Adventure along the legendary North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to Route 66, where dramatic coastal scenery, rugged landscapes, and quaint Highland villages unfold before you.
North Coast 500 & Loch Ness by Rail
Starting From
£1,649
Per Person
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Best Time to Visit
March - October
Your Scenic Journey
London, Inverness & Ullapool (Three-day tour of the North Coast 500 route)
Scenic Rail Journeys
Caledonian Sleeper train
Excursions & Activities
The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
Overview
Embark on a truly unforgettable rail holiday with a journey that takes you from London to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Your Scotland rail holiday begins aboard the Caledonian Sleeper, as you travel overnight from London to Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands.”
Once in Inverness, immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with time at your own leisure as a perfect introduction to this charming town. From there, you’ll head out to explore the legendary North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to Route 66, where you’ll experience stunning coastal views, remote landscapes, and small Highland villages, with overnight stops in picturesque Ullapool and Inverness.
No trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to the iconic Loch Ness. Enjoy a complete Loch Ness Experience, where you’ll uncover the mysteries of the loch and its famous resident, Nessie.
Trip Highlights
- Discover Inverness, the gateway to the enchanting Scottish Highlands
- Experience the legendary beauty of Loch Ness.
- Discover small highland villages on a 3-day tour of the North Coast 500 route
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Ullapool with breakfast included
Transport
- Caledonian Sleeper train
- UK Rail
Excursions & Activities
- The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
- Three-day tour of the North Coast 500 route
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)
Ullapool
From Inverness set off on Scotland's own "Route 66" – the North Coast 500. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this is a journey that’s as much about the ride as the destinations. Prepare your camera for a day packed with stunning views! As you drive towards Ullapool, your driver-guide will lead you along winding roads that hug the shores of glittering lochs, pass towering mountains, and reveal some of Scotland’s most secluded and pristine beaches. Every turn offers a new postcard-worthy scene. By the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ullapool, a charming port town nestled along the coast, where you’ll settle in for the night and reflect on the day’s unforgettable sights. (Overnight in Ullapool).
Ullapool
Today, the landscapes grow even more dramatic as you head further north, with rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines becoming the backdrop to your journey. Your driver-guide will take you to some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring sights, with the route tailored to the weather and your group’s interests. You might venture into the mystical Smoo Cave, explore the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, or pause to admire the dazzling white sands of remote beaches. After a scenic lunch stop in a Highland village, you’ll continue your adventure, eventually reaching Thurso – the northernmost town on the British mainland. Here, you’ll have the evening to relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of this remote corner of Scotland. (Overnight in Ullapool)
Inverness
Today, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to step off the coach and explore some of Scotland’s most picturesque and historic spots. Start by visiting cosy fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and ancient Neolithic landmarks that dot the coast. Your journey takes you to the northernmost point of mainland Britain, where, on a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Orkney Isles across the sea. Next, head to Girnigoe Castle, perched on a windswept cliff. The ruin’s breathtaking location is matched only by its rich history and the captivating tales it holds. Take some time to wander the rugged coastline before continuing your adventure along the North Coast 500 route. As you travel south, enjoy the lush green valleys and stunning sea views that lead you to Dunrobin Castle. Here, you’ll have a moment to capture the beauty of this stately home, set against its dramatic landscape, before driving through lands once settled by the Picts and Vikings. Your unforgettable journey concludes with a scenic drive back to Inverness, where you’ll arrive in the early evening. (Overnight in Inverness)
Inverness
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.
Quick Enquiry!
Highlands & Isles – Scotland & Orkney
£1,599 Per Person
8-Days
Best Time: March - October
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- 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
Highlands & Hebrides Discovery
£1,649 Per Person
7-Days
Best Time: April - October
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Stornoway with breakfast included
Scottish Highlands Escape
£1,299 Per Person
7-Days
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 5-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
Scottish Highlands Discovery
£1,299 Per Person
7-Days
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 5-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
Scottish Highlands Adventure
£1,099 Per Person
6-Days
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 4-nights hotel accommodation in Inverness with breakfast included
The Spirit of Scotland
£999 Per Person
5-Days
Best Time: April - October
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to Inverness
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Edinburgh with breakfast included
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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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