Edinburgh, The Highlands & 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.

All aboard for Glasgow this morning, before changing trains for a journey on one of the world’s most incredible railway lines, the West Highland Line. Travel along a hillside ledge overlooking Gare Loch before entering the spectacular Highlands, an idyllic, remote and untouched landscape. The incredible route skirts the western banks of Loch Lomond and climbs quickly from Crianlarich to Upper Tyndrum and wild Rannoch Moor, a dramatic region of peat bogs, streams and ancient forests that are only visible from the comfort of your train. On arrival at Fort William, transfer to your hotel.

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.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel 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.

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.

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.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
During a cruise, soak up the myth and mystery of Loch Ness and its monster before disembarking at 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.

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.

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.

Your journey ends with a transfer to the airport today.