Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

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.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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.

Vanaf £2775 per persoon


Vertrekdagen

  • Maandag
  • Dinsdag
  • Woensdag
  • Donderdag
  • Vrijdag
  • Zaterdag
  • Zondag

Juni — September

Contact gegevens

McKinlay Kidd

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

Tour information

Beginnend

  • Glasgow

Lengte

7 Days

Transport

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

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Talen

  • English

Thema’s

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

Tour prijzen


Vanaf £2775 Per Persoon

Nu boeken

Prijzen zijn afhankelijk van het seizoen

Tourstops

McKinlay Kidd

Informatie over toermaatschappij

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.

Openingstijden

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

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Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

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.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.