Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands

Your holiday begins in Edinburgh where you can check into our hotel this afternoon, meeting the Tour Manager just before dinner. You may wish to start exploring Scotland's capital independently before meeting up.

The heart of this impressive city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, from the historic Old Town to the Georgian streets of the New Town. As you admire neoclassical buildings or stroll up Calton Hill to view the National Monument of Scotland, modelled on the Greek Parthenon, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

Among the many great sights to see, at opposite ends of the Royal Mile are Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, with the Old Town's maze of medieval streets and alleys between. Visit the National Museums of natural history, art and portraiture. And see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years. Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is another highlight of the city.

After meeting up with the Tour Manager, dinner is served at our hotel.

• Dinner

Leaving Edinburgh after breakfast, we travel by rail to Glasgow where we join the scenic West Highland Line.

This celebrated journey brings our first glimpses of breathtaking Scottish landscapes as we travel along the shores of Loch Lomond and across wild Rannoch Moor. Enroute to Fort William, we pass Corrour station, the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK. Despite being nearly 10 miles away from the nearest public road, it remains a popular drop-off point for hikers drawn to this scenic part of the world.

On arrival in historic Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, we transfer to our hotel. Before dinner, we're joined by a guest speaker who entertains us with 'tales of the road to the isles'. Keeping alive the ancient art of Scottish storytelling, we're taken on an atmospheric journey through time before dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling by coach after breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the port of Oban.  Here, we catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Drifting past small islands, we take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged coastline, hills rising from the shores and jagged, exposed rock faces create a striking backdrop as we sail.  

  On approach to the Isle of Mull, we may glimpse our destination - the 13th-century Duart Castle built into the rugged cliffside, standing proudly above the water. We dock at the port of Craignure, where a coach transfers us to this remarkable historic fortress and residence, believed to have been built by Clan MacDougall and, soon after, owned by Clan MacLean. After a guide provides an introduction to the castle's history, you're free to explore the castle at your own pace, lunch independently in the café and look around the gift shops.  

After driving back to Craignure, we retrace our journey back by ferry to Oban then by coach through scenic landscapes to our hotel. We arrive back at our hotel where dinner is served this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

An exploration by land and sea awaits today as we first visit Neptune's Staircase. Situated at the southern end of the Caledonian Canal this impressive sight is the longest staircase lock in Scotland, allowing vessels to overcome a height of 64 feet in one-and-a-half hours.

After time to take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe for a peaceful cruise. Live commentary from our ship's skipper adds fascinating insights into the panoramas surrounding us as we discover more about Ben Nevis, the Caledonian Canal and Black Rock - a protected area also known as 'Seal Island' because it's home to both common and Atlantic grey seals.

Back on land, a coach transports us through enigmatic Glencoe, where wild moorlands and small, gleaming lochs are encircled by dramatic mountains. One of Scotland's most loved and evocative landscapes, Glencoe has a long history and has become a popular filming location, featuring in movies as varied as Braveheart and Skyfall. Back at our hotel this evening, dinner is followed by a traditional whisky tasting.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A highlight of our Highland adventure awaits after breakfast this morning. Boarding the vintage carriages of the Jacobite steam train*, we set off on a return journey from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through some of the UK's most renowned scenery.

As the train leaves Fort William station, the highest mountain in the British Isles - Ben Nevis - passes the windows, before fishing boats and the seasonal colours of Scotland hone into view. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as red deer grazing on the hillside. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, particularly the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the train crosses on its scenic route. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, the Jacobite reaches the coastal town of Mallaig. Here there is free time over lunch to explore the charming streets or pop into a café or restaurant.

Remember to choose a seat on the opposite side of the train for the return journey to Fort William, to enjoy different views. On arrival we are taken by coach to Inverness where we check in to our next hotel before dinner this evening.

*Please note: on the 10th April, 7th June, 6th, 20th and 24th September departures, the Jacobite steam train will be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service and we will also visit the West Highland Museum.

Please note: on selected departures, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we transfer to Dochgarroch for a scenic cruise along the Caledonian Canal and across vast Loch Ness. Remember your cameras, because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth £1million.

This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by mountains, we glide by fairytale forests and pass the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. After soaking up panoramic views over Loch Ness we head back to our hotel.

You're at leisure in Inverness for the rest of the day and could enjoy a riverside stroll among verdant forests to experience the local wildlife. Alternatively, visit the stunning Inverness Castle whose most famous resident, King Mac Bethad mac Findláech, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

With no scheduled dinner, tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the city's many appealing pubs or restaurants.

*Please note: on certain departures, Day 6 and Day 7 will be swapped. On Day 6, we will take the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh, tour the castle and return by coach.

• Breakfast

This morning, we embark on a self-guided tour of Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most striking castles in Scotland. Perched atop a tiny island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, this iconic fortress was formerly a stronghold for the clans Mackenzie and Macrae. There is time to uncover the castle's history and admire views of the fjord-like lochs. 

We then transfer to Kyle of Lochalsh, a picturesque coastal village that looks out across the water to the rugged silhouette of the Isle of Skye, for an enchanting journey back to Inverness. Boarding the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways, we are treated to spectacular views - the route skirts alongside lochs, through wild landscapes of cascading waterfalls and undulating hills, before passing the birdwatching hotspot of Beauly Firth.  

After dinner, we are treated to a wee dram as we hear tales of myth, legend and monsters from a favourite Highlands storyteller, Willie Cameron, fondly regarded as Mr Loch Ness.  

*Please note: on certain departures, Day 6 and Day 7 will be swapped.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head back to Edinburgh by rail. Travelling south through the Cairngorms, scenes of mountain peaks, winding rivers and rushing waterfalls drift by the train windows, interrupted momentarily by historic towns and villages.

Settling into our new hotel in Edinburgh, we enjoy our last evening in Scotland in style. The grand Radisson Blu sits at the heart of the Royal Mile - and it is in this luxury hotel's Great Scots Hall that we sit down for a wonderful Scottish banquet*. The hall features traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels and an open fire. It is an ideal setting for a fine feast accompanied by traditional Scottish entertainment including famous 'Jim the Piper' and dancer. This time-honoured celebration of Scottish culture is the perfect farewell evening to our holiday.

*Please note, in August, due to other events taking place in the hotel, dinner will be held in another dining room of the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This epic tour has featured journeys on some of the UK's most scenic railways, including the West Highland and Kyle lines, as well as a stunning round trip on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig. Gliding across the water to the Isle of Mull, we explored ancient Duart Castle, then viewed Ben Nevis during a peaceful cruise on Loch Linnhe and sailed across Loch Ness to look for its famous monster. Our enchanting holiday was concluded in style with a banquet in Edinburgh's Great Scots Hall.

After breakfast our adventure in stunning Scotland comes to an end. You are free to make your way home or may decide to continue exploring Edinburgh on your own.

• Breakfast