7 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train 

  • Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy panoramic views over the city.
  • Visit the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.
  • Travel through Scotland by scenic train between Edinburgh and Inverness.
  • Experience a full-day guided excursion to the Isle of Skye with a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Discover the beauty of Scotland on this 7-day rail adventure through Edinburgh and Inverness. Explore Scotland's historic capital, visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, then travel by train to Inverness. From there, enjoy a spectacular guided day tour to the Isle of Skye, featuring breathtaking Highland landscapes, charming villages, and the world-famous Eilean Donan Castle. This partially guided tour combines independent travel with expertly guided sightseeing, offering the perfect balance of flexibility and unforgettable experiences.

Edinburgh - Edinburgh, UK

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

Upon arriving at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) , meet your driver in the arrival hall for a transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh. After checking in (available from 14:00), you’ll have free time to explore your hotel at your leisure. Please note that early check-in is subject to availability upon arrival.

 

Day 2: Edinburgh Castle

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a 7 minutes walk from your hotel. The meeting point is at West Parliament Square, EH1 1RN, Edinburgh. 

Learn about the castle's history and view a medieval cannon

  • Audio guide: English

  • Live guide: English

Included

  • Entry ticket
  • Live guide
  • 45-minute guided tour
  • Edinburgh City audio guide app
  • Enjoy a 15% Discount off Edinburgh Gin Distillery experiences (subject to availability)

Not included

  • Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (available for an extra £3.50)
  • Headset and mobile device
  • Tips

Description

Proceed to Edinburgh Castle, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and hear about its use during the Napoleonic Wars.

Observe the six-ton Mons Meg cannon and visit the Royal Palace.

After the guided portion, independently visit locations within the castle grounds such as St Margaret's Chapel and the Scottish National War Memorial.

 

 

Day 3: Palace of Holyroodhouse

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a 10 minutes walk from your hotel. The meeting point is at Canongate, EH8 8DX, Edinburgh

  • Duration: Typically 60 - 90 minutes

  • Audio guide: English, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish

Included

  • Admission to the Palace, the State Apartments, and Mary, Queen of Scots' historic chambers
  • Admission to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey
  • Free multimedia guide, available in multiple languages
  • Access to the Palace's public garden

Not included

  • Admission to the King's Gallery
  • 1-Year Pass

Description

Standing at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official home of His Majesty The King in Scotland, and is used by The King and members of the Royal Family for State ceremonies and official entertaining.

The Palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the Palace includes the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which were the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband, Lord Darnley. Her Bedchamber has been described as 'the most famous room in Scotland'.

In the Palace's State Apartments, visitors can see the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held lavish balls when he set up his Jacobite Court at the Palace in September 1745. The State Apartments today reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs, and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. They are furnished with numerous works of art from the Royal Collection, many of which have long associations with Holyroodhouse and Scotland.

A visit to the Palace includes the opportunity to explore unique gardens, which are set against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. A newly created physic garden situated on the Abbey Strand contains a colourful array of medicinal and culinary plants inspired by some of the earliest recorded gardens on the site. At the Café at the Palace, visitors can enjoy home-made dishes made from locally sourced produce, from light refreshments and lunch to afternoon tea.

 

 

Day 4: Train from Edinburgh to Inverness

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then make your way to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station It is located 485 meters from the hotel, you can walk or you can take a taxi at your own expense, which will take about 4-6 minutes from the hotel to the train station. Here, you'll board your train for a scenic journey to Inverness. Sit back and relax as you travel to Inverness train station, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1DA, United Kingdom. When you arrive at the train station, which is 105 meters from the hotel, you can walk for 2 minutes to reach the hotel. Check-in at the hotel is available from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability. After settling in, enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area and soak in the charm of Brussels at your own pace.

 

Day 5:  Free at Your Leisure

Enjoy free time to explore the charming city of Inverness at your own pace. Stroll along the scenic banks of the River Ness, visit local cafés and shops, discover the historic Old Town, or relax in one of the city's beautiful parks. You may also choose to visit attractions such as Inverness Castle (viewpoint area), the Victorian Market, or the beautiful Inverness Cathedral, depending on your interests.

 

Day 6: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour From Inverness

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a 2 minutes walk from your hotel. The meeting point is at 15 Union Street, IV1 1PP, Inverness

  • Duration: 12h

  • Audio guide: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese

  • Live guide: English

  • Max group size: 30

Included

  • Day tour to the Isle of Skye from Inverness
  • A well-informed, personable guide who will tell you about Scottish history
  • Audio guides in Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese

Not included

  • Admission to Eilean Donan Castle (this may be purchased upon arrival)
  • Food and drinks

Description

Join a full-day Isle of Skye tour from Inverness. Travel along Loch Ness and continue west to Eilean Donan Castle, where you can take an optional tour.

After crossing the Skye Bridge, head to Portree for lunch and get time to visit the harbour.

In the afternoon, explore several key sights on the Trotternish Peninsula, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.

After taking in these views, we return to Inverness in the evening.

 

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the Inverness Airport (IVA) . We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability. 

Pickup

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Drop Off

Inverness Airport (IVA)

Inclusions

  • 3 nights accommodation in Edinburgh ( ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile 3* or similar)
  • 3 nights accommodation in Inverness (The Royal Highland Hotel 3*)
  • Daily breakfast.
  • Private arrival transfer from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to your hotel.
  • Private departure transfer from your hotel to Inverness Airport (INV).
  • Standard class train ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness.
  • Admission ticket and 45-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle.
  • Edinburgh City Audio Guide app.
  • Admission to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, including the State Apartments, Mary, Queen of Scots' Chambers, Holyrood Abbey, Palace Gardens, and complimentary multimedia guide.
  • Full-day guided Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Tour from Inverness.
  • English-speaking guide during the included guided tours.
  • Multilingual audio guides where provided by the tour operators.

Exclusions

  • Flight tickets are not included in the tour price. However, we would be happy to provide you with a flight offer upon request.
  • Travel insurance is not included in our program. However, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance from your home country to ensure you’re covered during your trip.
 
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