Following the tracks of Queen Elizabeth
01/06/2022 · By Karen Overend
Follow in the tracks of Queen Elizabeth on a majestic journey with Great Rail Journeys. Read our blog for insights into this fascinating royal adventure.
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Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Travelling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities.
Wander the rainbow streets of delightful Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase, and admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Scotland's beauty and culture pave the way for a range of amazing experiences and memories.
Unforgettable experiences
What’s included on the tour?
Itinerary
Your holiday begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh independently and check in to our hotel where you are greeted by our Tour Manager. Afterwards, you're at leisure to start exploring Scotland's capital.
The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Old Town's Royal Mile and the New Town's award-winning Georgian architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. As you admire the grand neoclassical buildings of the New Town or stroll up Calton Hill to view the National Monument of Scotland, modelled on the Greek Parthenon, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'. There are so many great sights to see in Edinburgh, from renowned museums to picturesque streets and the historic delights of the Royal Mile. Outside the National Museum of Scotland, you can find a small fountain commemorating Greyfriars Bobby, the terrier who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years.
This evening, we gather at our central hotel for our first dinner together as a group.
Additional information
Still deciding? Explore other journeys that might capture your imagination. From iconic rail adventures to cultural discoveries, there's something to suit every kind of traveller.
Experience the magic of a Christmas holiday in Scotland, from historic Edinburgh to festive Inverness, with a Christmas Eve journey on the Kyle Line and traditional Scottish celebrations.
Explore Edinburgh and criss-cross the Highlands on a fantastic
rail holiday that uncovers the wonders of Scotland.
Hotels
Experience the wonder of steam, on undisputedly one of the great railway journeys of the world - The Jacobite Steam Train. Commencing it's journey in view of the imposing Ben Nevis, The Jacobite Steam Train journeys through stunning scenery between Fort William and Mallaig; taking in beautiful villages, Lochs Morar & Nevis and crossing the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct, of Harry Potter fame.
The Kyle Line takes us on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the British Isles, travelling between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.
Providing the entirety of mainland Scotland with transport links, Abello Scotrail is a fantastic commuter service that means even the farthest reaches of this wild and wonderful country is easily accessible. Running since 1983 under a variety of operators, this service has numerous lines, including one that stretches from the tip, Thurso, down to Edinburgh.
Enhance your holiday
We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Edinburgh. Please call us to discuss your requirements.
Extend your holiday in Edinburgh with alternative rail and accommodation arrangements. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Reviews
4.3 / 5 · 729 reviews
Edith from Indy
Submitted 20/Apr
Great summary tour of the Highlands and Mull. Lots of scenery, lots of train rides and coach rides through beautiful, rugged, unique landscape packed into those 7 days of travel. I could have used more time to stop at some places, and more time to stretch legs - perhaps that would require a longer trip. Our tour advisor Angie is the best! Several of us became ill on the trip, and she handled it with great care and compassion.
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KENNETH Ture
Submitted 19/Apr
It was a wonderful tour of Scotland - our first visit - and we were thrilled with what we saw and did. The food was very good. Elizabeth Quinn, our tour guide did an excellent job. Especially when we realized that we received one introduction to our tour guide and then that changed (perhaps a week later). Which meant that Elizabeth really did not have much time to prepare. She was excellent. Accommodating and very personable. I do have to say that the selection of Angus as the first several days as our bus driver made things very uncomfortable b/c he would not tell Elizabeth (or us) where he was going or what his plans were. It made it extremely difficult for Elizabeth to give us a heads up of timing or what to expect. Angus would simply say, "I have a surprise." Elizabeth always tried to cover for him, but when we asked her for details, she had no answers, and Angus felt no obligation to tell us either. Very poor choice to use Angus unless it's called a "surprise tour."
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Paula Antullis
Submitted 17/Apr
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience thanks in part to Angie's hard work .
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Linda
Submitted 13/Apr
I had a great time. Our tour guide, Garreth, was great and thorough. If there were any problems we never knew of them. They were handled. Our bus driver, David, was funny, knowledgeable, and he even drove well!
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Beth Baldock
Submitted 13/Apr
This was the perfect trip, for my 1st time overseas. The itinerary, tour guide Garreth, coach driver Davy, amount of free time, hotels, meals, & trains were amazing. Highly recommend this trip. Can't wait to book again with VBR. 5+++ Stars!!!
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Elizabeth Desantis
Submitted 11/Apr
This was our first time traveling with VBR. We had a wonderful time and with the use of the very comfortable coaches and boats between our train travels we were able to experience scenery we otherwise would not have been able to see. Our tour manager Elizabeth Quinn is truly exceptional. She is such a kind and patient lady and went above and beyond to ensure a fabulous experience for the group.
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