Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

Your vacation begins as you land in Edinburgh. Transferring independently to your hotel, you meet the Tour Manager just before dinner. If you have time, you may wish to start your explorations of Scotland's capital.

The heart of this impressive city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, from the historic Old Town to the Georgian streets of the New Town. As you admire neoclassical buildings or stroll up Calton Hill to view the National Monument of Scotland, modelled on the Greek Parthenon, it's easy to see why Edinburgh came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

Among the many great sights to see, at opposite ends of the Royal Mile are Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace, with the Old Town's maze of medieval streets and alleys between. Visit the National Museums of natural history, art and portraiture. And see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years. Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is another highlight of the city.

After meeting up with the Tour Manager, dinner is served at our hotel.

• Dinner

Leaving Edinburgh after breakfast, we travel by rail to Glasgow where we join the scenic West Highland Line.

This celebrated journey brings our first glimpses of breathtaking Scottish landscapes as we travel along the shores of Loch Lomond and across wild Rannoch Moor. En route to Fort William, we pass Corrour station, the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK. Despite being nearly 10 miles away from the nearest public road, it remains a popular drop-off point for hikers drawn to this scenic part of the world.

On arrival in Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, we transfer to our hotel. Here, we're joined by a guest speaker who entertains us with 'tales of the road to the isles'. Keeping alive the ancient art of Scottish storytelling, we're taken on an atmospheric journey through time before dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Traveling by coach after breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the port of Oban. From here, we catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Drifting past small islands and across the waters, the views are awe-inspiring. Rugged coastline, hills rising from the shores and jagged, exposed rock faces create the striking backdrop as we sail.

As we approach the Isle of Mull, we may catch a glimpse of the 13th-century Duart Castle, standing proudly above the water and built into the rugged cliffside. We dock at the port of Craignure where a coach transfers us to this remarkable historic fortress and residence, believed to have been built by Clan MacDougall and, soon after, owned by Clan MacLean. After a fully guided tour you're free to lunch independently in the café and look around the gift shops.

Driving back to Craignure later, we retrace our journey by ferry to Oban then by coach through scenic landscapes to our hotel. We arrive at our hotel where dinner is served this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

An exploration by land and sea awaits today as we first visit Neptune's Staircase. Situated at the southern end of the Caledonian Canal, this impressive sight is the longest staircase lock in Scotland, allowing vessels to overcome a height of 64 feet in one-and-a-half hours.

After time to take photos, we continue to Loch Linnhe for a peaceful cruise. Live commentary from our ship's skipper adds fascinating insights into the panoramas surrounding us as we discover more about 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.

Back on land, a motorcoach transports us through enigmatic Glencoe, where wild moorlands and small, gleaming lochs are encircled by dramatic mountains. One of Scotland's most loved and evocative landscapes, Glencoe has a long history and has become a popular filming location, featuring in movies as varied as Braveheart and Skyfall. Back at our hotel this evening, dinner is followed by a traditional whisky tasting.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A highlight of your Highland adventure awaits after breakfast this morning. Boarding the vintage carriages of the Jacobite steam train*, we set off on a return journey from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through some of the UK's most renowned scenery.

As the train leaves Fort William station, the highest mountain in the British Isles - Ben Nevis - passes the windows, before fishing boats and the seasonal colors of Scotland hone into view. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as red deer grazing on the hillside. The railroad is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, particularly the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the train crosses on its scenic route. Continuing through charming Scottish villages and past historic landmarks, the Jacobite reaches the coastal town of Mallaig. Here, there is free time over lunch to explore the quaint streets or pop into a café or restaurant.

Remember to choose a seat on the opposite side of the train for the return journey to Fort William, to enjoy different views. On arrival, we are taken by coach to Inverness where we check in to our next hotel before dinner this evening.

* On early/late season departures the Jacobite steam train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service on the same route.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we transfer to Dochgarroch for a scenic cruise along the Caledonian Canal and across vast Loch Ness. Remember your cameras, because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth more than $1million.

This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by mountains, we glide by fairytale forests and pass the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. After soaking up panoramic views over Loch Ness, we head back to our hotel.

You're at leisure in Inverness for the rest of the day and could enjoy a riverside stroll among verdant forests to experience the local wildlife. Alternatively, visit the stunning Inverness Castle whose most famous resident, King Mac Bethad mac Findláech, was the inspiration for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

With no scheduled dinner, tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of the city's many appealing pubs or restaurants.

• Breakfast

Spectacular views are revealed this morning as we ride on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railroads. After passing the birdwatching hotspot of Beauly Firth, the route skirts alongside lochs and through wild landscapes with views of cascading waterfalls and undulating hills rolling by the windows. At the end of this sensational route is Kyle of Lochalsh, a picturesque coastal village that looks out across the waters to the Isle of Skye and its mountainous landscape, which we also see during a short stop at the Skye Bridge viewpoint.

From here, we are given a guided tour of Eilean Donan 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 was formerly a stronghold for the clans Mackenzie and Macrae. There is time to uncover the castle's history and admire views of the fjord-like lochs before returning to our hotel by coach. After dinner, we are treated to a wee dram as we hear tales of myth, legend and monsters from a favorite Highlands storyteller, Willie Cameron, fondly regarded as Mr. Loch Ness.

*Please note, in August, tours of Eilean Donan Castle will be self-guided.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head back to Edinburgh by rail. Traveling south through the Cairngorms, scenes of mountain peaks, winding rivers and rushing waterfalls drift by the train windows, interrupted momentarily by historic towns and villages.

Settling into our new hotel in Edinburgh, we enjoy our final evening in Scotland in style. The grand Radisson Blu sits at the heart of the Royal Mile - and it is in this luxury hotel's Great Scots Hall that we sit down for a wonderful Scottish banquet*. The hall features traditional furnishings, latticed sandstone ceiling, painted panels and an open fire. It is an ideal setting for a fine feast accompanied by traditional Scottish entertainment including famous 'Jim the Piper' and dancers. This time-honored celebration of Scottish culture is the perfect farewell evening to your vacation.

*Please note, in August, due to other events taking place in the hotel, dinner will be held in another dining room of the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This epic tour has featured journeys on some of the UK's most scenic railways, including the West Highland and Kyle lines, as well as a stunning round trip on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig. Gliding across the water to the Isle of Mull, we explored ancient Duart Castle, then viewed Ben Nevis during a peaceful cruise on Loch Linnhe and sailed across Loch Ness to look for its famous monster. Your enchanting holiday was concluded in style with a banquet in Edinburgh's Great Scots Hall.

After breakfast, your adventure in stunning Scotland comes to an end. You are free to make your way independently to the airport for your flight home.

• Breakfast