Scenic Scotland Train Vacation: Edinburgh to the Highlands and Isles

Day 1: Explore Historic Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Elephant House

Enjoy a Scottish breakfast at this famous café known as the 'Birthplace of Harry Potter', offering great coffee and views of Edinburgh Castle.

GBP15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Tour the iconic Edinburgh Castle, exploring historic military museums, the Crown Jewels, and panoramic views over the city. Open 9:30am to 6:00pm.

GBP20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Try delicious traditional Scottish pulled pork sandwiches at Oink, offering quick, affordable, and tasty local fare.

GBP8, 1h

1:30pm

Walk the Royal Mile

Stroll along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, browsing shops and visiting St Giles’ Cathedral, soaking up the medieval atmosphere.

Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Holyrood Palace

Visit the Queen’s official Scottish residence and its beautiful gardens. Open until 6:00pm.

GBP17, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Dine in style in a lavish setting, featuring Scottish seasonal cuisine just steps from the castle. Reservations recommended.

GBP50, 2h

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Day 2: Edinburgh Museums and Gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Start your day with fresh pastries and artisan coffee at this quaint café favored by locals.

GBP12, 1h

10:00am

National Museum of Scotland

Explore diverse exhibitions ranging from Scottish history to natural world and science. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy wholesome and creatively prepared vegan Scottish dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

GBP15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Princes Street Gardens

Relax in this beautifully maintained urban park set beneath Edinburgh Castle, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Free, 1h

4:30pm

Climb Arthur’s Seat

Conquer this extinct volcano for stunning views over Edinburgh and beyond; allow 1-2 hours for the walk.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Howies Victoria Street

Experience traditional Scottish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients in a warm setting.

GBP40, 2h

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Day 3: Day Trip to Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on September 11, 2025

7:30am

Train Edinburgh to Glasgow

Take a 50-minute train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street station, starting early to maximize your day.

GBP12, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Gandolfi

Enjoy hearty Scottish breakfast with a modern twist in this stylish, popular Glasgow restaurant.

GBP15, 1h

10:30am

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

View extensive art, natural history, and cultural exhibits in one of Glasgow’s top free attractions. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ox and Finch

Savor contemporary small plates made from fresh Scottish ingredients in a trendy setting.

GBP25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Explore the beautiful glasshouses and landscaped gardens to unwind before returning to Edinburgh.

Free, 1h

4:00pm

Train Glasgow to Edinburgh

Return train journey to Edinburgh, reaching by early evening.

GBP12, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gardener’s Cottage

An intimate restaurant offering seasonal tasting menus with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a relaxed dinner.

GBP45, 2h

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Day 4: Historic Stirling and Castle

Stirling, Scotland on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Train Edinburgh to Stirling

A 50-minute train ride to the historic city of Stirling, gateway to the Highlands.

GBP14, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Blásta

Enjoy healthy local breakfast options in a modern café emphasizing sustainability.

GBP12, 1h

11:00am

Stirling Castle

Explore this majestic castle with stunning Renaissance architecture and fascinating Scottish history. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.

GBP16, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Birds and Bees

A cozy eatery with a gourmet twist on Scottish classics, close to the castle.

GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Wallace Monument

Climb to the top of this iconic tower dedicated to William Wallace for panoramic vistas. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.

GBP10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Train Stirling to Pitlochry

Travel to Pitlochry by train (approx. 1h 45m), a charming Highland town.

GBP22, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Your Host’s Recommendation

Choose a local restaurant to enjoy fresh Highland fare to end the day.

GBP30, 1h30m

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Day 5: Highland Scenery and Pitlochry

Pitlochry, Scotland on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Auld Fishermans

Start your day with traditional breakfast options in this cozy local spot.

GBP12, 1h

9:30am

Walk to Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder

Admire the engineering marvel and observe salmon migration at the fish ladder; open area and free to visit.

Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Blair Athol Distillery

Tour this charming distillery producing fine Highland single malt whisky. Open 11:00am to 5:00pm.

GBP10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Old Mill Inn

Enjoy hearty Scottish dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere by the riverside.

GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon hike around Ben Vrackie

Take a scenic hike up Ben Vrackie for spectacular Highland views. The trail can take 3-4 hours roundtrip if you want a shorter option, allow 2h for a partial hike.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Victoria's Restaurant

Relax with locally sourced Scottish cuisine emphasizing fresh seasonal ingredients.

