Scotland by railway vacation

Our bestselling tour of Scotland uses expert local knowledge to let you ditch the car in favour of ferries and world-famous trains. Rail tracks take you where the roads cannot, gifting views of absolute wilderness from your cabin window.
West Highland Line Isle of Skye Train from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness Pitlochry The Pass of Killiecrankie gorge Edinburgh
Price
£1395To£1525 excluding flights
Duration
8 Days
Type
Tailor made
Reviews
More info
Price (per person) based on 2 adults sharing a room for 7 nights in our hand-picked selection of small 3 & 4 star hotels.
Dinner included for your final night.
Other nights include breakfast.
Vacation includes rail, ferry and taxi travel as described.
Make enquiry

Description of Scotland by railway vacation

Map

Price information

£1395To£1525 excluding flights
Price (per person) based on 2 adults sharing a room for 7 nights in our hand-picked selection of small 3 & 4 star hotels.
Dinner included for your final night.
Other nights include breakfast.
Vacation includes rail, ferry and taxi travel as described.
Make enquiry

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made from April to the end of October.

Travel guides

Scotland railway
Train is, without a doubt, the best way to explore Scotland. Relaxed, and wonderfully scenic as it takes you through landscapes unscarred by roads, ra...
Scottish Highlands
There’s an incredible sense of space in the Scottish Highlands, whether you’re cruising across a misty loch, pausing for breath on a snowy Cairngorms ...

Vacation information

Our top tip:
Summer is lovely for this trip, but don’t overlook the magnificent seasonal changes of autumn. With roaring fires and hot toddies to boot.
Trip type:
Tailor made.
Solos:
Solo travelers welcome. Surcharge for single room.
Accomm:
Small 3 and 4 star hotels.
Included:
1 night, dinner, b&b, rail and ferry fares, taxis as necessary, first class ticket on Jacobite Express.
Dietary requirements:
We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Reviews

94 Reviews of Scotland by railway vacation

4.5 out of 5 stars
SHOW
59
35
0
0
0

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2023 by

I loved it and now that I'm home, I'm wishing I were still there. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jul 2023 by

Excellent - surpassed expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2023 by

I was very pleased. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 May 2023 by

Excellent! Would do this trip again! Read full review

Reviewed on 25 May 2023 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the Jacobine train. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 May 2023 by

The accommodation was excellent, all the trains and transfers were on time and well organised. Hosts and drivers were thoughtful and friendly. The meal at Spean Bridge was excellent! We also enjoyed the tour of the Isle of Skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2022 by

Wonderful. Had great support all along the way. Great suggestions of things to do and see. Read full review

Reviewed on 19 May 2022 by

Excellent, but the cold, windy and grey weather took the shine off it Read full review

Reviewed on 04 May 2022 by

Fabulous...The journey from Glasgow to Spean Bridge was so scenic and although long, the time just passed. The Old Pines was lovely and the evening meal exceptional. Fort William to Mallaig on the Jacobite steam train was another beautiful journey... Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2022 by

Our time on Isle of Mull was wonderful. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Oct 2022 by

It was a very interesting experience. The trains worked very well and we would definitely use this mode of transport again for a vacation Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2021 by

For us this has been a unique experience. We travelled up on the Caledonian sleeper and had some relaxing train journeys through beautiful countryside. Our first vacation in the UK for many years and very rewarding. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2021 by

Isle of Skye. Part of that was luck as we did a tour with an amazing guide with a good group. And we had a fascinating cab driver for a long ride. Other good parts but that was the most fun. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2021 by

All of it was really lovely and the scenery was breathtaking Read full review

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2021 by

The spectacular rail journeys. The two wonderful hotels on Skye and at Spean Bridge. The Skye tour. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2021 by

Very good - a good introduction to the Highlands of Scotland. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the Isle of skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Oct 2019 by

Worth every penny. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Oct 2019 by

All the train journeys were memorable but the favorite was the trip from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh - weather was beautiful and scenery stunning. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2019 by

It was all great but the Isle of Skye was memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019 by

We enjoyed scenic Isle of Skye and our ride on the Jacobite train. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019 by

The most exciting part of the trip was the sunset at Ben Nevis. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2019 by

We took a long walk through the farmland and were gifted with a picture perfect rainbow hovering over the coastal lighthouse. Every detail went smoothly. Read full review

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2019 by

Travel by train was excellent Best way to see the environment and better for the environment Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2019 by

Every day was filled with incredible scenery. Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Sep 2019 by

Excellent! Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the Isle of Skye day tour Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the sunrise over the hills above Loch Carron from our bedroom window Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Sep 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was the people of Scotland. They are wonderful! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Sep 2019 by

