Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands

Your holiday begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to our centrally located hotel to check in for the night. Afterwards, you are at leisure to start getting to know Scotland's capital, where more than 900 years of history await your exploration.

The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Old Town's Royal Mile and the New Town's award-winning Georgian architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. You might like to see it all from above after climbing the 287 steps to the Scott Monument, where panoramic city views abound. Staying on the ground level and wandering the ancient streets, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

Return to the hotel this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travellers, and then, together, sit down for our first dinner in Scotland.

• Dinner

Bidding farewell to Edinburgh this morning, we board the coach for the journey towards Glasgow, passing one of Scotland's newest iconic sites enroute: the towering Kelpies. These huge sculptures pay homage to Scotland's hardworking horses that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the area's fields.

There's time to admire these masterpieces before we continue our drive to Glasgow. Here, we journey along the West Highland Line by rail, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on our way to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

After checking into our hotel, we're joined by a guest speaker who entertains us with local titbits of history and a selection of 'tales of the Road to the Isles'. Dinner is served following his storytelling.

*Please note: On the 3 May and 17 May departures, we stay at the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, we set out to visit another marvel of engineering: Neptune's Staircase. The longest staircase lock in Scotland, this system is situated on the Caledonian Canal and allows boats to overcome a height of 64 feet over one-and-a-half hours.

After time to admire the staircase and take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe. Enjoy free time through lunch here, and then we head to the shores, where we join a cruise. Our skipper's live commentary leads the way as we see 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. After the cruise, our coach takes us back to Fort William for a leisurely evening of dinner and Scotch Whisky tasting at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel to Oban by coach and catch the ferry for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. Drifting through small islands and across Loch Linnhe, the views are awe-inspiring.

On a clear day, views of Duart Castle welcome us before we dock at the port of Craignure. Here, we board our coach for the scenic drive to Tobermory, the island's colourful capital. Famous for its fresh fish, you could enjoy a seafood lunch during your free time. Wander the pretty port or seek out its sheltered bay where, according to legend, one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying a stash of gold.

We depart Tobermory later this afternoon for the drive back to Craignure. On arrival, we board the ferry once more and watch the island scenery fade into the distance as we retrace our journey back to our hotel, where dinner is served this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the Jacobite steam train*. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, we discover why this journey is renowned as one of the best and most scenic in the world. A highlight of the route comes as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a marvel of engineering with 21 arches, that you may recognise from the 'Harry Potter' films.

The train continues towards the coast, unveiling wild views across the vast Scottish countryside. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye. Along the picturesque harbour, there's a choice of local Scottish pubs that serve delicious seafood dishes, as well as other traditional meals. With some time at leisure, you could enjoy lunch with a view before our return journey on the Jacobite.

*Please note: on the 6th and 20th 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 the 4th October departure, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Fort William and head back to Edinburgh. Travelling by coach, our journey is awash with beauty, with endless hills, pristine lochs and cascading waterfalls passing by our windows as we drive through the afternoon.

We pause our route at the Falkirk Wheel. Opened in 2002, the rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and is the only one of its kind in the world. There's time to admire this masterpiece and have lunch on your own before we continue our drive to Edinburgh.

Once we've settled back in, you have some time to get reacquainted with Edinburgh's winding alleyways and sprawling squares before we enjoy our last evening in style. Bagpipes beckon us to the Great Scots Hall at the Raddison Blu, where, after taking our seats, we're served a wonderful Scottish banquet among the traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels, and open flame fire.

Dinner - a multi-course affair of traditional cuisine - is accompanied by time-honoured Scottish entertainment and customary dress, creating the perfect farewell evening to your holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Having stayed in the majestic Highlands and the capital city and visited the charming Isle of Mull, we have discovered the best of Scotland during the last week. We enjoyed a scenic rail journey to Fort William along the West Highland Line, admired Neptune's Staircase, cruised Loch Linnhe and experienced the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, whose beautiful route has been immortalized on the big screens. All of this culminated with a traditional Scottish evening in Edinburgh - a proper send-off for an exceptional Scottish adventure.

After breakfast this morning, our time in Scotland comes to an end. Upon checking out of our hotel, you are free to continue exploring or begin your journey home at your own pace.

• Breakfast