Au coeur des Highlands, l’Ecosse sauvage

Flight or train to Edinburgh and transfer available on request.

Individual arrival in Edinburgh and check-in at your hotel.

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, where the medieval style of the Old Town meets the classical elegance of the New Town. Settle into your hotel, which we have selected in the city centre and close to the station, then set out to wander the cobbled lanes and explore the city.

The iconic Canongate street gives you an introduction to the Old Town. Stop at St Giles’ Cathedral and continue to the Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city via the famous Royal Mile.
If you have time, head to Holyrood Park to climb Arthur’s Seat. This hill, which rises to 251 meters and is less than an hour’s walk from the city centre, holds an important place in Scottish legends.
Overnight at the hotel

Free day.

History enthusiasts can visit the National Museum of Scotland to discover the country’s history: from its first inhabitants to the creation of the kingdom, its famous figures, and more. Art lovers will prefer the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, which houses works from 1900 to the present day. A bit off-centre, its visit also lets you discover Dean Village, also known as Water of Leith Village or the “deep valley”. This peaceful hamlet was founded in the 12th century by the brothers from Holyrood Abbey. A walk along the Water of Leith river takes you into full nature—you’ll forget you’re just a few kilometers from Edinburgh’s city centre.

If you’re eager to discover some “typical” districts, take a one-hour stroll up to the Leith district in the northeast of the city: a cosmopolitan port district with a rich history.

You can opt for a Whisky Experience tour where you’ll learn how this traditional Scottish drink is made, followed by a tasting.

Tomorrow, you’ll visit Scotland by train.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

After breakfast, your train journey in Scotland begins: take a leisurely walk to Edinburgh station in the morning to catch your train. In less than an hour, you’ll arrive in Glasgow. After dropping off your luggage at the reception of the hotel we’ve chosen for you near the station, you’ll set out to discover this elegant city on the River Clyde.

During the Victorian era, Glasgow was an industrial and commercial centre. Since 1990, the city has been titled the European Capital of Culture. It is famous for its architecture, design, music… Art in all its forms is everywhere. After exploring the city centre, head to the Glasgow Necropolis. Along the way, don’t miss the imposing St Mungo’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The necropolis, Glasgow’s Victorian cemetery, offers a breathtaking view over the city. Back in the city centre, pass by the Statue of the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon and has become a symbol of the city.

Take this day to explore the city following the footsteps of Charles Mackintosh, the creator of Scottish Art Nouveau. His relatively sober and functional style influenced architecture and interior design.
Depending on your schedule, you can choose between visiting the Charles Mackintosh House or the Glasgow School of Art.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

In the morning, you board the train heading to Oban, the “little bay” in Gaelic. The line follows the River Clyde and passes through the Loch Lomond National Park and the Trossachs. Immerse yourself in the natural scenery: travelling Scotland by train offers you breathtaking views.
In the early afternoon, your train arrives in Oban. The port makes this town the capital of the West Highlands and also the natural gateway from the mainland to the islands.

Check in to a hotel next to the station. If time permits, take a one-hour walk to Dunollie Castle along the coast. Its ruins overlook the town, the port, and surrounding islands. After a short stop at the castle, you can follow the coastal path along the bay to Ganavan Sands. Take the opportunity to relax on the sand or stroll along the beach.

To do this outing, you can rent a bike (ask us) to make the trip more enjoyable, or take a regular bus.

On your way back, explore the town by passing through McCaig’s Tower.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

The small size of the town allows you to reach the ferry terminal within minutes. Oban is considered the main gateway to the Hebrides Islands departing from Oban.

Departure in the morning to the islands: Mull and Iona. Breathtaking rugged scenery, coastal cliffs, sparkling lochs, white sandy beaches, and ancient history are just some of the elements that make this day trip a magical and memorable experience.

You will have two hours to soak up the peace and tranquillity of the stunning Isle of Iona and discover its sublime beaches and impressive history. We recommend visiting the Benedictine Convent, Reilig Oran, and the Iona Abbey (at an additional cost on-site).

Return to Oban by ferry.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

Free morning. Don’t miss a visit to the whisky distillery, founded in 1794 by the Stevenson brothers. It is one of the oldest and smallest in Scotland.

You take the bus from Oban to Fort William, which follows the coast of Loch Linnhe north towards Scotland: enjoy the splendid views of the Inner Hebrides islands.

You will arrive in Fort William, nicknamed the outdoor capital of Scotland. Ben Nevis is indeed the highest point in Great Britain at 1345 m and part of the Scottish Grampian Mountains chain.
If the Scottish skies are a bit moody, visit the West Highland Museum located on Fort William’s main street, which tells the story of the Scottish Highlands and the islands.

If you have some free time left, opt for a cruise on Loch Linnhe aboard the Souters Lass. The boat takes you in search of seals and gives you the chance to see salmon leaping out of their fish farms. The view of Ben Nevis on the way back to Fort William is unforgettable.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

It’s the big day for those dreaming of exploring Scotland by train! In the morning, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter. Aboard the « Jacobite Steam Train » renamed the « Hogwarts Express » (or on another train if the Jacobite is not running at the time), you leave Fort William station. You will travel the most beautiful part of the West Highland Line, the section linking Fort William to Mallaig.
The landscapes of the lochs with rugged shoreline and wild mountain reaches are breathtaking. The highlight of this journey is crossing the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct with its 21 arches, the masterpiece of engineer Sir Robert McAlpine.

At the village of Arisaig, the train reaches the westernmost station in Scotland before following the coast past Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Great Britain.

Arrival in Mallaig in the early afternoon. Enjoy your free time exploring this port town and its surroundings with a one-hour cruise (included). The boat leaves port towards the islands. During this trip, you’ll cruise past the famous Isle of Skye and spot in the distance the Islands of Rùm and Eigg. After passing the entrance to Loch Nevis, the boat heads to the Knoydart peninsula. The waters are home to colonies of birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and even basking sharks.

Return by boat. Board the Jacobite Steam Train to return to Fort William. Departure from Mallaig.

Your steam train arrives at Fort William in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel. (B&B)

This final day has more surprises in store for you.

Ride the gondola up to Aonach Mòr, 3km as the crow flies from Ben Nevis.

The cable car takes visitors from 100m to 650m up Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Great Britain, and takes about 15 minutes each way.

The gondola ride allows you to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands in any season, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and the surrounding areas. In clear weather, this spectacular view can even extend to the Inner Hebrides.

There are two relatively easy hikes accessible from the Top Gondola station to Sgurr Finnisg-aig (about 45 minutes round trip) or Meall Beag (1 hour round trip), allowing all our visitors, young and old, to enjoy and appreciate the Scottish Highlands.

Back in Fort William, free time for shopping. Whisky lovers can stop at the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour and tasting.

You’ve chosen to visit Scotland by train: your return to London will also be by train. Departure in the evening on the Caledonian Sleeper night train heading to London.
Overnight on board the Caledonian Sleeper

Early morning arrival of the Caledonian Sleeper train in the British capital.
Free time depending on your return travel arrangements.
End of your organised tour of Scotland.

Extra night, flight or return train from London available on request.
(By train: London > Paris = 2h20)