defeat changed Scottish history in an instant. What an exciting adventure it is to spend the day to travel to Skye. Arrive by perhaps the most scenic train journey in Europe, then our driver and guide greets us there to go to the amazingly beautiful places in Skye where the big busses simply cannot get to. Then, what would a trip to Scotland be without going to Dunrobin Castle with beautiful gardens and a thrilling falconry exhibition? On the way back to Inverness, nothing is better than stopping at Glenmorangie Distillery for a tour and a wee dram. And for Outlander fans, we have more than one special surprise for you.
Edinburgh Day Trips: There is plenty of see and do in short distance of Edinburgh. You will love visiting St. Andrews. Yes it is the home of golf but it is much more than that. Explore the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and walk the grounds and buildings of it's prestigious university. Our guide explains the history, brings you into the majestic buildings, and tells the iconic stories. Spend another day out in the countryside to visit Abbotsford, the home and gardens of Sir Walter Scott. After lunch, we have an appointment at mystical Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame.
Two Spectiacular Rail Journeys: Ride the rails from Inverness to Kyle of Localsh on the way to the Isle of Skye. This is one of the most impressive train rides in all of Europe. Travel by rail from Inverness to Edinburgh passing by picturesque mountains, fast moving rivers, and spectacular scenery.
Free Time: There is shopping, music, biking, pubs, parks, theater, museums, gardens, hikes, and all sorts of activities to enjoy and we give you the time to do it.