Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

Our holiday begins today as we meet at our hotel in Edinburgh, where we're greeted by our Tour Manager. After checking into our hotel, you're at leisure to start exploring Scotland's capital before dinner this evening.

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. As you wander the streets, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

• Dinner

Bidding farewell to Edinburgh this morning, we make our way to the train station and travel by rail to Glasgow. From here, we journey along the West Highland Line, passing Loch Lomond and wild Rannoch Moor on our way to Fort William, a town on the shores of Loch Linnhe.

After checking into our hotel here, 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

This morning, we catch the ferry from Oban for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. Drifting through small islands and across Loch Linnhe, the views are awe-inspiring. Rugged coastline, hills rising from the water's edge, and jagged, exposed rock faces create the backdrop as we sail.

On a clear day, stunning 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. Spend time at leisure in the island's colourful capital, famous for its fresh fish you could enjoy a seafood lunch. Wander the pretty port and seek out its sheltered bay where, according to legend, one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying a stash of gold.

After catching the ferry back to Lochaline, our coach takes us back to our hotel where a traditional whisky tasting awaits us after dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We visit Neptune's Staircase today, the longest staircase lock in Scotland. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, this impressive flight of locks overcome a height of 64 feet over the course of one-and-a-half hours.

After time to admire the staircase and take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe. Here, we enjoy a peaceful cruise listening to our skipper's live commentary 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we board the wonderful vintage carriages of the Jacobite Steam Train. Finding our seats, we get comfortable, ready for our journey to Mallaig, one of the most scenic stretches in the UK.

Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, passes by our window followed by fishing boats bobbing on shimmering lochs, beautiful heathers and the seasonal colours of Scotland. We could even spot some of the local wildlife, such as red deer, grazing on the hillside.

The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll immediately recognise it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, our train journey ends in Mallaig.

With some time at leisure, you can explore the village's shops, cafes, and restaurants or simply roam the charming streets admiring the colourful architecture.

We then board the coach to our next hotel in Inverness, pausing enroute at the Glenfinnan viewing point. From this stunning vantage point, we could see the Jacobite Steam Train glide across the iconic viaduct. Reaching our hotel which overlooks the River Ness in the city centre of Inverness, we check in before dinner this evening.

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

• Breakfast, Dinner

Remember your cameras today because this morning, we take a cruise on Loch Ness. Evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth £1 million.

This huge loch is 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 with a historic collection of weaponry and artefacts, including a working trebuchet. There's also plenty of time to make the most of the panoramic views over Loch Ness before we head back to our hotel.

You're at leisure in Inverness for the rest of the day. You could explore on beautiful riverside stroll, delighting in the babbling river, verdant forests, and local wildlife. Or, you could visit the stunning Inverness Castle whose most famous resident, King Mac Bethad Mac Findláich, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

With no scheduled dinner at the hotel tonight, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the many pubs or restaurants the city is known for.

Please note: on certain departure dates, we stay at the Clansman Hotel in Inverness, where the city centre is farther away. Therefore, we have dinner at the hotel on this evening.

• Breakfast

This morning, we journey on the Kyle Line - one of Scotland's most scenic railways. Skirting alongside lochs and through wild mountain landscapes, we admire the cascading waterfalls, mesmerising nature, and towering peaks that roll by the windows.

After this sensational journey, we arrive in Kyle of Lochalshwhere we visit EileanDonan 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 has played a role in several films.

After exploring the castle's history and amazing views, we return to our hotel by coach. On the way, we stop off at a viewing point of the Skye Bridge which connects the Isle of Skye to the island of EileanBàn.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head back to Edinburgh. Travelling south by rail through the Cairngorms, endless hills, tranquil lochs, and cascading waterfalls fly by our windows occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

Once we've settled back into lively Edinburgh, we enjoy our last evening in style. Sitting down in the Great Scots Hall at the Raddison Blu, we're served a wonderful Scottish banquet among the traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels, and open flame fire.

Dinner is accompanied by time-honoured Scottish entertainment, creating the perfect farewell evening to our amazing holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers. Our time in Scotland comes to an end and you can make your way home, taking new, fantastic memories with you.

• Breakfast