Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland

Your Highland and Hebridean experience begins today as you meet the Tour Manager in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. After checking in to your hotel, you're at leisure to start discovering the city.

The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer. You could wander the Old Town and see the majestic castle or sip on a dram of whisky while listening to live music at one of the traditional pubs. The city's remarkable architecture, rich culture and timeless history are ready for you to discover.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together at a local restaurant.

• Dinner

Our explorations begin after breakfast, as we head by coach to the jaw-dropping Kelpies. These huge steel sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area. A few miles down the road is the Falkirk Wheel. The world's only rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and there's time to admire this masterpiece of modern engineering.

The next stop is Dumbarton, a small town sitting on the banks of the River Clyde. From here, we embark on a memorable train journey on the West Highland Line to Fort William. After passing Loch Lomond, the route opens up to reveal stunning scenes of mountains and glens. Often hailed as one of the best rail journeys in the world, highlights include the Falls of Falloch, Rannoch Moor and Corrour station - the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK.

Arriving in Fort William, we check in to our new hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A journey on the famous Jacobite steam train* awaits after breakfast today as we travel from Fort William to Mallaig along one of the most beautiful train lines in the world.

In the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, we begin our journey along the serene banks of Loch Eil, before reaching a highlight of this dramatic route. Opened in 1898, the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct features 21 arches and is known for its role in the Harry Potter films. On arrival in Mallaig, there's time at leisure to stroll round this small port town or find some fresh local seafood for lunch.

Our return journey is by coach, providing us with an opportunity to admire the scenic west Highlands from a different perspective. This landscape is synonymous with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the scenery evokes the tumultuous time of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Arriving back in Fort William, the rest of the evening is at leisure, and you can sample hearty Scottish cuisine in a local pub or restaurant.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled when possible. Some departures will make this journey on Scotrail's diesel service.

• Breakfast

A coach takes us from Fort William to Uig ferry terminal after breakfast this morning. During this scenic journey, we see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks that sits on a small island at the confluence of three lochs.

Crossing the spectacular Skye Bridge, we drive across the beautiful Isle of Skye where towering peaks, rolling hills and vast, empty moors stretch out in all directions. Coastal views and waterfalls guide us across the island and keep an eye out for the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation that rises high above us as we pass.

Arriving in Uig, a ferry ride provides the chance to spot seals or dolphins while we sail across the body of water known as the Little Minch. Disembarking in Tarbert on Harris, we continue north by coach to the Isle of Lewis and our hotel in Stornoway. On arrival in this small harbour town - the largest in the Outer Hebrides - we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we enjoy a full day touring the Isle of Lewis with a guide. Heading north by coach, our explorations begin at the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of the island defined by stunning cliffs and crashing waves.

Next, we visit the Port of Ness, a picturesque fishing village with colourful cottages lining the harbour. Continuing along the Atlantic coast, we reach Gearrannan Blackhouse Village to view the traditional thatched-roof cottages that fill the streets with reminders of a simpler way of life. After stopping for lunch at Doune Braes Hotel, we enjoy a highlight of the holiday.

One of the most iconic sights in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Standing Stones are ancient megaliths that date from more than 5,000 years ago. Laid out in a cross formation, with the central monolith measuring nearly 16-feet-tall, they predate Stonehenge by about 2,000 years and continue to fascinate visitors from around the world with their mysterious origins. After experiencing this magical location, we return to our hotel by coach ahead of dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A guided tour of Stornoway follows breakfast this morning as we uncover the history and culture of this charming town.

Known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is built around its working harbour and we may even see fishermen bringing in their hauls. Keep an eye out for the Gaelic street signs as we explore, while learning about the culture and history of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides.

This afternoon, we board a ferry to back to the Scottish mainland. Our destination is Ullapool, a quaint village on the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by wonderful scenery. Ullapool has a popular art scene and shops and, after checking in to our hotel, there's time explore the village at leisure. This evening, we regroup and enjoy dinner at a local seafront restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Ullapool behind after breakfast today, we enjoy a scenic coach journey to Inverness. Enroute, we pass rugged Highland landscapes including lochs and mountains such as Beinn Dearg and Ben Wyvis.

In Inverness, we continue by rail to Scotland's capital while our luggage travels by coach to the next hotel for our comfort. Endless hills, tranquil lochs and cascading waterfalls fly by the windows occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

On arrival in Edinburgh, you have free time to view its architecture or soak up the city's history and cultural scene. From the vibrant Royal Mile to the elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is a joy to discover. This evening, we gather in one of the city's restaurants for our final dinner together.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From the glens of the West Highland Line to the coastal scenery of the Outer Hebrides, the colours and culture of Scotland have guided us around this beautiful country. Travelling on the famous Jacobite steam train, we explored western Scotland from Fort William to Mallaig, before driving across Skye to reach the Isle of Lewis. Uncovering the mystical Callanish Standing Stones and the small port town of Stornoway gave us a glimpse into the landscapes and lifestyles of the islands, before we returned to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for our final night.

After breakfast, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring independently.

• Breakfast