A Journey through Scotland by Land and Rail
Discover the magic of Scotland on an 11 day trip, starting in the capital of Edinburgh where you'll admire the architecture on a walking tour. You’ll then climb aboard and marvel at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, before commencing your once-in-a-lifetime journey up to the Scottish Highlands onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, with one of the most scenic railway routes in the world. Disembarking in the Lowlands you’ll visit Rosslyn Chapel and, after trying a taste of Scotland at the Glengoyne Distillery, you'll conclude your adventure in Glasgow with an in-depth city tour.
Highlights
- Admire the array of architecture in Edinburgh
- Explore the previous royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II
- An extraordinary adventure on the Belmond Royal Scotsman
- Visit the Rosslyn Chapel
- Enjoy tastings at the Glengoyne Distillery
- Explore the home of the 1,500 year old Bruce Family
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
Three days in Edinburgh
Explore Scotland‘s beautiful capital, winding your way through the cobbled streets of the old town. Amble along the bustling Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, all the way down to Holyroodhouse, the British Monarch’s official Scottish residence. Perhaps you’ll spot monuments such as St. Giles’s Cathedral and the Scott Monument, or admire the art within Edinburgh‘s handful of modern museums and galleries.
Edinburgh walking tour
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and nicknamed the Athens of the North for its grand Georgian architecture. It’s the New Town that earned the city this sobriquet: its elegant neoclassical terraces were inspired by the buildings of Ancient Greece and though it’s called the New Town, this neighbourhood is already nearly 300 years old.
Edinburgh’s Old Town dominates the city from atop a volcanic outcrop, where Edinburgh Castle balances perilously on the edge.
Royal Yacht Britannia visit
The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997. It served Her Majesty on innumerable trips around the globe over the course of its career. The yacht was dear to the Queen and she was seen to shed a tear when it was decommissioned. Today, the yacht is docked at Leith, in Edinburgh, and offers a tantalising insight into some of the former private spaces of the British Royal Family.
Days 3–7
Four nights on the Belmond Royal Scotsman
Enjoy an incredible journey up to the Scottish Highlands onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. You’ll travel through stunning landscapes and disembark in the most picturesque of destinations. Highlights include Plockton, where you’ll take a boat trip to see wild seals or perhaps wander through Eilean Donan Castle, or Carrbridge, where romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside is just waiting to be explored. You’ll also travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. After filling your camera roll up with plenty of photos and marvelling at the traditions of Scotland, the train will take you south to Edinburgh.
Days 7–9
Three days in rural Perthshire
The rolling hills of Perthshire are home to some wonderful wildlife, immersive hikes and incredible whisky. Take yourself off the beaten track and discover the hidden secrets that are only known to the locals. From exploring the near 200 year history behind the whiskey of Glengoyne Distillery.to visiting the home of Lord Bruce with its incredible collection of artefacts, fine art and archives, there’s plenty for you to uncover during your time within the Shire.
Architectural highlights
A piece of history
One of Scotland's largest castles
Rosslyn Chapel
Located only a short distance outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. The chapel is famous for its remarkable stone carvings depicting Biblical stories and moral messages. Explore the chapel’s history, both ancient and modern, with your expert guide and unravel the mysterious of this enigmatic place of worship.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.
Days 9–11
Three days in Glasgow
Scotland‘s largest city is a thriving metropolis renowned for its culture and style. It’s home to world-class museums and galleries, a vibrant arts scene and some of Scotland’s best shopping and nightlife. Located on the valley floor of the River Clyde, Glasgow is surrounded by hills to the north and south, the vast expanse of Loch Lomond National Park just an hour away.
Glasgow city tour
Glasgow is the beating heart of modern Scotland. The country’s sporting, music and financial capital, Glasgow is a hard-working and thriving city. The city packs in a fair amount of culture too, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to Glasgow Cathedral and the historic Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city. The creations of Glasgow’s most famous son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, can be seen all over the city from the Willow Tea Rooms to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
