Travelmarvel
Edinburgh, The Highlands and Islands with European Gems
Edinburgh to Budapest
Trip Inclusions
- Eight nights in premium accommodation and 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
- Rail itinerary operated by Travelmarvel's partner, Great Rail Journeys
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort, Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
- 56 meals - 22 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 21 dinners
- Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
- Join the Jacobite Steam Train for a journey to Mallaig on the final leg of the West Highland Line
- Cruise Loch Ness and discover the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle
- Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- *Scotrail services may replace the Jacobite Steam Train on early and late departures. Please enquire at time of booking
- Itinerary and hotels may be subject to change
- Prices include a flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam (unescorted)
- Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping
- Low or high-water levels may cause disruption to cruising
- Order of touring is subject to change
- Prices are for rail/cruise and flight as specified only
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive Edinburgh
Today you will arrive in Scotland’s much-loved capital, Edinburgh. Discover its fascinating history, unsurpassed beauty and warm, friendly locals. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel, situated close to the station.
Stay: Edinburgh, Apex Hotel Waterloo Place
Daily :Edinburgh, West Highland Line, Fort William
All aboard for Glasgow this morning, before changing trains for a journey on one of the world’s most incredible railway lines, the West Highland Line. Travel along a hillside ledge overlooking Gare Loch before entering the spectacular Highlands, an idyllic, remote and untouched landscape. The incredible route skirts the western banks of Loch Lomond and climbs quickly from Crianlarich to Upper Tyndrum and wild Rannoch Moor, a dramatic region of peat bogs, streams and ancient forests that are only visible from the comfort of your train. On arrival at Fort William, transfer to your hotel.
Stay: Three Nights, Fort William Glenspean Lodge Hotel or similar
Daily :Fort William, Isle of Mull, Duart Castle
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Venture to the town of Oban where you’ll board a ferry and cruise to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.
Heading through the small islands and across to Mull, the incredible picture-postcard views are truly awe-inspiring. Think rugged coastline; hills rising sharply from the water’s edge; endless greens, purples and browns of the moorland; and jagged, exposed rock faces. On approach to the island, you’ll notice a lonely castle above the sea cliffs. This is Duart Castle, ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. Visit the castle, taking in its eclectic rooms and stunning views. Later, return to your hotel for the evening.
Daily :
Fort William, Neptune’s Staircase, Loch Linnhe
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel to Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive set of eight locks operated by a team of at least three lock keepers. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, the 22-ton lock gates were originally hand-powered, but are now operated by hydraulics.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Discover the picturesque waters of Loch Linnhe and set off on a cruise.
Today you’ll travel by coach to Neptune’s Staircase. It takes approximately one-and-a-half hours to pass from one end of the staircase to the other, where water overcomes gravity and nature to climb the hillside. From here, pass the stunning mountain landscapes of Glencoe before returning to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner.
Daily :Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train*, Inverness
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Join the Jacobite Steam Train for a journey to Mallaig on the final leg of the West Highland Line.
*Scotrail services may replace the Jacobite Steam Train on early and late departures. Please enquire at time of booking
Departing from Fort William, join the Jacobite Steam Train. Your train will steam past Ben Nevis before climbing into the mountains around Glenfinnan, a town famous as the rallying point for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s assault on the British throne. At Glenfinnan, reach the line’s most picturesque section and one of Britain’s most iconic engineering works – the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. A magical experience, it’s no wonder this train was featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. As you head towards Mallaig, we drop down to the sea’s edge and the landscape opens up with the first views of the rugged ‘Small Isles’ – Rum, Eigg and Muck – which hang close offshore and tease in and out of view near the journey’s end. After a lunch stop, it’s time to return to Fort William. From there, you’ll then continue by coach through the picturesque countryside to the city of Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
Stay: Three Nights, Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa or similar
Daily :Inverness, Loch Ness
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
During a cruise, soak up the myth and mystery of Loch Ness and its monster before disembarking at the picturesque 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle.
This morning, you’ll travel to the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, as famous for the elusive ‘monster’ that allegedly swims in its depths as for its natural beauty. Later, return by coach to Inverness, and enjoy some time at leisure.
Daily :Inverness, Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in Europe: the Kyle Line.
Today, experience a picturesque rail journey. Enjoy countless photo opportunities as you wind through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and seaside towns. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Afterwards, make a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich.
Daily :Inverness, Edinburgh
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This evening, enjoy the opportunity to try some traditional Scottish fare. You’ll also listen to a chorus of bagpipes and drums during a Scottish-themed evening to mark the end of your journey.
Leaving Inverness behind this morning, you’ll travel south by rail through the Cairngorms and via the towns of Aviemore and Kingussie, as well as the burgh of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh. Transfer from the railway station to your hotel.
Stay: Edinburgh, Crowne Plaza Edinburgh Royal Terrace or similar
Daily :Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Embark Ship
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, transfer to your contemporary river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city. This evening meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Captain’s Welcome Reception.
Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
Daily :Amsterdam, Utrecht
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some free time to explore this lively city. Later, travel by coach to Utrecht, via Rembrandt’s Windmill. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you prepare for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.
Daily :Cologne, Bruhl
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the lodge.
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kolner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you tour this picturesque city by coach. You'll then take the short drive to Bruhl for your Insider Experience.
Daily :Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim
Dock in Rudesheim, and board the Winzerexpress mini-train, bound for Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Daily :Miltenberg
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Get a glimpse into local life as you are welcomed into the home of a friendly Miltenberg family. Enjoy coffee and cake made by your gracious hosts.
Today, arrive in the evocative town of Miltenberg. Perfectly positioned at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Miltenberg is home to charming half-timbered houses and beautiful squares. Later this evening, enjoy a superb dinner on board.
Daily :
Wurzburg
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Wurzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.
Daily :Bamberg
Cruise along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Here, choose between an afternoon of free time or a guided tour. Later on this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.
Daily :
Nuremberg
Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.
Daily :Regensburg
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, conveniently docked right in the heart of town so you can have easy access to all the main sites. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensbergu. Take a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Daily :Passau
As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Discover the city at your leisure this morning, or grab a bike and set out to explore. Alternatively, join an optional tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’.
Daily :Melk, Durnstein
Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, then continue to Durnstein, where you have a free afternoon to explore. Alternatively you may wish to join an optional bike ride from Melk to Durnstein.
Daily :Vienna
In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.
Daily :Vienna
Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava.
Daily :
Budapest
After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Tonight enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Daily :Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily :Travelmarvel's program runs smoothly from go to whoa, with great guides, perfectly paced excursions.
Similar Trips
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Edinburgh Return
Grand Alpine Explorer with European Gems
Amsterdam to Zurich
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Edinburgh Return
Grand Alpine Explorer with European Gems
Amsterdam to Zurich