GBP35, 2h

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Day 6: Inverness and Loch Ness

Inverness, Scotland on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Train Pitlochry to Inverness

Travel northward by train through scenic Highlands. Journey lasts about 2h 30m.

GBP25, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Velocity Café and Bicycle Workshop

Enjoy a unique breakfast café with a great vibe right in Inverness city center.

GBP12, 1h

11:30am

Visit Inverness Castle Grounds and River Walk

Though the castle itself is currently closed to the public, the grounds offer lovely views over the River Ness and city.

Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Mustard Seed

Dine by the river at this popular spot serving fresh, locally inspired dishes.

GBP25, 1h

2:30pm

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Tour

Take a guided bus or boat tour to Loch Ness with stop at Urquhart Castle for stunning Loch views and history. Tours generally last 3-4 hours departing afternoon.

GBP40, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rocpool Restaurant

Refined evening dining featuring Highland and Scottish seasonal produce.

GBP50, 2h

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Day 7: Isle of Skye Adventure

Isle of Skye, Scotland on September 15, 2025

7:00am

Train Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Enjoy a breathtaking 2h 40m train journey through the Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to Skye.

GBP35, 2h40m

10:00am

Breakfast at Kyle Bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee before heading onto Skye by bus or taxi.

GBP8, 30m

11:00am

Bus/taxi to Portree

Travel the short distance to Portree, the main town on Skye, for exploration and lunch.

GBP15, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed harbor-side setting in Portree.

GBP30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Portree and Surroundings

Walk around the colorful harbor, visit local shops, or drive to nearby viewpoints like Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock (dependent on transport arrangements).

Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Kyle of Lochalsh

Head back to Kyle of Lochalsh and prepare for onward journey.

GBP15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Plockton Inn (near Kyle)

Dine enjoyably at this charming inn offering traditional Scottish fare with modern touches.

GBP40, 2h

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Day 8: Fort William and Ben Nevis

Fort William, Scotland on September 16, 2025

8:00am

Train Kyle of Lochalsh to Fort William

Morning trip on the scenic West Highland Line lasting about 2h 30m to Fort William, outdoor adventure capital of Scotland.

GBP30, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at The Wild Orchid

Enjoy locally sourced breakfast offerings in this well-regarded Fort William cafe.

GBP15, 1h

11:30am

Explore Fort William town and West Highland Museum

Gain insight into Highland culture and history at this informative museum open 11am to 5pm.

GBP6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grog & Gruel

Enjoy classic pub meals featuring fresh local produce in a lively atmosphere.

GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Optional Ben Nevis hike or Nevis Range gondola

For hikers, start an ascent of Ben Nevis (allow several hours). Alternatively, take the gondola ride to the mountain’s base for spectacular views (open 9:30am to 4:30pm).

GBP18 gondola, Free hike, 2-3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and Scottish specialties to round off your day.

GBP40, 2h

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Day 9: Oban and Coastal Views

Oban, Scotland on September 17, 2025

8:30am

Train Fort William to Oban

Short 1h train ride along the West Highland Line with beautiful coastal and mountain scenery.

GBP12, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Oban Chocolate Company

Start your day with specialty coffee and artisan chocolates in this popular downtown spot.

GBP10, 1h

10:30am

Visit McCaig’s Tower

Climb or drive up to this Roman-style folly for stunning views over Oban Bay. Open park area, free to visit.

Free, 1h

12:00pm

Oban Distillery Tour

Discover the process and history of Oban whisky making on a guided tour. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

GBP12, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ee-Usk

Enjoy fresh seafood and Scottish dishes overlooking the harbor.

GBP25, 1h

3:00pm

Ferry to Isle of Mull (optional afternoon trip)

Take a short ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull for an afternoon visit; ferry runs frequently and journey is about 45 minutes.

GBP10 round trip, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant

Savor fresh, locally caught seafood in a relaxed waterside atmosphere.

GBP40, 2h

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Day 10: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Train Oban to Edinburgh

Travel back to Edinburgh via Glasgow, with a total trip time of about 4h 30m; start early to make the most of your day.

GBP45, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Henderson's Vegan

Return to Edinburgh and enjoy a light, healthy lunch at this popular plant-based restaurant.

GBP15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Scottish National Gallery

Finish your trip with a visit to Scotland’s principal art gallery housing masterpieces from Scottish and international artists. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 2h