Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Highlands by train

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Come with us north of the border to the enchanting and beautiful country of Scotland on this city break to Edinburgh. With a knowledgeable and friendly tour manager and guide, we travel to the Scottish capital you will have two nights 3* accommodation in central Edinburgh, a guided tour of the city and a chance to travel to the stunning Scottish Highlands to visit mysterious Loch Ness and the magnificent mountain scenery of Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor.

Return high speed train London-Edinburgh with reserved seating
Two nights 3* accommodation with breakfast, close to Edinburgh city centre
Panoramic coach tour on arrival
Services of a professional tour manager
Optional tours to Loch Ness, Ghosts & Ghouls guided walk & Whisky distillery
Arrival and departure transfer to and from your centrally located guest house accommodation

Day 1

Have breakfast in England and lunch in Scotland as we travel through some of Britain's most beautiful scenery by high speed train, arriving in the Scottish capital by late morning. Upon arrival you will be taken on an eye opening tour of Edinburgh, including photo stops along the Royal Mile, Calton Hill and the Royal Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Upon our arrival in the late morning, you will be taken on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, on board an executive coach. After checking in to our accommodation, enjoy the plethora of free museums and art galleries during your free time in the afternoon.

In the evening join your guide in one of Edinburgh's historic pubs to try local whiskies and maybe some haggis. Alternatively, you can upgrade to include a 'Ghost and Ghouls Tour', giving you a chance to explore some of the city's haunted places, a spine tingling way to end the evening!

Day 2

After breakfast, enjoy a free day for Edinburgh sightseeing, or if you have selected the Loch Ness & Highlands upgrade we have a full day in the Scottish Highlands with a local guide. Travel up to the mountains to see waterfalls and wild deer, enjoy breathtaking scenery, beautiful Lochs, dramatic glens, windswept Rannoch Moor and mysterious Loch Ness. See if you can spot the monster! See the battle site at Bannockburn and learn of the massacre at Glen Coe. Top off your day trip with a stroll around the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, along with a boat cruise along the stunning Loch Ness, all included as part of your day trip.

Day 3

Our final day in Edinburgh begins with a free morning, with your guide on hand to give suggestions if you are struggling to choose! Popular choices include the National Museum of Scotland (entry is free) or Edinburgh Castle (approx £20 per person).

You will also have the option to take a tour to the nearby Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery, where you can learn how this famous tipple is created and sample the 'water of life' for yourself. Transport to and from the distillery is provided by minibus, to any one choosing this tour option.

Our time in Edinburgh draws to a close mid afternoon, when you will be transported back to Edinburgh train station for our return journey to London.

The standard price of this tour includes 3* bed & breakfast accommodation, close to the city centre.

Accommodation Information

The basic price of this tour includes 3* twin room accommodation, sharing with other members of the tour (same sex).
If you would prefer a single room for 1 person, these are available at a supplement cost, bookable on the right hand side of this page.
Single travellers who do not choose to upgrade to a single room at time of booking will be allocated to a twin room, with a same sex member of the group.
All room upgrades are on a per person basis. To avoid disappointment, room upgrades should be added at the time of booking.
We also have family rooms and 4* or 5* accommodation options available on request, please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a price.
During peak season (Bank holidays, July and August), other accommodation of equivalent standard may also used, including university halls and quality hostels.

Example Accommodation

Here are some examples of the accommodation we use:

Ecosse International Guest House

The Ecosse International is a traditional, family run guest house, which offers fantastic service and a great location. All rooms have private bathrooms and are decorated to a high standard, with twin and double rooms available. This guest house has a lounge and free wifi, and is just a short walk to the city centre.

Jurys Inn Edinburgh

The Jurys Inn Edinburgh is in a prime location in the City Centre, and a short walk from Waverly Station. Offering single, twin, double & triple rooms the accomoadtion here is styled with a contemporary feel. All rooms are en-suite and offer flat screen TV, WiFi & toiletries.

Leonardo Edinburgh City

The Leonardo Hotel is located in the heart of the City with easy access to all the city's famous landmarks. The Hotel boasts 52 comfortable, modern rooms all of which are en-suite and offer flat screen TV, WiFi & toiletries.

During peak season (Bank holidays, July and August), other accommodation of equivalent standard may also used, including university halls and quality hostels.

Time	Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting times below
04:15am	Outside Cambridge Police Station, Parkside (MAP)
04:15am	Outside Ramsgate Train Station (MAP)
04:35am	Outside Canterbury East Train Station (MAP)
06:15am	London Kings Cross Train Station, next to the information desk (MAP)

If you intend to travel to Kings Cross by public transport, you can plan your journey on the Transport for London website - click here

If you are joining this tour from Kent or Cambridge, you will be transferred to London Kings Cross by private vehicle, where you will meet the guide inside the station by the Information Desk. Returns to Kent and Cambridge after the tour will be provided by private car or rail.

What time will we arrive in Edinburgh on Friday, and what time do we return to London?

London Kings Cross to Edinburgh

Depart Kings Cross at 07.00am, arrive Edinburgh Waverley at 11.19am

Edinburgh to London Kings Cross

Depart Edinburgh Waverley between 15.00pm and 16.00pm, arrive London Kings Cross 19:45pm - 20.45pm.

The finishing time for passengers who joined the tour in Cambridge, Ramsgate or Canterbury will vary, as the transfer service that we provide links in with our other tours. The transfer service will be by private transport or rail. Please note that the return transfer for Canterbury passengers could be to either Canterbury East or Canterbury West Train Station, depending how many people are travelling.

Making your own travel arrangements

If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to Edinburgh but still join this tour, we offer a £30 per person reduction. If you would like to take up this option, please enter notravel in the promotion code box after you have entered your name(s), this will automatically reduce the price of your tour by £30.

Can we extend our stay in Edinburgh so we can see other parts of Scotland?

Of course you can! Please note that our train tickets are specifically allocated on certain trains at certain times, therefore your ongoing journey from Edinburgh will be at your own expense & no discount will be provided for the unused return ticket.

Do you need a visa to travel to Scotland from England?

No, Scotland is still part of United Kingdom, so there is no border control.

How long is the train journey between London and Edinburgh?

The train journey is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes each way.

Does the tour include any food?

We include breakfast at the accommodation we provide in central Edinburgh, we do not include lunch or dinner. There are many eateries within walking distance from your accommodation.

Can I take a different train from Edinburgh to London?

If you wish to travel on a later or earlier train going back to London, you will need to purchase your own tickets. Our tickets are valid for specific journeys only.

Are Edinburgh Castle tickets included?

No, we do not include Edinburgh castle tickets.

How much free time do I get in Edinburgh?

You are free to break up from our touring programme at any point, but please inform your tour guide beforehand. You will have free time in the evening on Day One, Day Two is a free day (if you have not booked the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness day trip) and on Day Three you have the morning as free time before the journey home.

Loch Ness & Highlands Tour

The price of the Loch Ness & Highlands tour includes entry to Urquhart Castle & the Loch Ness boat cruise.

We are, regrettably, unable to accept bookings for children under 4 on the the Loch Ness & Highlands tour due to the length of time spent travelling.