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Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands

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7 days From £1,799 per person
4.2 stars(25 reviews)
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Explore Edinburgh, meander through the heathered Highlands and discover the colorful Isle of Mull on a fantastic rail holiday that showcases the wonders of Scotland

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: SYS26

About the tour

Experience the beauty of Scotland and its culture at every turn on a week-long adventure. See the contrasts between city and countryside while exploring Edinburgh and travelling aboard the scenic West Highland Line and famous Jacobite Steam Train into sensational Scottish landscapes.

Staying in historic Fort William, wander the rainbow streets of Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase, see the mighty Kelpies and find yourself swept away by stories of the 'Road to the Isles'. Majestic lochs and rich traditions await on this Scottish holiday.

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Unforgettable experiences

Journeying on the Jacobite Steam Train
Journeying on the Jacobite Steam Train
Travel through the breathtaking scenery of the West Highland Line on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct on its route from Fort William to Mallaig.
Looking up to the magnificent Kelpies
Looking up to the magnificent Kelpies
Unveiled to the public in 2014, the incredible Kelpies statues pay homage to the working horses of Scotland's past while also giving a nod to Scottish lore.
Visiting Neptune’s Staircase and the Falkirk Wheel
Visiting Neptune’s Staircase and the Falkirk Wheel
Marvel at two modern engineering wonders that aid in navigating Scotland's scenic waterways while visiting Neptune's Staircase, the longest staircase lock in Scotland, and the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift of its kind.
Sailing to the Isle of Mull
Sailing to the Isle of Mull
After catching the ferry, explore the picturesque port of Tobermory, off the West Coast of Scotland
Delighting in a Scottish farewell feast
Delighting in a Scottish farewell feast
Round off an excellent holiday with a farewell evening draped in Scottish tradition, complete with bagpipes, dancers in customary dress and authentic tastes of Scotland's cuisine.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arriving in Scotland’s ancient capital, Edinburgh

Your holiday begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to our centrally located hotel to check in for the night. Afterwards, you are at leisure to start getting to know Scotland's capital, where more than 900 years of history await your exploration.

The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town's Royal Mile and the New Town's award-winning Georgian architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. You might like to see it all from above after climbing the 287 steps to the Scott Monument, where panoramic city views abound. Staying on the ground level and wandering the ancient streets, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travellers, and then, together, sit down for our first dinner in Scotland.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The Kelpies and West Highland Line to Fort William

Bidding farewell to Edinburgh this morning, we board the coach for the journey towards Glasgow, passing one of Scotland's newest iconic sites enroute: the towering Kelpies. These huge sculptures pay homage to Scotland's hardworking horses that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the area's fields.

There's time to admire these masterpieces before we continue our drive to Glasgow. Here, we journey along the West Highland Line by rail, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on our way to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

After checking into our hotel, we're joined by a guest speaker who entertains us with local titbits of history and a selection of 'tales of the Road to the Isles'. Dinner is served following his storytelling.

*Please note: On the 3 May and 17 May departures, we stay at the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Exploring Neptune’s Staircase and Loch Linnhe

Following breakfast, we set out to visit another marvel of engineering: Neptune's Staircase. The longest staircase lock in Scotland, this system is situated on the Caledonian Canal and allows boats to overcome a height of 64 feet over one-and-a-half hours.

After time to admire the staircase and take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe. Enjoy free time through lunch here, and then we head to the shores, where we join a cruise. Our skipper's live commentary leads the way as we see Ben Nevis, The Caledonian Canal and Black Rock - a protected area also known as 'Seal Island' because it's home to both Common and Atlantic Grey seals. After the cruise, our coach takes us back to Fort William for a leisurely evening of dinner and Scotch Whisky tasting at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Sailing to the Isle of Mull

This morning, we travel to Oban by coach and catch the ferry for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. Drifting through small islands and across Loch Linnhe, the views are awe-inspiring.

On a clear day, views of Duart Castle welcome us before we dock at the port of Craignure. Here, we board our coach for the scenic drive to Tobermory, the island's colourful capital. Famous for its fresh fish, you could enjoy a seafood lunch during your free time. Wander the pretty port or seek out its sheltered bay where, according to legend, one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying a stash of gold.

We depart Tobermory later this afternoon for the drive back to Craignure. On arrival, we board the ferry once more and watch the island scenery fade into the distance as we retrace our journey back to our hotel, where dinner is served this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Across the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train

We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the Jacobite steam train*. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, we discover why this journey is renowned as one of the best and most scenic in the world. A highlight of the route comes as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a marvel of engineering with 21 arches, that you may recognise from the 'Harry Potter' films.

The train continues towards the coast, unveiling wild views across the vast Scottish countryside. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye. Along the picturesque harbour, there's a choice of local Scottish pubs that serve delicious seafood dishes, as well as other traditional meals. With some time at leisure, you could enjoy lunch with a view before our return journey on the Jacobite.

*Please note: On early/late season departures, the Jacobite steam train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – A Scottish farewell in Edinburgh

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Fort William and head back to Edinburgh. Travelling by coach, our journey is awash with beauty, with endless hills, pristine lochs and cascading waterfalls passing by our windows as we drive through the afternoon.

We pause our route at the Falkirk Wheel. Opened in 2002, the rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and is the only one of its kind in the world. There's time to admire this masterpiece and have lunch on your own before we continue our drive to Edinburgh.

Once we've settled back in, you have some time to get reacquainted with Edinburgh's winding alleyways and sprawling squares before we enjoy our last evening in style. Bagpipes beckon us to the Great Scots Hall at the Raddison Blu, where, after taking our seats, we're served a wonderful Scottish banquet among the traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels, and open flame fire.

Dinner - a multi-course affair of traditional cuisine - is accompanied by time-honoured Scottish entertainment and customary dress, creating the perfect farewell evening to your holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Homeward bound

Having stayed in the majestic Highlands and the capital city and visited the charming Isle of Mull, we have discovered the best of Scotland during the last week. We enjoyed a scenic rail journey to Fort William along the West Highland Line, admired Neptune's Staircase, cruised Loch Linnhe and experienced the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, whose beautiful route has been immortalized on the big screens. All of this culminated with a traditional Scottish evening in Edinburgh - a proper send-off for an exceptional Scottish adventure.

After breakfast this morning, our time in Scotland comes to an end. Upon checking out of our hotel, you are free to continue exploring or begin your journey home at your own pace.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Please note on some dates we use different hotels in various locations - please call for details.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

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Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

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Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

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Trains

Jacobite Steam Train
Scotrail
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail connections
Extending your holiday in Edinburgh

Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 25 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (13)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Jacey48

5 stars

Submitted 29/May

An interesting week in good company visiting places on my bucket list to see. We were very fortunate to have sunny weather with clear blue skies. Hotel accommodation and meals were very good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mrs Margaret Strange

5 stars

Submitted 28/May

Edinburgh not my favourite not keen on cities but Fort William and surrounding area Magical

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Margaret, Thank you for your review. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your trip up to the Highlands and we hope to see you on another tour again in the near future! Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Paul Campbell

5 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2024

I have had many holidays with GRJ,but this was one of the best. Admittedly,the weather was kind for October. Some of the places we visited were new to me,some I had been to before but I was glad to see them again. Excellent tour manager (Deborah) and friendly travelling companions. Good length of holiday,and size of party (22).

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Mr Hayter

5 stars

Submitted 19 Oct 2024

A very well thought out and managed tour. The guide was superb, the scenery stunning and the places visited were some of the best but not necessarily the most crowded.

Collected by Trustpilot

P Sweet

5 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

A wonderful holiday

Collected by Trustpilot

P Sweet
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Jenny

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

Well organised, interesting experiences, excellent Tour Manager, pleasant group of fellow travellers

Collected by Trustpilot

Jenny
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