Travel without a car in Scotland
Trains and ferries draw a contemplative journey across Scotland's three faces.
Duration
4 days
From
€2,635/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Train
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior
The spirit of travel
This unique circuit through Écosse is designed for those who prefer to travel without a car, offering an ideal alternative for those who do not wish to or cannot drive. Intended for slow tourism enthusiasts, this journey allows you to take advantage of public transport, such as buses and trains, to discover at a leisurely pace the breathtaking landscapes of the land of tartan. It is the perfect opportunity to blend into local life and fully appreciate every moment.
The circuit includes unmissable experiences: a visit to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, a boat excursion to explore the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa, as well as a visit to a distillery in Oban. Upon request, we can personalize your trip by adding additional experiences (see bottom of page).
Throughout your journeys, admire the changing panoramas of the Highlands, lochs and wild coastlines from the windows of trains and ferries, without worrying about driving. Each stage is designed to prioritize encounters, discoveries and time to contemplate the landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Edinburgh: Scotland's capital with unrivaled charm
Capital of Écosse since the 15th century and the country's second largest city after Glasgow, Edinburgh is an unmissable destination, both charming and dynamic. The city is often described as having two faces: the historic Old Town district, where the remnants of a prestigious past are revealed, and the New Town, which is more modern. These two districts have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995, and they will offer you a rich and varied experience.
Your visits to Edinburgh :
Enjoy a private guided tour of the city to discover its treasures. Lasting 3 hours, this English-speaking tour will allow you to explore one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the world, inscribed on the world heritage list. A unique opportunity to admire the perfect blend of history and modernity that characterizes this capital.
Don't miss a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an emblematic site dominating the city center. Perched on an extinct volcano, it houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and offers spectacular views over the city. This unmissable historical monument is included in your stay and will immerse you in the fascinating history of Écosse.
Day 3-4: Glasgow: Britain's capital of architecture and design
The train journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, offering you a quick transition between two major Scottish cities. Once in Glasgow, let yourself be captivated by the architecture and design that make this city a true creative capital. Glasgow is home to the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the fathers of Art Nouveau, whose influence permeates the city.
For art lovers, Glasgow offers a multitude of cultural experiences, such as a street art tour that beautifies its streets and a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Following an impressive renovation programme, the museum now showcases a sumptuous Victorian interior that highlights international collections in an exceptional setting.
Don't miss discovering the history of the Clydeside distillery, where you will learn the secrets of artisanal spirit production, using traditional methods. This visit concludes with a tasting of different products, an experience not to be missed, and it is included in your stay.
Day 5-6: Oban: gateway to the islands and wild nature
The train journey between Glasgow and Oban takes approximately 3 hours, taking you through magnificent Scottish landscapes before arriving at this charming little town located at the bottom of Kerrera Bay. Oban is renowned for its picturesque harbor, its restaurants where you can taste fresh fish, and its role as the main gateway to the islands of Mull and Iona.
Your visits to Oban:
During your stay, board a full-day circuit of approximately 10 hours, by ferry and bus, departing from Oban. You will discover the islands of Mull and Iona, and Staffa during this exceptional excursion.
Aboard a ferry, cross the magnificent landscapes of the island of Mull before reaching Iona to visit its famous abbey. The highlight of this exploration will be the short boat excursion to the impressive island of Staffa, known for its unique cliffs with hexagonal basalt columns and its famous Fingal's Cave.
If you travel between mid-April and early August, you may also spot the puffins that nest on Staffa. This incredible excursion is included in your stay, offering you a complete immersion in the wild beauty of these islands.
Day 7: Return to Edinburgh: Last moments in Scotland's capital
The train journey between Oban and Edinburgh takes approximately 4 hours 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy one last glimpse of Écosse landscapes before returning to the capital.
During this final day in Edinburgh, you will be ideally located near the airport while having the opportunity to rediscover the city. This is the perfect time to do your last-minute shopping or to explore a few places you didn't have time to visit at the beginning of your stay.
Take advantage of this final day to savor one last time the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh before you leave.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Air Transport and Travel Insurance
- The supplement for a single room
- Lunches, dinners and other services not mentioned
- Insurance
Included
- The custom creation of your tour
- 7 nights in traditional 3 and 4* hotels in the city centres of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and close to Oban port
- Breakfast included
- The visits mentioned under each region: Edinburgh Castle, the boat excursion to the islands of Mull, Staffa and Iona, the Clydeside distillery, as well as a private guided tour in Edinburgh with an English-speaking guide
- The booking of your train tickets for all connections
- The booking and prepayment of all your services
- Your travel documents
- Telephone support 7 days a week in English
- The offsetting of your trip's carbon footprint with local organizations
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Scotland for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. To enter, nationals of the EEA and Switzerland must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire duration of the stay. Since Brexit, the national identity card is no longer accepted as a travel document to the United Kingdom for the vast majority of travelers.
Canadian nationals must also present a valid passport for the duration of the stay.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the United Kingdom.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 6 months on British territory. It is not possible to extend this stay from within the United Kingdom beyond this duration for a tourist stay.
British authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation, etc.).
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Since the beginning of 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals, including citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada.
The ETA must be obtained before departure and is electronically linked to the traveler's passport. It allows multiple entries to British territory and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The application is made online via the application or official website of the British government.
The required information includes notably:
passport information
personal information and contact details
answers to questions relating to eligibility
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Since Brexit, you can stay in the United Kingdom (including Scotland) visa-free. A valid passport is required (identity cards are no longer accepted since 2021). An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) will soon be mandatory: check the timeline. Before booking, verify the rules applicable to your nationality with the UK consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €220 and €360 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€150-400 return from Paris) are additional. Car rental is almost essential for the Highlands.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association for Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Edinburgh and Lowlands
Celtic Soul Guide, based in Irlande
Scotland is felt as much as it is visited. There is in the Highlands a strength, a light, and a memory that stay with travelers long after they leave.
— Fabienne
