Scotland by TrainKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:24:06-05:00
Scotland by Train – For the Independent Traveler – 7 Night tour
The most popular independent tour of Scotland. A unique opportunity for the seasoned and independent traveler to see the beauty of Scotland by train.
Scotland by Train – For the Independent Traveler – 7 Night tour
The most popular independent tour of Scotland. A unique opportunity for the seasoned and independent traveler to see the beauty of Scotland by train. Cost per person (relevant to the season) is $1388 – $1721. Additional air cost at approximately $600-800 per person – seasonally.
Tour Highlights
- Seven (7) nights accommodation in a mixture of 3 – 4 * accommodation (hotels, inns and guest houses).
- Eight (8) day Freedom of Scotland Travel Pass including handling fee and postage within the UK (train tickets are delivered to first hotel in Edinburgh). Tickets are based on standard class (valid on all trains except for travel before 9:15 am Monday – Friday, with exception of trains between Glasgow-Oban/ Fort William/Mallaig and Inverness- Kyle/Wick/Thurs). NOT valid on the Jacobite Steam Train service between Mallaig- Fort William.
Scotland by Train Tour Includes
- Breakfast daily, except for morning of arrival (Scottish or continental depending on the accommodations booked).
- Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (voucher included in travel pack received at first hotel).
- All service charges, hotel taxes, fees and gratuity (where applicable).
Additional Notes: Our clients might find that not all hotel accommodations booked are within walking distance from the station, comfortable to them. We recommend that all accommodation locations be checked by TravelKatz and you in advance of travel. TravelKatz will make every attempt to provide transportation to the hotel. In some instances our clients may be responsible for that transport (taxi), where required. It is your responsibility to ensure timely arrival at the stations to not miss trains. In some locations there may be no alternative and any program changes; resulting charges from missed trains will be charged in full to the client by Celtic Tours.
Tour start date must be Sun, Mon, Tues, Fri or Sat. This is due to limitations on Skye.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Edinburgh: Arrival in Edinburgh. Make your way to your Edinburgh hotel (unless optional transfer was booked). Spend the rest of the day to visit some of the capitals tourist attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre. Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 02: Make your way to the train station to catch the train to Perth. This service leaves Edinburgh across the Forth Estuary, traveling on the famous Forth Rail Bridge. During your journey you will see beautiful coastal and inland scenery. On arrival in Perth, *free time for sightseeing of this small market town which was once the capital city of Scotland. With accommodation in Pitlochry, jump back on the train and make the short journey to this charming highland town, the gateway to the highlands. Overnight in Pitlochry.
Although there is free time in Perth, unfortunately the Perth Rail Station does not offer lockers for luggage. You would need to keep your luggage with you during this time.
Day 03: Today take a morning train to Inverness and spend the afternoon exploring the city they call capital of the Highlands. Take a stroll to Inverness Castle, currently used as a courthouse. Enjoy the fine circular walk from the castle along the river and through the Ness Islands. Time permitting take the free shuttle bus from the Tourist Information center at Bridge Street, which takes you to Loch Ness pier. From here you can take a boat trip on this famous loch, best known for its fabled Loch Ness Monster. Overnight in the Inverness area.
Day 04: Today take the train for the 2 hours 40 minutes journey to Kyle of Lochalsh on the West coast of Scotland along this most scenic railway! Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh and board the local bus service, which will take you across Skye Bridge and onto the Isle of Skye or the misty isle as it is called. Overnight on Isle of Skye.
Day 05: Free day for exploring the Isle of Skye. Visit can include the Clan Donald Centre near Armadale, or if you’d like to venture further why not hire bicycles to explore the rest of the island? Overnight on Isle of Skye.
Day 06: Using your freedom pass, utilize local bus service to take you to Armadale. You will catch the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig; back on the mainland. This beautiful little town is the gateway to the Western Isles. In the afternoon board the train to Fort William, on the route described as one of the great railway journeys. Overnight Fort William/ Corpach.
Day 07: Depart in the morning by train to Glasgow. In the afternoon spend some time discovering this vibrant and stylish city, with its various galleries and shops. The open top bus tour is highly recommended as it will take you round the main sights. Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 08, Departure: Today you will leave Glasgow by train and return to Edinburgh for departure home. You may also opt to remain in Glasgow.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour is designed for the “Independent” traveler. This tour does not offer any guides or assistance at rail stations. You are on your own to to find your way to each rail station and each train. Again, we recommend that all accommodation locations be checked by TravelKatz and you in advance of your travel. You are responsible for your own transport to the hotel, where required.
Pricing: Prices are based on two (2) passengers sharing a twin/double room. If a single room is booked, single supplement applies. Triple rooms offer discounts. Scotland by Train is designed for the Independent Traveler! Hotel accommodations will be advised on our suppliers confirmation. Freedom of Scotland Travel Pass will be waiting at your first hotel in Edinburgh.
This tour does not include:
- Items not noted on itinerary
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Transfers
- Visitor attractions
- City Tax to be paid locally
Airfare: Once you select your travel dates, TravelKatz will begin to search the system for the best available airfare from your home city. The dates shown will be the start / end date of your tour. However, you can alter these dates to arrive earlier or extend your stay as needed. Airfare cannot be booked sooner than eleven (11) month from date of departure.
Departures & Transfers: Departure date is the date one would start touring in the UK including any pre/post nights. Does not include air travel.
