Original
Explorer
Rail
Highlights of Scotland
8 days • 4.3
4.5
Excellent
57 reviews
8 days
Start
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finish
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Trip Code
BWSS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)
From £2,499(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Embark on a world-renowned train journey through the breathtaking Highlands along the iconic West Highland Railway, with stunning views of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Discover Fort William, where you'll relish breath-taking views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
Take a private bus tour of the captivating Trotternish Peninsula on Skye.
Set out on a scenic boat excursion across the mystical waters of Loch Ness, with the possibility of a lucky sighting of its famous inhabitant.
Join a walking tour of Edinburgh led by a local specialist, offering a unique perspective while supporting a social enterprise that empowers individuals with lived experience of homelessness to become guides.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip does require some level of fitness, we utilize public transport where possible so between hotels and bus/train stops, walking with luggage is required. If you feel you would prefer a taxi, please speak with your group leader. Taxis are not included in the cost. Also please be mindful of the remoteness of the locations for availability and any wait times.
The hike on the Isle of Skye is moderate with stops, however there may be uneven or wet terrain underfoot. This activity can be opted out should you wish to refrain from participating. Distance approx 3-5 km / 1-2 hours.
There is a walking tour in Edinburgh, circa 3 hours (with stops). Edinburgh is a hilly city with narrow cobbled streets and steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Should you have any reason to feel that you may not be able to partake in any of the activities, or need additional assistance/ support, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help.
Itinerary
Discover the highlights of the Highlands on this Scottish adventure
Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart.
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Ferry, On foot
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)
Included activities
Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct view
Isle of Skye - Guided hike
Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
Inverness - River Ness walk
Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
Optional activities
Glasgow - Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Free
Glasgow - City Centre Mural Trail - Free
Glasgow - Tennent's Brewery Tour - GBP17
Glasgow - Royal Botanic Gardens - GBP3
Glasgow - Britannia Panopticon - Free
Glasgow - Cathedral and Necropolis - Free
Glasgow - Hunterian Art Gallery - Free
Glasgow - Pollok Country Park & The Burrell Collection - GBP8
Glasgow - Afternoon Tea at the Willow Tea Rooms (from) - GBP13
Fort William - Nevis Range Gondola - GBP26
Edinburgh - Castle Visit - GBP20
Edinburgh - National Museum of Scotland - Free
Edinburgh - The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour - GBP16
Edinburgh - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - GBP7
Edinburgh - The Queen’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse - GBP13
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
















Important notes
1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip involves frequent public transport (train and local bus). You will be expected to carry your luggage from the transport terminal to the accommodation, up to 1km/0.7miles (approx. 10-15 mins) walk so we advise packing light for this trip.
3. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on Orkney or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Reviews (57)
5 stars
39
4 stars
7
3 stars
4
2 stars
4
1 star
3
Kevin and Verna
May 17, 2025
Totally happy with Intrepid Travel in all aspects.
Mary Jo
May 05, 2025
This trip was the perfect introduction to Scotland! It provided an opportunity to see very different parts of the country in an up close and personal way. We got to learn some history and take in so much of its breath taking beauty.
Lynda
Apr 12, 2025
This was our second Intrepid tour. If you are on the fence, don’t hesitate to book! Just make sure to read the tour description carefully to ensure it’s a good match for your interests and capabilities to avoid misunderstanding or disappointment as the descriptions are pretty much bang on. Both times our leaders were excellent- fun and knowledgeable, and went the extra mile to ensure all our needs were met. We just love the small group format-it allows for a much more personalized trip. We will definately book again for another trip in the future.
Patricia
Nov 11, 2024
Intrepid Travels Highlights of Scotland rail tour was an amazing experience for me. Our small group was led by a knowledgeable guide who introduced us to the environment, history and contemporary life of Scotland from Glasgow to Edinburgh. A highlight was a two day stay on the Isle of Skye. Every day included some planned activity, often involving a walk or a hike in the local environment, but also some free time for exploring on my own. Excellent tour and highly recommended.
Leanne
Oct 16, 2024
Our tour of Scotland was amazing. So much history and beautiful buildings and the surrounding scenery was fabulous. Our tour Leader Lara was awesome.
Annette
Oct 14, 2024
I loved this trip! I highly recommend it as the scenery and history of Scotland is amazing!
Andrew
Sep 21, 2024
An excellent trip that captures the beauty and inspiration of the Highlands
Mariel
Sep 02, 2024
My second Intrepid trip. I mostly signed on for this one for nature and scenery vs. history, but enjoyed that both were included. I also appreciated a bit of time in the cities, but I booked extra days separately at either end to actually see Glasgow and Edinburgh for myself (I'd consider this a must-do for anyone traveling to Scotland for the first time). Our tour leader, Lara, was excellent, and extremely adept at dealing with some of the impromptu scheduling difficulties due to our itinerary operating at a different schedule than the typical one (read: different starting day of the week = some train/taxi issues). She also gave us our space, and we did indeed have many free afternoons and evenings as the itinerary suggests. I like not being hand-held through every single element of every day-- the balance of scheduled activities and free time was very nice. Also- please pack rain gear. Why would you not pack rain gear for Scotland? It's going to rain.
Joanna
Aug 15, 2024
Excellent trip which allowed us to see some beautiful places. Rhys did an amazing job leading and was friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this tour!
Ruth
Jul 31, 2024
Would highly recommend undertaking this trip. Amazing scenery, local knowledge and a well planned itinery.
Friends and Family Travel is an agent of Intrepid Travel. All Trip content and associated images are copyright of Intrepid Travel.
You are protected
Contact Information
Call us at
0208 058 4003
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM GMT.
Contact our customer support
contact@friendsandfamily.travel
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

© 2024 Friends and Family Travel | All rights reserved.