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. Together with a knowledgeable and friendly tour manager and guide, you will have two nights 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 Edinburgh city centre hotel accommodation with breakfast
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 for an eye opening tour of Edinburgh, including photo stops at the Royal Palace of Holyrood House, the 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 hotel, 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, we have the option of a ghost tour 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.

Day 3

Our final day begins with a guided walk to the viewpoint at Calton Hill, then a walk to historic Edinburgh Castle and the impressive and informative National Museum of Scotland. From here you 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 is provided by minibus, to any one choosing this tour option. Should you choose not to go to the distillery, the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.

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.

We offer two types of accommodation for this tour, catering for differing budgets and preferences. Breakfast is included in all options.

Included as standard - Caravel Guest House

The basic price of this tour includes multi bedded ensuite accommodation, sharing with other members of the tour (same sex). These rooms are exceptionally good value for money with a short walking distance to the city centre. Ideal for single travellers who do not want to pay for single room upgrades, and a great way to meet your fellow travellers.

Shared Accommodation
If you do not select one of upgrade options below, you will automatically be placed in a room with customers of the same gender in Caravel Guest House. If you are a mixed sex couple/family and want to share a room together, please select one of our twin or double upgrade options.
Single, Twin or Double Accommodation Upgrade
You can choose to upgrade from the multi-bedded accommodation to either a single room for a £35 per night supplement, or a twin/double room for a £20 per night supplement. If you are a single traveller booking the twin/double upgrade option, you will be placed in a twin room with another single traveller from the group (same sex).

3 Star Upgrade - Ecosse International

This 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. This guest house has a lounge and free wifi.

3* Twin or Double Accommodation
You can choose to upgrade your accommodation to one of the Ecosse International's twin or double rooms for an additional £40 per night. If you are a single traveller booking the twin/double upgrade option, you will be placed in a twin room with another single traveller from the group (same sex).
3* Single Accommodation
At the Essosse we also offer a single supplement upgrade option, where you can book a single room for an additional £70 per night.

To avoid disappointment, all accommodation upgrades should be added at the time of booking.

During peak season (Bank holidays, July and August), other accommodation of equivalent standard may also used, including university halls and quality hostels. We also have 4 or 5 star accommodation options available on request, please contact our office and we will be happy to provide you with a price.

Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least
15 minutes before your departure time.

You can join this tour from the following locations:

04:15am Outside Ramsgate Train Station

04:30am Outside Cambridge Police Station, Parkside

04:35am Outside Canterbury East Train Station

Passengers joining this tour from the above locations will be transferred to London Kings Cross by private vehicle, where you will meet the guide inside the station at the meeting point below:

6:15am London Kings Cross Train Station, next to the information desk

If you intend to travel to our meeting meeting point by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website - click here

Train Departure Information

Please adhere to the meeting times above to ensure you have enough time to reach the train for its departure.

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.

FAQs

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. If you are not looking to join our Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness day trip with us, you would have the entire second day free.

Loch Ness & Highlands Tour

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