Following your individual travel to Edinburgh, your Tour Manager meets you in the reception of the Radisson Blu Hotel. The hotel is superbly situated at the halfway point of the city's impressive Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. With so many different activities to tempt you, you have today free for individual sightseeing. Edinburgh city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as visitors wander through the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town and the elegant terraces of the Georgian New Town, it's easy to see why it was awarded this accolade. Stroll past award-winning modern architecture juxtaposed with majestic old buildings built in the typical grey stone of the area, or amble down the winding alleyways, or wynds, which fan out from the Royal Mile leading up to the castle. This fortress, perched high on Castle Rock overlooking the city, is both a symbol of Scotland's turbulent past, and a popular tourist destination. (D)

This morning we set off from Edinburgh to Glasgow across the heart of Scotland, where we change onto the wonderfully scenic West Highland Railway to Oban. The train passes through some spectacular scenery as the countryside becomes more rugged and untamed, passing along the shoreline of mighty lochs Long and Lomond, with wooded hills rearing up from the shoreline. We arrive in bustling Oban and board our floating hotel, the Lord of the Glens. Take the opportunity to settle into your cabin before we enjoy the Captain's Welcome Reception and dinner this evening. (B,D)

Linger on the seafront this morning for beautiful views across the harbour to the islands beyond, before we set sail across the Firth of Lorn for Craignure. From here there is an optional shore excursion to Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan McClean, standing menacingly on a clifftop overlooking the glittering waters, and also to Torosay Castle, a spectacular 19th century baronial style castle. Connected to Craignure by its very own narrow gauge steam railway, there is time here to explore the opulent interior and wander through the breathtaking gardens before heading to Tobermory, the main village on the Isle of Mull. Breathtakingly beautiful with pastel-painted houses lining the streets of the port and colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, this village is set against a beautiful backdrop of leafy wooded hills. (B,L,D)

Bidding farewell to colourful Tobermory this morning, we set sail across the rippling waters of the Sound of Mull to tranquil Loch Linnhe, the pretty sea loch which extends up to Fort William, set in the shadow of Ben Nevis. We enter the Caledonian Canal at Corpach before ascending Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight interconnecting locks. The optional shore excursion picks up the West Highland Railway again, in Fort William, a line journeying through scenic landscapes to Mallaig. As we head towards Mallaig, we drop down to the sea's edge and see the 'Small Isles' - Rum, Eigg and Muck - tantalisingly close. Relax in your seat as the train carries you along the banks of solemn lochs, past heather-clad hills and over the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct. Rugged peaks and untamed moorland stretch as far as the eye can see. (B,L,D)

Today we set sail up the spectacular Caledonian Canal, widely considered a masterpiece of engineering, which stretches from Fort William to Inverness. Built 200 years ago, 22 miles of its 60 mile length is man-made and the rest are formed of natural lochs. We sail through picturesque Loch Lochy and on to tiny Loch Oich, the higest point of the canal. We cruise up the River Oich before arriving into Fort Augustus, set on the shores of impressive Loch Ness. This evening we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

We disembark after breakfast today at Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, which is over 20 miles long, a mile wide and 700 feet at its deepest. Loch Ness is the largest loch in Scotland by volume, and famed as much for its famous resident, Nessie, as for its outstanding beauty. We drive along the shoreline, past small villages, crofts and farms dotted round this huge expanse of water, to Inverness where we return by rail through the Cairngorm Mountains to Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. (B,D)

After breakfast this morning you are free to say your goodbyes and leave Edinburgh at your leisure. Alternatively, why not explore this delightful city further before departing later today? (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday