Explore Edinburgh, meander through the heathered Highlands and discover the colorful Isle of Mull on a fantastic rail holiday that showcases the wonders of Scotland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Please note on some dates we use different hotels in various locations - please call for details.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Arguably one of the world's great railway journeys, the Jacobite steam train sets off from Fort William under the watchful gaze of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Travelling through stunning scenery on the northwestern reaches of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, the 42-mile route heads westwards along the northern shore of Loch Eil, with dramatic landscapes never far from view. Crossing the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct - famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films - the route heads into breathtaking Highland wilderness, providing great views of Loch Eilt, before crossing more viaducts as the tracks follow the Road to the Isles to the small port town of Mallaig on the coast.

Providing the entirety of mainland Scotland with transport links, Abello Scotrail is a fantastic commuter service that means even the farthest reaches of this wild and wonderful country is easily accessible. Running since 1983 under a variety of operators, this service has numerous lines, including one that stretches from the tip, Thurso, down to Edinburgh.

The lines on the Scotrail service are some of the most scenic in the world. The Kyle Line, the West Highland Line, and the Hadrian's Wall line are all services by Scotrail trains. The West Highland Line, stretching between Glasgow to Mallaig, stopping off at Fort William and with an offshoot line to Oban, is arguably the most famous of this line. There are numerous stunning sights to look out for on this route - from the breathtaking wilds of the highlands, to the peaks of the craggy mountains, to the iconic 21-spans of the beautiful Glennfinnan Viaduct.

Another famed line that we utilise on the Scotrail network includes the Kyle of Lochalsh line, running 63 miles between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh. With spectacular views of the Isle of Skye as you come towards the pretty Kyle of Lochalsh, this particular line is certainly a glorious introduction to both of the Highlands of Scotland and the Hebrides. Other particularly beautiful places that the network explores include the Cairngorm National Park, on the Inverness to Edinburgh line, which passes through magnificent and verdant pine forests, as well as nearby the iconic Cairngorm Mountain.

The stock that traverses the lines are comfortable and modern, with spacious carriages and seating, as well as large windows through which to see the passing beauty of the Scottish countryside. New trains will be coming soon in the next few years, with more services, power sockets, Wi-Fi, and improved accessibility.

Also known as 'the Iron Road to the Isles', a journey on the West Highland Line is an epic rail adventure that takes passengers through some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. In fact the line has twice been voted the world's best rail journey by readers of Wanderlust magazine.

Running from Glasgow's Queen Street station, the train runs through the city's outskirts and on to Helensburgh. From here the train begins its ascent into the famous Highlands.

Soon the train skirts the beautiful Loch Long, followed by the immense Loch Lomond, as it makes its way up the ever-increasing gradients. The journey continues alongside the Loch - Britain's largest body of inland water - whilst winding through pretty wooden slopes.

Continuing northward through charming isolated villages, the train then climbs more than 500 feet (150 m) in just five miles, before arriving at the tiny hamlet Crianlarich. Here the West Highland Line splits into two branches. One continues to Fort William and Mallaig, the other heads west to Oban.

Nestled on a small peninsula reaching into dramatic Loch Leven, the 3-Star Isles of Glencoe Hotel appears as if it is floating on the water. This stunning Highland setting also offers a superb base for exploring the region, while guests can enjoy the leisure facilities that include an indoor swimming pool. Modern guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV and tea & coffee-making equipment.

The luxury, 4-Star Radisson Collection hotel is located on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Housed in a restored building combining contemporary design with elements of the city's rich history, its location puts it at the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance of major attractions. A bar and restaurant serve up varied cuisine, while the on-site Melrose Spa & Health Club gives guests access to a wide array of spa treatments, a well-equipped fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Air-conditioned and soundproofed guest rooms are stylish and luxurious guest rooms and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, desk, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

The Kingshouse Hotel is a historic and renowned hotel in the stunning landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Blending traditional Scottish architecture with modern comforts, it has a rustic atmosphere with welcoming staff and warm Scottish hospitality.

The tastefully decorated guestrooms reflect the hotel's heritage. Each room is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay, with amenities such as plush bedding, a TV, and an ensuite bathroom.

The hotel also has a lively pub where visitors can unwind with a refreshing drink and mingle with fellow travellers.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Edinburgh. Please call us to discuss your requirements.

Extend your holiday in Edinburgh with alternative rail and accommodation arrangements. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.