Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

Today you will arrive in Scotland’s much-loved capital, Edinburgh. Discover its fascinating history, unsurpassed beauty and warm, 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

• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

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, you’ll notice a lonely castle above the sea cliffs. This is Duart Castle, ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. Visit the castle, taking in its eclectic rooms and stunning views. Later, return to your hotel for the evening.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

The 22-tonne lock gates, located along the Caledonian Canal, were initially manually operated but have since been upgraded to a hydraulic system.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Discover the picturesque waters of Loch Linnhe and set off on a cruise.

Today you’ll travel by coach to Neptune’s Staircase. 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, pass the stunning mountain landscapes of Glencoe before returning to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner.

• 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 up 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 a lunch stop, it’s time to return to Fort William. From there, you’ll then continue by coach through the picturesque countryside to the city of Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

*Scotrail services may replace the Jacobite Steam Train on early and late departures. Please enquire at time of booking

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

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in Europe - the Kyle Line.

Today, experience a picturesque rail journey. Enjoy countless photo opportunities as you wind through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and seaside towns. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Afterwards, make a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich.

• 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