Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands

Welcome aboard! You’ll travel from London to Edinburgh by express train along the route of the famed Flying Scotsman.

This fascinating journey will take you through the Viking City of York and the University City of Durham.

Enjoy the panoramic views as you slip from England into Scotland at Berwick-upon-Tweed, then speed towards Edinburgh.

You’ll arrive in Edinburgh by late morning, and after checking into your hotel, the city of Edinburgh is waiting to be discovered.

Discover Edinburgh from a different perspective aboard your open-top double-deck bus. This tour allows you to hop on and off to visit many of the city’s attractions, including Edinburgh Castle.

During your visit, see the many attractions of this historic stronghold, including the Royal Palace, St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh and the spectacular Scottish Crown Jewels, known as "The Honours of Scotland". The views from the battlements over the city are just stunning.

Later, catch a tour bus to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and drive down the famous Royal Mile.

Why not seek out one of Edinburgh’s lively restaurants for dinner tonight? Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap in a local hostelry.

Visit our Scotland Travel Tips page for helpful planning information on your visit to Edinburgh.

There’s a delightful journey into the Highlands of Scotland today.

From Edinburgh, we cross the Firth of Forth and tour through the ancient Kingdom of Fife.

On reaching Highland Perthshire, our first stop will be in the pleasant town of Pitlochry, which boasts a wide range of shops and eateries.

Next, we make our way through the Pass of Drumochter and enter the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, where the mountains soar skywards, and lovely loch-side vistas are savour.

The highlight of our tour is Loch Ness, probably Scotland’s most famous lake. The stats of this mysterious body are just epic. At 23 miles long and over 250 m (750 ft) in places, there’s plenty of room for a monster to hide. During our extended stop, why not take a monster-spotting cruise to improve your chances of coming face to face with Nessie?

From Fort William, which is overshadowed by Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, it’s into eerie Glen Coe. We will hear the sad story of the infamous massacre in 1692 while marvelling at the outstanding beauty of this remarkable place.

Soon we cross from the Highlands into the Lowlands and join the motorway for the last part of our tour back to Edinburgh.

This excursion may operate in the reverse direction.

After a leisurely breakfast, spend more time discovering Edinburgh.

Take a tour to escape the hustle and bustle of city life at the Royal Botanical Gardens. In Leith, there’s the opportunity of visiting the former Royal Yacht Britannia before heading along the famous Royal Mile.

Alternatively, take a stroll through the stately Georgian New Town to see the grand squares, imposing monuments and impressive architecture that got Edinburgh its nickname of “The Athens of the North”.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, seek out some of the locations that were said to have influenced the global phenomenon. Make a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the grave of Thomas Riddell, the inspiration for arch-villain Thomas Riddle, Lord Voldemort. Later take a stroll up Victoria Street, where the brightly painted shops may have been the muse for Diagon Alley.  

Head to Edinburgh Waverley Station to catch a train to Glasgow at your leisure. The journey time between Scotland’s two great cities is around 50 minutes.

After arriving at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, head to your city-centre hotel. Tonight, why not head to the historic Merchant City or the “foodie-quarter” of Finnieston to enjoy top-quality cuisine at a friendly eatery?

Glasgow is one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

A city of striking architecture, heritage and culture and today, you can discover the city for yourself on an open-top bus tour. It’s the ideal way to experience Scotland’s largest city.

Explore the Victorian architecture of George Square and the City Centre, then head out to the leafy West End to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the newly-built Riverside Museum.

Follow the banks of the River Clyde to experience Old Glasgow, including the vibrant Merchant City and ancient Glasgow Cathedral.

Take time to seek out the hidden work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s famous architect, whose art nouveau gems can be seen throughout the city.

Later this afternoon, board your express train at Glasgow’s Central Railway Station for the journey back to London.