Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

Today you will arrive in Scotland’s much-loved capital, Edinburgh. Discover its fascinating history, unsurpassed beauty and friendly locals. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel, situated close to the station.

Stay: Edinburgh, Apex Hotel Waterloo Place or similar

• Dinner

Venture to the town of Oban where you’ll board a ferry and cruise to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Heading through the small islands and across to Mull, the incredible picture-postcard views are truly awe-inspiring. Think rugged coastline; hills rising sharply from the water’s edge; endless greens, purples and browns of the moorland; and jagged, exposed rock faces. On approach to the island, catch sight of Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. Spend time at leisure in the island's colourful capital. 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.

Later, return to your hotel for the evening.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Today you’ll travel by coach to Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive set of eight locks operated by a team of at least three lock keepers. Situated on the Caledonian Canal, the 22-ton lock gates were originally hand-powered but are now operated by hydraulics. It takes approximately one-and-a-half hours to pass from one end of the staircase to the other, where water overcomes gravity and nature to climb the hillside. From here, discover the picturesque waters of Loch Linnhe and set off on a cruise. Later, pass the stunning mountain landscapes of Glencoe before returning to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner and whisky tasting.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Join the Jacobite Steam Train for a journey to Mallaig on the final leg of the West Highland Line.

Departing from Fort William, join the Jacobite Steam Train. Your train will steam past Ben Nevis before climbing into the mountains around Glenfinnan, a town famous as the rallying point for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s assault on the British throne. At Glenfinnan, reach the line’s most picturesque section and one of Britain’s most iconic engineering works – the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. A magical experience, it’s no wonder this train was featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. As you head towards Mallaig, we drop down to the sea’s edge and the landscape opens with the first views of the rugged ‘Small Isles’ – Rum, Eigg and Muck – which hang close offshore and tease in and out of view near the journey’s end.

After free time for lunch in Mallaig, continue by coach to explore Glenfinnan. Pass through the picturesque countryside to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Stay: Three Nights, Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa or similiar

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

During a cruise, soak up the myth and mystery of Loch Ness and its monster before disembarking to visit the picturesque 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle.

This morning, you’ll travel to the tranquil waters of Loch Ness, as famous for the elusive ‘monster’ that allegedly swims in its depths as for its natural beauty. Later, return by coach to Inverness, and enjoy some time at leisure.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

This evening, enjoy the opportunity to try some traditional Scottish fare. You’ll also listen to a chorus of bagpipes and drums during a Scottish-themed evening to mark the end of your journey.

Leaving Inverness behind this morning, you’ll travel south by rail through the Cairngorms and via the towns of Aviemore and Kingussie, as well as the burgh of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh. Transfer from the railway station to your hotel.

Stay: Edinburgh, Radisson Blu Hotel or similar

• Breakfast
• Dinner