Overview

Train Holidays
10 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1390 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Travelpasses included

Highlights

Oban
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Explore the hub of the southern Hebrides and the seafood capital of Scotland. Visit Oban Distillery and enjoy the bustling harbour and fine views across the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull.

Jacobite Steam Train
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The Jacobite Steam Train is regarded as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World. Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express, as you journey across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Cairngorms National Park
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Experience the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Cairngorms National Park – the UK’s largest National Park with huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.

Strathspey Steam Railway
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The Strathspey Steam Railway is a nostalgic throwback to the Victorian era. Enjoy spectacular views as you steam through the stunning Cairngorms National Park, on-board one of Strathspey’s very special steam engines.

Inverness & Loch Ness
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Situated at the edge of the Great Glen, Inverness is known as the Capital of the Highlands. Nearby you will find Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, and Loch Ness shrouded in mystery.

Edinburgh
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Travel across the iconic Forth Bridge towards Edinburgh, Scotland’s ancient capital city and a hub for culture and creativity. Attractions include historic Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history.

A Scenic Tour of Scotland by Train

Making use of some of the most scenic railway lines in the world, this self-guided holiday journeys through Scotland’s breathtaking scenery using trains, coaches and ferries, and will appeal to anybody who wants to avoid the stress of driving. 

Sit back, relax, and focus solely on enjoying the spectacular landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Isles and National Parks.

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Your Great Scottish Railway Journey begins on the scenic West Highland Line, as you head west towards the picturesque town of Oban. Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you will be amazed by the picturesque and colourful harbour town of Tobermory.

Continuing along the West Coast towards Fort William, you can spend a day aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. Travel across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and wander around the pretty fishing port of Mallaig, where you can enjoy some fresh local seafood.

Your journey continues north towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Discover Inverness and the North Highlands, by spending the day on the Kyle Line. Travel across one of Europe’s last great wildernesses towards Lochalsh, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Torridon Peaks in the distance. The Highland Main Line will then take you south to Aviemore, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Spend a leisurely day on the Strathspey Steam Railway, a restored locomotive which is a nostalgic reminder of the Victorian era.

Leave the highlands behind as you cross the Kingdom of Fife across the bright red and iconic Forth Bridge. Your Great Scottish Railway Journey ends in Edinburgh, Scotland’s beautiful capital city with its awe-inspiring skyline.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Whilst our suggested itinerary begins in Glasgow, it is also available to start from Edinburgh.

Day 1: Glasgow to Oban
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Make your way from Glasgow to Oban on the iconic West Highland Line. The urban sprawl melts away as you travel alongside the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and glide past the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe.

Arrive in the picturesque seaside town of Oban, where you can settle into a gentler pace of life and perhaps enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Scotland.
Overnight – Oban

Day 2: Oban Sightseeing
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With Oban being ‘the gateway to the isles’, the opportunities for sightseeing are endless. You may choose to take the ferry to the Isle of Mull where you can visit historic Iona. St Columba built a monastery here in the 5th century and it’s the burial place of no fewer than 48 Scottish kings – including Macbeth.

There’s plenty to see in Oban itself. Take a stroll to McCaig’s Tower and enjoy a stunning panorama of the town, or visit Oban Distillery to savour a dram of whisky in one of the country’s oldest distilleries. Stroll along the coastal path to the Ocean Explorer Centre where you can learn about the incredible sea life in this part of the world.
Overnight – Oban

Day 3: Oban to Fort William
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You’ll make the short but scenic coach journey to Fort William today, enjoying views of the distant mountains of Glencoe as you cross the Ballachulish Bridge before arriving in Scotland’s Outdoor Capital.

The bustling Highland town of Fort William sits on the banks of pretty Loch Linnhe and nestles under the imposing Nevis Range – the highest mountain range in Britain – making it an excellent base to explore the fabulous surroundings.
Overnight – Fort William

Day 4: Fort William Sightseeing
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An absolute treat awaits today as you experience one of the world’s greatest railway journeys – the Jacobite Steam Train. Your journey will take you past Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch and most westerly railway station, but the real highlight for most people is crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter movies.

You will enjoy stunning views across Loch Shiel to the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his Jacobite standard before the 1745 uprising.

The journey continues past Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films Highlander and Local Hero, before arriving in the busy fishing port of Mallaig. You’ll have time here to take a stroll through the harbour and dine on some wonderfully fresh seafood, before returning to Fort William.
Overnight – Fort William

Day 5: Fort William to Inverness
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Travel north by coach today where Inverness awaits. You’ll enjoy a spectacular bus journey alongside the banks of mysterious Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled and you might catch a glimpse of Nessie herself!

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a historic city with an idyllic riverside setting. It is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe and you’ll find world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, and a fascinating Museum and Art Gallery where you can view Jacobite memorabilia and Pictish stones.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 6: Inverness Sightseeing
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Another memorable journey awaits, as you travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on the iconic Kyle Line. The journey has been likened by many to a symphony in three parts due to its diversity of beautiful scenery – pastoral, mountain and marine.

Travel through the wild and solitary mountain scenery of Achnasheen, enjoy the views of the pretty palm-tree lined village of Plockton, and finish your journey at Kyle of Lochalsh. You could explore the local sea life on a glass-bottom boat trip, before returning to Inverness.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 7: Inverness to The Cairngorms National Park
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Today’s railway journey will take you to Aviemore in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park, where snow-capped mountains, ancient forests, and shimmering lochs await.

The Cairngorms is the largest national park in Britain and is home to a staggering amount of endangered wildlife including golden eagles, Scottish wildcats, and capercaillies and ospreys. Enjoy magnificent walks, dine on fresh local produce, and let the stresses of modern life melt away in this natural wonderland.
Overnight – Aviemore

Day 8: The Cairngorms National Park Sightseeing
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Today you’ll board the vintage Strathspey Steam Railway, one of the most unique heritage railways lines in Scotland. You’ll discover why the Victorians brought a railway to this stunning area in the 1860s as you steam past heather-clad moorland alongside the majestic River Spey, before returning to Aviemore.
Overnight – Aviemore

Day 9: The Cairngorms National Park to Edinburgh
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One of Europe’s most beautiful cities is your destination today. Another spectacular train journey takes you through the Cairngorm Mountains as you descend back to the lowlands, crossing the iconic Forth Bridge, before arriving in Scotland’s capital city.

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to explore on foot – narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards tempt you off the main streets at every turn. For a breathtaking panoramic view take a walk up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano which towers over the city.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 10: Edinburgh Sightseeing
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The opportunities for sightseeing are endless. Explore Edinburgh Castle, sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience, take in the Georgian grandeur of the New Town, visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, or discover Holyrood Palace – the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 11: Depart Edinburgh
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After breakfast your unforgettable holiday in Scotland will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 10 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended route
  • Travelpasses covering all rail and bus journeys as per this itinerary
  • First-class tickets for the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train
  • Tickets for the Strathspey Steam Railway
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Ferry travel

How Does It Work?

Our Scotland by Train packages include a flexible rover ticket, which covers all train and bus journeys as per your itinerary.

You won’t have to worry about buying a ticket at the station, as a travel pass gives you the complete freedom and flexibility to travel all over Scotland without booking in advance.

  • Total flexibility on off-peak services – you choose when to travel
  • Hop on-hop off as much as you like
  • Free seat reservations available on railway services

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1390

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £2120

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Make an enquiry

Great Scottish Railway Journey

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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