Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Places to Go

Things to Do

Travel & Planning

Food & Drink

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive Scotland's stories, unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations when you sign up to our email. Your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Iona Abbey

© VisitScotland

Isle of Iona

West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour

This week-long small group rail tour takes you to some of Scotland's finest Highland and Island locations. Accompanied by an expert tour leader at all time. Maximum of 14 passengers per group. Places strictly limited.

Departure Dates:

10-May-2026- Fully booked

24-May-2026 - Fully booked

05-Jul-2026 - Limited availability

27-Sep-2026 - Limited availability

16-May-2027 - Open for booking

12-Sep- 2027 - Open for booking


Day one – Meet and greet in Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow at your leisure- perhaps in time to explore the city. We'd be happy to arrange a couple of days in Scotland's largest city - just let us know.

Meet your fellow travellers and tour guide this evening for a welcome dinner held in the heart of the city.

Day two – The West Highland Line & Secrets of Kilmartin

Begin your journey along The West Highland Line from Glasgow. Tall buildings melt into open stretches of water and land. The rail track starts to climb and the scenery becomes distinctly Highland in nature. Less than an hour into the journey and Scotland has transformed.

The train splits at Crianlarich – the rear section disappears into moorland and heather, but your carriage moves westward to the coast, where the final destination is Oban. Alight here to board a minibus to Kilmartin Glen. We’ll take you on a walking tour into Prehistory in the company of an expert local guide. Learn of thousands of years of history in this special place.

Day three – The Atlantic Garden & Journey to Iona

Just a short walk from your hotel, spend the morning exploring Arduaine Gardens accompanied by the head gardener.

Later, return to Oban and board the Calmac ferry to The Isle of Mull. On arrival a small coach, private to the group, will take you to the south of the island and stop at a castle, home to Clan Maclean for generations. End the day with the short ferry ride from Fionnphort to Iona.

Day four – The Remarkable Island

Today you will embark on a boat tour to Staffa Island. Spend an hour wandering through green meadows atop the skerry - if the weather is right, you can also gaze upon the geological prowess of Fingal’s Cave. We’ll also keep a look out for puffins, dolphins and minke whales. Back on Iona, your guide will take you on a walking tour to the Abbey and the grave of Scotland's most misrepresented King.

Day five – Journey into the Highland Heart

Head back to Oban and board the train to Crianlarich. Watch Scotland’s changing beauty through the window while enjoying a packed lunch provided by your guide. From here, board the train to continue along the West Highland Line to Spean Bridge, where each bend in the track reveals a new panorama

Arrive at The Great Glen and take a guided walk with your tour leader to hear of the uprising begun with a bullet and the bagpipes not but a quarter mile from your hotel.

Day six – Princes & Jacobites

Take a morning coach tour of the West Coast. Stop at the Glenfinnan monument to hear stories of an ill-fated prince. Venture onwards to Mallaig, where you have time to explore at leisure before regrouping for your journey on the Jacobite Steam Train. Grab a photo, then hop aboard for what is sure to be a highlight of the trip, passing coastline and lochs before rising into the mountains. The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct is sure to delight en route.

Day seven – The Final Line

Begin the day with your final trip on The West Highland Line. Spend the day in the company of newfound friends and maybe hear one last story from your guide. Arrive back in Glasgow with much greater knowledge of Scotland’s rich culture and history. Say fond farewells before continuing on with your travel plans. Do let us know if we can help with your onward journey.

The price includes:

  • Six nights in hand-picked accommodation on a B&B basis.
  • A welcome dinner in Glasgow and dinner every other night in each accommodation. One picnic lunch.
  • Rail travel from Glasgow to Oban on the West Highland Line, ferry travel from Oban to Craignure and Fionnphort to Iona, rail travel from Oban to Spean Bridge via Crainlarich, a journey on the Jacobite Express steam train from Mallaig to Fort William and rail travel from Fort William to Glasgow.
  • Walking tours of Kilmartin, Iona and Spean Bridge, a guided tour of Arduaine Gardens, a guided coach tour on the Isle of Mull, a boat tour to Staffa Island and a guided coach tour of Scotland’s West Coast from Spean Bridge to Mallaig.
  • Transfers as described throughout.
  • The services of McKinlay Kidd’s tour leader, accompanying the group and providing expert guiding and assistance throughout.

Not included:

  • Meals other than those described above
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities and tips

All accommodation is carefully-selected and researched by us, predominantly featuring small, family-owned hotels – contact us for more detailed information. We will do our best to accommodate room preferences subject to availability at individual properties.

A partire da £2775 per adulto

Giorni di partenza

  • Lunedì
  • Martedì
  • Mercoledì
  • Giovedì
  • Venerdì
  • Sabato
  • Domenica

Giugno — Settembre

Prenota ora

Contatti

McKinlay Kidd

6/1,
The Hatrack
144 St. Vincent Street
Glasgow
Scotland
G2 5LQ
Vedere informazioni sulla compagnia

Tour information

Partenza

  • Glasgow

Durata

7 Days

Transporto

  • Boat
  • Driver guide
  • Small coach
  • Train
  • Walking

Tipo

  • Small Group (1-16)

Lingue

  • English

Temi

  • Castles
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Photography
  • Walking

Prezzi dei tour

A partire da £2775 Per adulto

Prenota ora

I prezzi sono soggetti a variazioni a seconda della stagione

Tappe del tour

Galleria

McKinlay Kidd

Informazioni sulla compagnia

McKinlay Kidd

Awarded AITO's Tour Operator of the Year in 2019 (Bronze), 2023 (Gold) 2024 and 2025 (Silver), as well as Telegraph Travel's 'Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023' based on customer reviews, McKinlay Kidd has spent years exploring the country. They have stayed in, eaten at, driven through, sailed across, and visited everything they recommend so that your experience of Scotland is as good as it gets. McKinlay Kidd designs tailor-made short breaks, celebratory trips, long excursions, self-drive holidays and small group guided rail tours.

Reti sociali

Visita McKinlay Kidd

Orari di apertura

Monday - Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

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Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da VisitScotland.

Start your story in Scotland

Escape to a land of deep lochs and emerald glens. Feel the thrum of our vibrant cities and adventure into the undiscovered.

Inspiration for your adventure

Watch waves break against golden sands, step back in time amidst medieval ruins, taste food sourced from nearby fields or connect with locals in our friendly towns and cities. Scotland is the perfect place to lose yourself; plan your holiday now.

Places to Go

Things to Do

Travel & Planning

Food & Drink

Find your dream destination

Listen to the cry of seabirds overhead as you catch a ferry to one of our islands or slow down and take in the rolling green fields and weaving rivers of the countryside. Our towns and cities each have a unique character just waiting for you to discover.

Scotland's islands

Peaceful, beautiful and full of adventure, nothing quite matches the magic of a Scottish island holiday.

City breaks in Scotland

Get to know Scotland on a city break, from our biggest city Glasgow to our newest city, Dunfermline.

Countryside breaks in Scotland

Leave the bustle behind, breathe crisp fresh air, watch the changing seasons unfold, and get lost in nature on a Scottish countryside break.

Scottish Towns

From Melrose and Dumfries to Ullapool and Wick, soak up the historical charm and scenery of Scotland’s towns in all four corners of the country.

Scotland through the seasons

Fall in love with Scotland all year long. Picture autumn days spent wandering through misty hills and forests bursting with colour.  

Uncover Scotland's seasons

Experience vibrant events and festivals

Create an unforgettable memory with your friends and family at one of Scotland’s world-class festivals or events. Dance the night away at your first ceilidh, listen to musicians perform life traditional Scottish folk music, or be part of something special with Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. 

Scottish music festivals

Dance to the rhythm of fiddles in grand music halls and feel the bass rippling across festival fields right across Scotland.

Halloween in Scotland

From hair-raising ghost tales to nighttime woodland walks and spooky activities, come and experience the magic of Halloween in Scotland.

Events and festivals in Scotland

Scotland’s events vibrate with energy – live sports, electrifying music and dance, and toasts that honour our legendary national icons.

Find your escape

Write your own story in Scotland. Find the best options for your travel, whether you’re looking to get the most out of a weekend break or find family-friendly options for the whole clan to enjoy. 

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Where will a weekend in Scotland take you? Michelin-star dining and city lights to beautiful landscapes and moments to slow down.

Wellness retreats in Scotland

Reconnect with nature and embrace Scotland’s crisp, fresh air, restorative landscapes and the gentle sounds and sights of our tranquil waters.

Family holidays in Scotland

Climb the turret of a medieval castle, dip your toes in the North Sea, or make friends with our furry Highland coos as they graze in green fields.

Farm stays & holidays in Scotland

Experience the best of rural Scotland on a farm holiday at a working farm.

Uncover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect adventure and find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Plan your trip

Do you have questions about how to get here, what the weather is like, or what passport requirements we have? Check out our planning section for everything you need to know. 

Visit our travel planning section

Don’t just take our word for it

Get inspired by those who’ve gone before you and share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive Scotland's stories, unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations when you sign up to our email. Your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Get the Scotland newsletter