The Outer Hebrides and the Highlands

We meet at our hotel in Glasgow, a city of striking architecture, both historic and contemporary. After checking in, there's some time at leisure ahead of dinner this evening. You could begin exploring the city with the iconic Glasgow Cathedral or bustling Buchanan Street, both within walking distance. Or, you could relax with a drink in the hotel's champagne lounge.

• Dinner

Today, we travel on the magnificent West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William. This spectacular rail journey travels under the gaze of moody mountains and over stone bridges on a route which takes in the best of the wild and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic train rides in the UK, we soak up the stunning drama of the glorious Scottish Highlands, where purple heather rolls over the moorlands and ancient forests tower above us.

Our hotel in Fort William sits on the banks of the River Ness. After checking in, there's time at leisure before dinner and you could start exploring our new surroundings with a picturesque stroll along the river.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we experience more amazing landscapes on the West Highland Line. Bound for Mallaig, we journey along the banks of Loch Eil and over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous Victorian archway is a true feat of engineering and is well-known for its cameo in the Harry Potter films. As we cross, the views of the valley below are astonishing.

We also pass by the shimmering glens and lochs of central Scotland before arriving in Mallaig, where we get our first glimpse of the beautiful Scottish coastline. From here, we catch the ferry to Skye and continue by coach over Skye Bridge to Ullapool. Here, we board another ferry to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. We arrive at our hotel in Borve by coach for a late check in and a peaceful night's rest.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we start discovering the Isle of Lewis with a boat excursion and coach tour. On the boat, we enjoy a unique sea eagle safari, hoping to catch a glimpse of the impressive creatures. While spotting these majestic birds soaring above us, other wildlife like herons, seals or dolphins could also appear.

Exploring Stornoway by coach, we experience the vibrant Gaelic culture that thrives in this characteristic town. Soak up the atmosphere of the Stornoway Harbour, admire the graceful Lews Castle, and gaze at our picturesque surroundings.

Back on dry land, we make our way to the nearby Royal Hotel for a fish and chip lunch overlooking the quaint harbour. We then return to our hotel in High Borve where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure in the unspoilt village.

You could wander by the humble cottages and natural beauty on your way to explore the stunning nearby beaches or simply unwind at the hotel ahead of dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we're joined by an expert Hebridean guide for the full day. Starting with a visit to the Ness historical society, we discover the fascinating past of the Isle of Lewis. The museum is a treasure trove of historical artefacts and exhibits that bring the rich heritage of the area to lifegiving us an insight into the various aspects of island culture.

Continuing to the Callanish Standing Stones, we stand in the shadow of these giant Neolithic structures which are even older than the famous Stonehenge monument.

Our final visit of the day is to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a preserved 1800s village. Exploring the well-preserved blackhouses and traditional stone cottages with thatched roofs, we discover more about the daily routines, craftsmanship, and customs of the island's inhabitants.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we head to the Stornoway Museum, which tells the story of this island in the Outer Hebrides and the people who have called it home for the past 5,000 years. With a wide range of artefacts and interactive exhibits, this is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours.

After time for lunch, we board our ferry to Ullapool, a village and port in Northern Scotland. As the ferry sails, we see the Isle of Lewis disappear into the horizon while the mainland beckons in the distance.

From Ullapool, we journey by coach through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Highlands to Inverness. We check into our hotel in this lively city in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy time at leisure in Inverness this morning. You could enjoy a beautiful riverside stroll along the River Ness, stopping at Inverness Castle on its banks. After time for lunch, we make our way to the station where we catch the train back to Glasgow.

After travelling through the wonderful mountains and shimmering lochs that make up the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands, we check into our hotel in Glasgow.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, our holiday together comes to an end. Once we've checked out and said goodbye to new friends, you can explore more of Scotland on your own or begin your journey home.

• Breakfast