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Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
7 days From £1,649 per person
4.2 stars(25 reviews)
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Explore Edinburgh and criss-cross the Highlands on a fantastic rail holiday that uncovers the wonders of Scotland

Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: SYS25

About the tour

Experience the beauty of Scotland and its amazing culture. Travelling aboard the famous Jacobite train on the scenic West Highland Line, we discover sensational Scottish landscapes, see the mighty Kelpies, and explore Edinburgh.

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 glens await us on this Scottish holiday.

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Unforgettable experiences

Journeying on the Jacobite Steam Train
Journeying on the Jacobite Steam Train
Travel on the famous Jacobite Steam Train through the breathtaking scenery of the West Highland Line.
Driving the ‘Road to the Isles’
Driving the ‘Road to the Isles’
Experience the sensational drive across the ‘road to the isles’ through western Highland scenery to Fort William.
Visiting Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel
Visiting Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel
Marvel at these two modern engineering wonders that pay homage to Scotland's industrial past.
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.
A Scottish farewell feast
A Scottish farewell feast
Round off a great holiday with a farewell evening involving traditional Scottish entertainment and food.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh

Our holiday begins today as you make your way to our hotel in Edinburgh to meet the Tour Manager. After checking into our hotel, you're at leisure to start exploring Scotland's capital before dinner this evening.

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. As you wander the streets, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The mighty Kelpies, impressive Falkirk Wheel and The West Highland Line to Fort William

Bidding farewell to Edinburgh this morning, we head to the magnificent Kelpies by coach. These huge sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area.

A few miles down the road is the Falkirk Wheel. Opening 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 take photos.

Returning to our coach, we continue driving to Glasgow. From here, we journey along the West Highland Line by rail, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on our way to Fort William, a town on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

After checking into our hotel here, 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'. Keeping alive the ancient art of storytelling that's been a way of life for centuries in this part of the world as we're taken on an atmospheric journey through time.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – The Neptune’s Staircase and relaxing Loch Linnhe cruise

We visit Neptune's Staircase today, the longest staircase lock in Scotland. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, this impressive flight of locks overcome a height of 64 feet over the course of one-and-a-half hours.

After time to admire the staircase and take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe. Here, we enjoy a cruise listening to our skipper's live commentary 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, there's time to get some lunch at beautiful Loch Linnhe before returning to our hotel.

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

This morning, we catch the ferry from Oban for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. Drifting through small islands and across Loch Linnhe, the views are awe-inspiring. Rugged coastline, hills rising from the water's edge, and jagged, exposed rock faces create the backdrop as we sail.

On a clear day, stunning 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. Spend time at leisure in the island's colourful capital. Famous for its fresh fish, you could enjoy a seafood lunch. Wander the pretty port and 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.

Please note: For departure 1st September, we will stay at The Highland Hotel in Fort William.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – The magnificent 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.

*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, endless hills, lochs, and cascading waterfalls fly by our windows.

Once we've settled back into Edinburgh, we enjoy our last evening in style. Sitting down in the Great Scots Hall at the Raddison Blu, we're served a wonderful Scottish banquet among the traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels, and open flame fire.

Dinner is accompanied by time-honoured Scottish entertainment, creating the perfect farewell evening to your holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, our time in Scotland comes to an end. Making your way home think over the new memories we've created - exploring Edinburgh followed by visits to the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel. We enjoyed a scenic rail journey to Fort William, admired Neptune's Staircase and cruised Loch Linnhe and visited the Isle of Mull. We also experienced the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig, culminating in a Scottish farewell dinner back in Edinburgh.

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

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

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

Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

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Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe

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The Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range, Fort William

The Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range, Fort William

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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).

Collected by Trustpilot

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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