Blending iconic landmarks with hidden gems, this holiday offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty , a true immersion into Scotland’s most captivating regions.
Scotland’s Highlands, Skye & Orkney by Rail
Starting From
£1,599
Per Person
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Best Time to Visit
January - December
Your Scenic Journey
London, Inverness & Kirkwall (Three-day Orkney Explorer tour)
Scenic Rail Journeys
Caledonian Sleeper train
Excursions & Activities
The Complete Loch Ness Experience & Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan castle Tour
Overview
Embark on a journey through Scotland’s most captivating landscapes and historic sites on this immersive rail holiday. Your adventure begins with the comfortable overnight Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Inverness, delivering you to the heart of the Highlands. From Inverness, often called the ‘Gateway to the Highlands,’ you’ll explore a rich tapestry of breathtaking views and ancient legends.
This itinerary takes you through the best of northern Scotland’s rugged beauty. Explore Inverness, where centuries-old history and Highland charm abound. Journey to the magical Isle of Skye and marvel at the striking landscapes and storied castles. Then, head even farther north to the Orkney Islands, a place steeped in Neolithic history and coastal wonder.
In between, take in iconic sites like Loch Ness, with its timeless mysteries, and visit the historic Eilean Donan Castle. From ancient ruins to windswept coastlines, each stop unveils a new piece of Scotland’s enchanting culture and natural beauty.
Trip Highlights
- Discover Inverness, the gateway to the enchanting Scottish Highlands
- Experience the legendary beauty of Loch Ness.
- Explore the historic and scenic Glen Urquhart Castle
- Take in the rugged, breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Skye.
- Explore the beauty and history of the Orkney Islands
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 4-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Kirkwall with breakfast included
Transport
- Caledonian Sleeper train
- UK Rail
Excursions & Activities
- The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
- Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan castle tour
- Three-day Orkney Explorer tour
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesCaledonian Sleeper
Begin your adventure with a relaxing overnight journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Inverness. As the train departs, settle into your comfortable sleeper cabin and enjoy the unique experience of travelling through the night in style. With cosy accommodations and the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands awaiting you, it’s the perfect way to travel in comfort and wake up ready to explore. Onboard, enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining car and relax as you glide through the night, arriving refreshed and ready to discover Inverness in the morning. (Overnight onboard the Caledonian Sleeper)
Inverness
Today, explore the charming city of Inverness at your own pace. Discover the best of Inverness, from its historical landmarks to its scenic riverside views. Visit must-see attractions like Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market, and the beautiful River Ness. Learn about the city's fascinating history, including its pivotal role in the Jacobite uprising, and experience the vibrant culture that makes this city a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Inverness. (Overnight in Inverness)
Inverness
Today, journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands on an unforgettable tour. Your adventure as you travel along the Great Glen Fault Line. Continue through dramatic landscapes to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, then cross over to the Isle of Skye. Explore the stunning Trotternish Peninsula, with stops at the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. Enjoy free time in Portree before heading back to Inverness, with more scenic views along the way. (Overnight in Inverness).
Kirkwall
Your exploration of the Orkney Islands begins today, with an early departure from Inverness, crossing the scenic Black Isle and passing the historic Dunrobin Castle on your way north. The drive along Scotland's northeast coast treats you to breathtaking landscapes, leading you to the northernmost mainland village of John o' Groats. From here, board the ferry at Gills Bay to cross the Pentland Firth and enter the Orkney Archipelago. Upon arrival, visit the famous Italian Chapel, a beautifully preserved relic from World War II, before continuing to Kirkwall, the Viking capital of Orkney. In Kirkwall, explore the stunning St. Magnus Cathedral, a magnificent testament to the islands' Norse heritage, and take a stroll through the town's charming, winding streets. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Kirkwall, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this historic island hub. (Overnight in Kirkwall)
Kirkwall
Today, your exploration of Orkney continues, when you’ll dive into its rich history and striking landscapes. This is a land where lush green pastures meet golden beaches and the rugged waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Your day begins with a visit to Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village remarkably preserved under layers of sand. Next, marvel at the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a prehistoric stone circle, and the imposing Standing Stones of Stenness, thought to have served ritual purposes thousands of years ago. (Overnight in Kirkwall)
Inverness
Take this final opportunity to pick up gifts for friends and family and visit the iconic cathedral in Kirkwall. Afterward, board the ferry back to the mainland and journey through the history-rich landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Highland Clearances, a transformative yet tragic chapter in Scotland’s past, and pass by some of the country's most remote and charming fishing villages. You’ll return to Inverness in the early evening, with memories of Orkney's wonders in tow. (Overnight in Inverness)
Iverness
Today, embark on the Complete Loch Ness Experience tour, exploring the secrets and stunning views of this famous loch. Departing Inverness, you'll travel along the Caledonian Canal to Dores, where you'll capture breathtaking photos of Loch Ness and the Great Glen. Continue to Foyers, where a scenic walk takes you to the beautiful Falls of Foyers. After a Highland drive, enjoy lunch in Fort Augustus and admire boats navigating the canal. The tour then takes you to Invermoriston and Urquhart Castle, where you’ll discover the rich history of the loch before boarding a relaxing one-hour cruise on Loch Ness. Return to Inverness in the evening. (Overnight in Inverness)
Return home
Today, bid farewell to Inverness as you embark on your journey back to London. You have the option to travel in style aboard the Caledonian Sleeper, a luxurious overnight train that allows you to relax in comfort as you make your way through the Scottish Highlands and southern England, arriving refreshed in London the next morning. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to extend your adventure, choose to travel by rail to another UK city or town of your choice. Speak to your Marvellous Escapes Travel Designer for more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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