Great way to see the Highlands. Very efficiently planned tour. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2019 by

The scenery & meeting the people in the B & B's were the highlight of the vacation. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Aug 2019 by

We enjoyed the whole train experience, Skye was the most interesting and not to miss. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Aug 2019 by

The steam train journey travel was the most memorable part of the trip. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Jul 2019 by

The most memorable part of the vacation was experiencing the beauty of Scotland. Every destination was different and offered different sites, points of interest. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2019 by

We had a driver for a day in Perthshire who showed us so much and told us so much about the area. We just loved it. Read full review

Reviewed on 09 Jun 2019 by

The Jacobite steam train was memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Jun 2019 by

The Isle of Skye was the most memorable part of our vacation. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jun 2019 by

Seeing a lot of different areas in Scotland was exciting. We enjoyed the history of the country from Edinburgh to Culloden battlefield. The places were clean and the people friendly. Read full review

Reviewed on 30 May 2019 by

The whole tour was great, very well organized. We really enjoyed going around the Isle of Skye. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 May 2019 by

The beautiful scenery and the friendly and interesting people we met were the most memorable parts of our vacation. Read full review

Reviewed on 11 May 2019 by

Touring the Isle of Skye with Roddy MacDonald was memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Oct 2019 by

4**** Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Oct 2019 by

Overall we enjoyed the highlands as they are spectacular in their beauty. Read full review

Reviewed on 06 Aug 2019 by

Rannoch Moor, Staffa was the most memorable part of the vacation. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2019 by

The most exciting part of the vacation was visiting Isle of Skye Read full review

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2019 by

The Isle of Skye with its variety of scenery was the most memorable. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Nov 2018 by

All the small, locally owned hotels were great, the people were friendly and helpful. Also, we met so many interesting and nice people on the trains... It was exceptional. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2018 by

Excellent in terms of enjoyability and overall organisation of the package Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2018 by

(We loved)… Being able to enjoy the views from the train without having to drive! Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Sep 2018 by

I had a splendid time, and though I might do a few things differently next time around, overall, it was a huge success. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2018 by

It was wonderful. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Jul 2018 by

Very special Read full review

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2018 by

Half day tour of Skye with Gordon McIntyre from Kyles Taxis was most memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2018 by

One of my the best vacation experiences we have had. As independent travelers we enjoyed having organised transport and accommodation but still moving independently. Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Jun 2018 by

The great way to travel, by train!! So relaxing and we met great people. Then we got to spend time on our own at the different stops. Unlike a bus tour where you must go to specific places and be back at a specific time, we were able to explore the towns on our terms. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 May 2018 by

Great scenery, train trips and wonderful weather. Read full review

Reviewed on 19 May 2018 by

Each stop was unique. Excellent trip. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2018 by

8/10..Pack light. There is so much moving around with your suit case yes Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2018 by

The overall beauty of Scotland was awesome. The Isle of Skye hotel had a great restaurant and pub. The Blair Athol Castle in Pitlochry was really special. Read full review

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2018 by

The people of Scotland were warm and welcoming... The land is beautiful in its own way and well worth a tour Read full review

Reviewed on 14 May 2018 by

The most memorable moment was the train ride from Inverness to Glasgow. We liked it a lot. The breakfasts were delicious, the service was great and taxis and trains were always on time. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2018 by

The highlight was time on the Isle of Skye - it is a very special place Read full review

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2017 by

The most memorable was staying in 200+ year-old homes, which have been meticulously maintained. Read full review

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2017 by

Great trip. Loved Scotland and its people. Read full review

Reviewed on 09 Oct 2017 by

Skye is stunning and the trip on the Jacobite Express was a lovely afternoon. Read full review

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2017 by

Of course as always it is really the people you meet that make the journey, Scotland did not disappoint. Everyone was exceedingly friendly, helpful and a delight. Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2017 by

Wonderful scenery. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Aug 2017 by

The most memorable part was the visit to the Isle of Skye where my ancestors came from, and our stay at Kinloch Lodge there, with outstanding food prepared by their chef. Read full review

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2017 by

The scenery and the stunning views were the highlight. An excellent trip - thanks!! Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2017 by

It was an excellent stay. Beautiful landscapes, Scots charming, good quality of restaurants and guest houses. Not or few traffic jams in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2017 by

Our vacation was exceptional, we enjoyed every aspect of the trip and the effortless planning was most enjoyable. Read full review

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2017 by

The Jacobite Express was terrific and we had really good seats. The pub at our accommodation in Skye was great fun and good food. Best meals at Killiecrankie Hotel. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2017 by

