The Scottish Rail Experience
Overview
Exploring Scotland by train is one of the best ways to see the country. Travel between Edinburgh to Aberdeen, onwards to Inverness, then venture out on day trips to the Isle of Sky, Loch Ness and the highlands. Overnights in Pitlochry, Stirling & Glasgow complete this itinerary and your Scottish experience. This itinerary also offers plenty of leisure time to discover Scotland at your own pace.
The train tickets and hotel stays are included in the package, along with some meals and many other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy and unforgettable.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
Format
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Aberdeen
- Inverness
- Pitlochry
- Stirling
- Glasgow
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Edinburgh (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 11 nights of comfort accommodation, a combination of 3-star hotels and traditional bed and breakfasts, including breakfast daily
- Airlink return public shuttle services, airport transfer to and from Edinburgh Airport
- 8-day ScotRail Pass, to be used for travel from: Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Aberdeen to Inverness, Inverness to Pitlochry, Pitlochry to Stirling, Stirling to Glasgow, Glasgow to Edinburgh
- More Moments:
- Day excursion to Isle of Skye with Eilean Castle stop
- Half-day excursion to Loch Ness including Urquhart Castle visit
- Entrance to Stirling Castle
- Earn Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Edinburgh.
Day 2
Welcome to Scotland
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport. Transfer to your hotel via Airlink shuttle service to the stop closest to your hotel.
Take advantage of your centrally-located accommodation to discover the many attractions of this historic city.
Collect your ScotRail pass upon check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3-4
Edinburgh - Aberdeen
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train to Aberdeen. Upon arrival in Aberdeen make your way to your hotel.
Spend the next 2 nights discovering Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
Aberdeen is a city in northeast Scotland and is the third-most populous Scottish city. Historically, Aberdeen was within the historic county of Aberdeenshire. There’s plenty of time to discover the city and surrounding areas at your own leisure; St. Andrews, whisky distilleries, ancient castles, Balmoral, coastal villages are just some of the recommended sights.
Meal(s): Breakfasts
Day 5-7
Aberdeen - Inverness
After breakfast make your way to the train station and board your train to Inverness. Upon arrival in Inverness make your way to your hotel.
Spend the next 3 nights discovering inverness and the surrounding area.
Inverness is famous for offering one of the best views in the country. Aside from this, it is also home to the River Ness where the Inverness Highland Games are annually hosted.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Excursion to Isle of Skye with Eilean Castle Stop
Marvel at the sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines and wind-swept valleys of the Isle of Skye. The beauty of this island has inspired movie makers, poets, and travellers from all over the world. Visit the historic Eilean Donan Castle with an exterior visit. Highlights include: Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Trotternish Peninsula and the Cuillin Mountains.
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Half-day Excursion to Loch Ness Including Urquhart Castle Visit
Go directly from Inverness city center to the legendary Locearn all about the past of these famous shores. Then it's time to board a boat and explore the world-famous waters of the loch, including a one-hour visit to the once mighty fortress of Urquhart Castle. After exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, sit back and relax on the return coach journey to Inverness.
Meal(s): Breakfasts
Day 8
Inverness - Pitlochry
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train to Pitlochry. Upon arrival in Pitlochry make your way to your hotel.
Spend one night exploring on your own.
Pitlochry is a charming town in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, culture and adventure. Whether you want to relax, explore the scenic trails and waterfalls, or experience the thrill of white-water rafting, bungee jumping or zip-lining, Pitlochry has something for everyone. You can also discover the history and heritage of whisky making at one of the many distilleries in the area or admire the majestic trees and gardens that make Perthshire the Big Tree Country. For some retail therapy, browse the quaint shops along the main street and the side streets, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs and delicacies.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Pitlochry - Stirling
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train to Stirling. Upon arrival in Stirling make your way to your hotel.
Spend one night exploring at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Entrance to Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. The castle sits atop an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification in the region from the earliest times. Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A few structures remain from the fourteenth century, while the outer defences fronting the town date from the early eighteenth century.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Stirling - Glasgow
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train to Glasgow. Upon arrival in Glasgow make your way to your hotel.
Spend one night discovering Glasgow at your own pace.
Glasgow is known for its rich heritage and welcoming people. As the only city with an underground railway station in the country, Glasgow is home to many major Scottish businesses, making it a financial hub.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11-12
Glasgow - Edinburgh
After breakfast, make your way to the train station and board your train back to Edinburgh. Upon arrival in Edinburgh make your way to your hotel.
Spend your last two nights discovering Edinburgh at your own pace.
Need some inspiration for what to do? We recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle or strolling through the Princess Street Gardens for a taste of royalty. If you’re looking to indulge, go shopping along the Royal Mile. Need a nighttime activity? Try out a ghost tour, see the sunset from Calton Hill, or enjoy a drink and a meal at one of Edinburgh’s historic pubs.
Meal(s): Breakfasts
Day 13
Return Home
After breakfast, make your own way to the Airlink shuttle stop for your transfer to the airport and your return flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels and B&B's during the trip.
Important Information
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April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025
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Not included:
- Meals, unless specified
- Transfers unless specified
- Additional activities and excursions
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- Train
- Coach
- Airport AIRLINK Shuttle
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The order of the itinerary may change, operate in reverse due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.
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Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: 12:00 p.m.