Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

We meet at our hotel in Edinburgh, after which you're free to begin exploring. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval Old Town, home to the Royal Mile, Georgian New Town and award-winning modern architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. As you wander the streets, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

• Dinner

We travel along the West Highland Line, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on our way to Fort William. 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'. Keeping alive the ancient art of storytelling that's been a way of life for centuries in this part of the world, and we're taken on an atmospheric journey through time.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We catch the ferry from Oban for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. As we head through the small islands and across Loch Linnhe, the views are awe-inspiring; rugged coastline, hills rising from the water's edge, an endless tapestry of green, purple and brown moorland and jagged, exposed rock faces. We arrive in Craignure and make our way to Duart Castle, the 13th-century home of the MacLean Clan. Sitting on the island's west coast, we explore the different rooms, which tell the story of the MacLeans through the ages, before making the scenic drive to Tobermory. Spend some free time in the island's colourful capital, famous for its fish, ahead of a traditional whisky tasting back at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We visit Neptune's Staircase, an impressive flight of locks operated by a team of at least three lock keepers. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, they overcome a height of 64 feet over the course of one-and-a-half hours. We continue to Loch Linnhe, enjoying a scenic cruise across the water ahead of our visit to Glencoe. One of Scotland's most iconic glens, it's full of dramatic scenery, including waterfalls, mountains and fjordlike lochs.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We join the Jacobite Steam Train for a trip to Mallaig along the final leg of the West Highland Line. During our journey, the train climbs into the mountains surrounding Glenfinnan, a small town famous as the rallying point for Bonnie Prince Charlie's assault on the British throne. Next, we cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, seen in the 'Harry Potter' films and an iconic piece of British engineering. As we descend towards Mallaig, we drop down to the sea's edge and the landscape offers up our first view of the rugged 'Small Isles' - Rum, Eigg and Muck - which sit tantalisingly offshore. After some free time, we make the journey by coach to Inverness, stopping at the Glenfinnan Monument along the way.

*On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We take a cruise on Loch Ness, famous for its mythical monster. It's also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by mountains, we glide by fairytale forests before visiting Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. These atmospheric ruins are a delight to explore, boasting panoramic views over Loch Ness and a historic collection of weaponry and artefacts, including a working trebuchet, and you have some free time before we return to Inverness.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day takes us along the Kyle Line. Travelling east to west, we cross the Caledonian Canal, skirting crystal-clear lakes before winding through woodland and past seaside towns. We arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh and continue to Eilean Donan Castle for a tour. Situated in Loch Duich and joined to the mainland by a bridge, this island castle was designed to defend the region from Vikings. This evening, a local storyteller weaves their magic as they tell us time-honoured stories of Scottish myths and legends.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Inverness, travelling south by rail through the Cairngorms to Edinburgh via Aviemore, Pitlochry and Kingussie. This evening we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you're free to check out and begin your journey home. Alternatively, you may plan on staying in the area to sightsee further.

• Breakfast