The most memorable was our private tour of the Isle of Skye. Good way to see a lot of Scotland without driving. Read full review

Reviewed on 01 Oct 2017 by

Our vacation was well planned and ran very smoothly. The accommodation was of really good quality and we most enjoyed our visit to Pitlochry and Glasgow. Read full review

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2017 by

Train travel is so relaxing although it does perhaps preclude some of those unplanned and impetuous detours! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 Aug 2017 by

We enjoyed all of the vacation... Isle of Sky was probable the most memorable Read full review

Reviewed on 04 Jul 2017 by

Most enjoyable part was our two days on Isle of Skye. Very beautiful and dramatic scenery! Very enjoyable! Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2017 by

The most memorable moments was breakfasts, some of the greetings we got and the dinner on the last night. Add to that some fantastic scenery and the stream train. Read full review

Reviewed on 02 Jun 2017 by

The highlights was probably the steam journey to Fort William and the and the final days journey over Rannock Moor the whole vacation lived up to our expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 13 May 2017 by

The most memorable was Isle of Skye and Viewfield House. Well organised, interesting places choosen, lovely hotels. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 May 2017 by

The highlight was traveling by train thorough the moors and mountains of Scotland in the comfort of the train. We travel extensively and this rated as one of our top 3 vacations. Read full review

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2017 by

The most memorable was walking up to the Old Man of Storr. Amazing views. Top class. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2016 by

The entire trip was absolutely breath-taking and well planned. The highlight was Killiecrankie, beautiful scenery and magnificent food. Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2016 by

Excellent enjoyed every minute so keep up the great service to visitors to your country. Read full review

Reviewed on 21 May 2016 by

This was a first-class tour which is very well thought out and planned. The trains were comfortable and a great way to travel about. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2015 by

Excellent. We loved everything about it except that it was over too soon! Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Sep 2015 by

Excellent. Accommodations, hosts, meals, and travel arrangements all exceeded our expectations. Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Sep 2015 by

Excellent ... so easy, comfortable and enjoyable. Read full review

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2015 by

Very good indeed. In general and excellent vacation and a good way to see Scotland. Read full review

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2015 by

It was very enjoyable and I recommend it for train enthusiasts. Read full review

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2015 by

Simply ONE OF THE BEST vacations that I have every been on Read full review

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2014 by

A wonderful experience.... Read full review

Reviewed on 08 Jul 2014 by

Excellent...particularly the West Highland Line Read full review

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2014 by

Excellent vacation with wonderful hotels and superb organization, the sun followed us around Scotland ! Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.

Planet

We are continually increasing our range of public transport vacations for those who actively choose low-carbon transport. This vacation has been carefully-designed to allow you to explore much of Scotland, from the cities of Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh to rural Perthshire and even the magical Isle of Skye without a car. It takes you beyond the end of the train lines, through the careful addition of short taxi transfers. We recommend that you explore further on foot or by public transport in each local area. The accommodation chosen takes you a little off the beaten tourist track, so that you will have a more authentic experience. In each place, there are plentiful local walks, and some short trips available by local bus - we will provide suggestions and recommendations in your vacation pack, but do check the most up-to-date information with the staff at your hotel.

We take the utmost care to choose local business partners who share our values and commitment to sustainable travel, preferring to work with locally-owned and managed businesses wherever possible. Your hotel in Spean Bridge is committed to home-cooked organic food, while the country house hotel in Perthshire has its own kitchen garden and prides itself on making the most of locally-sourced produce. We build long-term relationships based on mutual trust with our business partners, with a joint commitment to excellent customer satisfaction and care for the environment.

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, not with large corporate organisations. 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 of sustainable and responsible travel. For example, the small hotel featured in this vacation on the Isle of Skye is based in the heart of a Gaelic community, and all staff are encouraged to learn the language, whatever their original native tongue.

All of our vacation 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.

We are corporate members of the John Muir Trust, an organisation committed to protecting the wild land of the Scottish highlands and islands.

Popular similar vacations

Scotland guided rail tour, Skye & Glencoe

Scotland guided rail tour, Skye & Glencoe

From £2095 - £2200 7 days excluding flights

Visit Scottish castles and beautiful gardens by train

West Highlands guided rail tour in Scotland

West Highlands guided rail tour in Scotland

From £2325 7 days excluding flights

Discover Scotland's Highlands & distinctive islands by train

West Highland Line railway vacation in Scotland

West Highland Line railway vacation in Scotland

From £1175 - £1245 5 days excluding flights

Take the world's best rail journey to the Isle of Skye