• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

British Isles Tour From London to Lochs

Experience the Charm of Britain by Rail

Dive into an unforgettable 9-day journey through four of Britain’s and Scotland’s most captivating cities and landscapes. Begin by exploring London’s royal highlights and edgy East End before hopping on a train to Newcastle, where you’ll experience that unbeatable Geordie spirit and proud industrial heritage. Then it’s on to regal Edinburgh’s medieval streets, hilltop castle, and iconic Royal Mile. Your journey culminates in the middle of storybook castles of the stunning Scottish Highlands surrounding Inverness.

We’ve crafted your journey to provide an authentic sense of Great Britain and plenty of time for immersive exploration in each destination. Enjoy wandering through atmospheric neighborhoods, visiting world-famous sights, sampling iconic local cuisine, engaging with friendly locals, and uncovering the unique traditions that give each stop its distinctive spirit.

You’re free to be fully present and embrace the magic and stories unfolding all around you. This tour of UK cities is an invitation to truly experience the culture, stories, and renowned attractions that make these destinations and landscapes so captivating.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in London

Welcome to England's iconic capital! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented by taking a walk through one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park or St. James's Park. In the evening, explore the bustling Covent Garden area with its street performers, restaurants, and pubs. [Night in London]

Day 2

Sights of Central London

Use a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see London's top attractions at your own pace. Be sure to hop off at Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other highlights could include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. [Night in London]

Day 3

Travel to Newcastle

After breakfast, depart London and take the train north to Newcastle upon Tyne. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring this vibrant city on the River Tyne. Visit the Castle Keep, one of Newcastle's most iconic landmarks, and stroll through the Grainger Town historical area. [Night in Newcastle]

Day 4

Journey to Edinburgh

Leave Newcastle after breakfast and continue by train into Scotland to the capital city of Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get your first taste of this historic city by strolling along the iconic Royal Mile and seeing Edinburgh Castle towering above. [Night in Edinburgh]

Day 5

Exploring Edinburgh

Today, experience the highlights of Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit iconic sights like the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, and the gothic cathedral of St Giles' on the Royal Mile. You may also want to tour the intriguing Edinburgh Castle. [Night in Edinburgh]

Day 6

Travel to Inverness

Depart Edinburgh after breakfast and take the train into the Scottish Highlands to Inverness. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon getting acquainted with Inverness by walking along the River Ness and seeing Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral. [Night in Inverness]

Day 7

Discover the Highlands

Use this full day to explore the natural beauty of the Highlands. Consider taking a tour to iconic Loch Ness, visiting the battlefield of Culloden, or exploring the picturesque villages and landscapes of the surrounding area. [Night in Inverness]

Day 8

Return to London

After breakfast, take a train back to London. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for your final night. Use this afternoon to visit any London attractions you missed at the start of your trip or do some last-minute shopping. [Night in London]

Day 9

Depart London

On your final morning, enjoy any last sights or activities in London before departing home. You might want to visit a museum you missed earlier or simply relax in one of London's charming neighborhoods before saying goodbye to the UK.

our rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

London

Our Included Favourite

Hilton London Euston

Victorian charm

On-site restaurant

Popular Alternative

Thistle Bloomsbury Park

Self-service drinks counter

Breakfast is filled with modern spins on that classic British cuisine

Luxe Alternative

Great Northern Hotel

London’s original railway hotel

Restaurant on site

Newcastle

Our Included Favourite

Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter, an IHG Hotel

Mineral House Spa

Gin Bar

Popular Alternative

County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle

Onsite bar and restaurant

Quality awarded hotel

Luxe Alternative

Hotel Indigo Newcastle, an IHG Hotel

Industrial design

24/7 fitness area

Edinburgh

Our Included Favourite

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Hotel bar

On-site gym

Popular Alternative

The Scotsman Hotel

Beautiful Art Deco styled cinema hidden within the hotel

Luxurious rooms

Luxe Alternative

The Balmoral Hotel

Whisky bar

Award winning chef cousine

Inverness

Our Included Favourite

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

Fitness center

Onsite bar and restaurant

Popular Alternative

Mercure Inverness Hotel

In-house bar & restaurant

Set along the banks of River Ness

Luxe Alternative

AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness

Fitness Center

Riverside terrace