Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye Tour from London by Train - 4 Days

Your Scottish adventure begins today with a scenic journey from London to Edinburgh by train, followed by an afternoon exploring one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities.

From elegant Georgian streets and the historic Royal Mile to mighty Edinburgh Castle, your first day provides the perfect introduction to Scotland.

Travel from London to Edinburgh by Train

Take your reserved seats, sit back and relax as your comfortable express train leaves London King's Cross for Edinburgh. The journey takes just over 4 hours, travelling through York, Newcastle and historic Berwick-upon-Tweed before crossing the Border into Scotland.

On arrival in Edinburgh, it's just a short walk from the station to your centrally located hotel.

Explore Edinburgh on an Open-Top Bus Tour

This afternoon, discover Scotland's capital on an open-top sightseeing tour. From the upper deck, enjoy great views of the elegant Georgian New Town before hearing tales of murder and mystery as you pass through the historic Grassmarket.

Discover the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

Enter the Old Town to drive along the medieval Royal Mile and see the many historic buildings on this famous street.

The highlight will be the mighty Edinburgh Castle, which has stood guard over the city for centuries. On your visit, see the Royal Palace, Mons Meg (a massive siege gun), tiny St Margaret's Chapel and the magnificent Scottish Crown Jewels.

Enjoy an Evening in Edinburgh

Tonight, why not discover one of Edinburgh's historic pubs and enjoy a wee taste of Scotch whisky?

For helpful planning advice, visit our Scotland Travel Tips page.

After breakfast, why not hop back on the city tour to visit more of Edinburgh's famous attractions.

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

On the tour, you can choose to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This working royal residence is forever associated with the dramatic story of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness by Train

Around lunchtime, take your reserved seats on the Inter7City service to Inverness.

The scenic journey along the Highland Main Line stops in historic Stirling, famed for its ancient castle, proudly standing guard over the city.

Discover the beauty of Highland Perthshire

Departing from Perth, the train enters Highland Perthshire, famous for its ever-changing landscape of soaring trees, fast-flowing rivers and attractive villages.

Beyond Pitlochry, travel through the Pass of Killiecrankie, scene of a famous Jacobite battle, and pass Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl.

Journey Through the Cairngorms National Park

The train climbs through Glen Garry to Druimuachdar Summit, the highest point on Britain's mainline railway network. Keep watch for deer and soaring birds of prey as the Highland scenery unfolds.

Continue through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park and Spey Valley, with the Cairngorm Mountains providing a magnificent backdrop.

Arrive in Inverness – Capital of the Highlands

On arrival, it's a short walk to your city-centre hotel, your base in the Highland capital.

Today, discover the magical Isle of Skye on a spectacular journey from Inverness through some of Scotland's most dramatic Highland scenery.

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye

Journey through remote Achnasheen and picturesque Glen Carron, stopping to admire views across Loch Carron towards the Applecross Mountains.

Cross the impressive Skye Bridge, with views towards the tiny island of Eilean Bàn.

Discover Portree and the Cuillin Mountains

Once on the magical Isle of Skye, travel through Broadford as the magnificent Cuillin Mountains come into view.

Spend time in colourful Portree, the island's main town, where you'll have free time to explore the shops and attractive harbour.

Explore the Trotternish Peninsula

Next, visit the Trotternish Peninsula, famous for its spectacular rock scenery. During our scenic drive, look out for The Quiraing and its strange rock formations known as The Prison, The Needle and The Table.

Stop at Kilt Rock, a 61m (200 ft) cliff where the basalt resembles the tartan of a pleated kilt. Look out for the nearby Falls of Mealt cascading into the sea below.

See the Famous Old Man of Storr

Your last stop is the Old Man of Storr, a 49m (160 ft) pinnacle overlooking Loch Leathan. Its scenic location has been featured in several movies, including King Arthur and the Big Friendly Giant.  

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness

Back on the mainland, stop for photographs of iconic Eilean Donan Castle before travelling through Glen Shiel, overlooked by the Five Sisters of Kintail.

Finally, follow the mysterious shores of Loch Ness back to Inverness after a memorable day exploring Skye and the Highlands.

Your Scottish adventure may be drawing to a close, but there is still plenty of spectacular scenery to enjoy. Today, travel from Inverness, in the heart of the Highlands, to London on one of Britain's great long-distance railway journeys.

Travel from Inverness to London on the Highland Chieftain

After an early breakfast, make your way to Inverness Railway Station, where the Highland Chieftain Azuma train awaits for the journey south to London.

Leaving Inverness, cross the impressive 29-arch Culloden Viaduct before passing Drumossie Moor, scene of the historic Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Journey Through the Cairngorms National Park

The railway soon enters the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, stopping at Aviemore, a popular Highland resort, and Newtonmore.

Travel Through Highland Perthshire

Beyond Dalwhinnie, descend through scenic Glen Garry towards Highland Perthshire, enjoying changing views of mountains, forests and glens from the comfort of your reserved seat.

Return to London by Train

After Edinburgh, continue south along the East Coast Main Line, calling at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and historic York before arriving at London King's Cross in the mid-afternoon.

Please note: Trains departing Inverness on Sundays are scheduled to arrive in London slightly later.