Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

A high-speed Azuma train awaits in London’s Kings Cross Station, ready to take you to Edinburgh via the east-coast line. Travel in complete comfort – think air-conditioning, free WiFi and an onboard shop. What better way to begin your Scottish adventure?

The journey will take you to the historic cities of York and Durham, then offers stunning coastal scenery to enjoy before arriving at your destination.

After checking in to your hotel in Edinburgh, you’ll start by exploring the Royal Mile, rich in both Scottish history and architecture. As you walk along this ancient street, you’ll be joining many legendary Scottish figures such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without being able to visit Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop a crag and offering the ultimate in stunning skyline backdrops.

The castle warders will then take you on a guided tour and do what they do best – sharing tales of warfare, sieges and mystery. You’ll be able to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, a giant cannon, otherwise known as Mons Meg, and the oldest building in Edinburgh, St Margaret’s Chapel.

Of course, sitting high above the city affords you magnificent views of Edinburgh from the castle too.

There are several ghost tours available in Edinburgh. These light-hearted walks are a great way to bring the history of the capital to life.

Later, why not end your day by partaking in a Scottish ale or whisky before heading out for a tasty dinner?

Overnight: Jurys Inn, Edinburgh or similar (2 nights)

There’s one central theme running through the second day of your tour, and that’s the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll experience the best of the region on a luxury motorcoach tour with an experienced driver/guide.

The day begins with a drive to Stirling, complete with a castle in a gorgeous location, before continuing on through Rob Roy Macgregor Country to reach the sprawling wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

Glen Coe is a combination of breathtaking natural beauty and bloody Scottish history. This stunning valley is known as the “Glen of Weeping”, thanks to the 1692 Massacre when troops of the Campbell Clan killed 40 of the resident MacDonalds in cold blood. It’s said that you can still hear the cries of the MacDonald Clan to this day.

The tour continues to Fort William, where hopefully you will see Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. From here, you will start the journey through the magnificent scenery of the Great Glen.

The highlight of the day will be a leisurely stop at Loch Ness, where there is the chance to go on a cruise across the loch to see if you can spot any monsters lurking in the depths!

From Inverness, enjoy the picturesque Cairngorms National Park before descending through the Grampian Mountains and taking a break in the delightful town of Pitlochry. The last part of the tour takes in the ancient Kingdom of Fife before returning to Edinburgh early in the evening.

This tour may be operated in reverse on some occasions. 

It’s time to explore Edinburgh, and what better way than on an open-top bus tour? As you travel around the city, feel free to disembark at any of the 14 convenient stops to explore the city’s many attractions.

The tour starts in the impressive New Town, home to some of the finest Georgian architecture in Europe.

Next, visit the historic Grassmarket. In olden times, this was a thriving livestock market as well as where public executions took place. Listen out for the grizzly tale of Burke and Hare, two notorious residents in the area.

Will you spot Greyfriars Bobby, a statue dedicated to the little Skye terrier, or magnificent George Heriot’s School as you pass by the new Quartermile District?

Take a drive along the iconic Royal Mile to see the Scottish Parliament building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of HM The Queen. On the way back to the city center, enjoy the panoramic views of both Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.

Want to indulge in a spot of shopping on your return to the center? Designer labels await in George Street, with a plethora of shops also available on Princes Street… now, that’s what we call shopping with a view!

Looking for an antique or souvenir you can take home to remind you of your trip? We recommend you take a stroll to friendly Stockbridge or Victoria Street, just off the Royal Mile.

There’s then just one thing left to do – collect your luggage and make your way to Waverley Train Station, where the train is waiting to return you to London.