Experience the timeless wonders of Scotland’s lochs, glens, castles, and remarkable cities on an adventure across Edinburgh and the Highlands

Your holiday begins in Edinburgh where you can check into our hotel this afternoon, meeting the Tour Manager just before dinner. You may wish to start exploring Scotland's capital independently before meeting up.

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.

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. Enroute 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 historic Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, we transfer to our hotel. Before dinner, 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.

Please Note - For departure 4th June we will stay at The Ballachulish hotel.

Travelling by coach after breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive along the shore of Loch Linnhe to the port of Oban. Here, we catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, the second-largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Drifting through 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. After driving back to Craignure, we retrace our journey back by ferry to Oban then by coach through scenic landscapes to our hotel. We arrive back at our hotel where dinner is served this evening.

*Please Note - March and late October departures may visit Tobermory instead of Duart Castle due to seasonal opening times

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 coach 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.

A highlight of our 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 colours of Scotland hone into view. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as red deer grazing on the hillside. The railway 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 charming 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 departures 12th, 15th, 19th 22nd and 26th March, the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

*Please note: on the 10th April, 7th June, 6th, 20th and 24th 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 12th April, 17th & 31st May, 21st & 25th June and 13th September departures, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.

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 £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.

Spectacular views are revealed this morning as we ride on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most scenic railways. 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 favourite Highlands storyteller, Willie Cameron, fondly regarded as Mr Loch Ness.

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

Please note: on the 9th April departure, we will enjoy a return journey on the Strathspey Railway today instead of visiting Eilean Donan Castle.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Inverness and head back to Edinburgh by rail. Travelling 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 last 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 dancer. This time-honoured celebration of Scottish culture is the perfect farewell evening to our holiday.

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

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. Our enchanting holiday was concluded in style with a banquet in Edinburgh's Great Scots Hall.

After breakfast our adventure in stunning Scotland comes to an end. You are free to make your way home or may decide to continue exploring Edinburgh on your own.

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.

The Kyle Line takes us on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the British Isles, travelling between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.

On leaving Inverness, the line hugs the shores of the Beauly Firth before heading north to Dingwall. From here, the line immediately turns inland and climbs over the Highlands. As a result of a dispute with the landowners of the time, the builders of the railway were forced to make a sharp detour around Strathpeffer. After a steep climb to Black Rock the line descends through beautiful wooded hillsides until it reaches Garve on the shore of Loch Garve. On a still clear day this loch perfectly mirrors the surrounding hills and trees. From Garve station the line climbs up to the broad straths leading to the West Coast before climbing to the summit of the line at Luib.

The line then descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, where it twists and turns in and out of the loch side inlets. Plockton station and village, with yachts anchored in the shelter of its beautiful bay, is the next passing point, and was the location for the BBC Television series 'Hamish Macbeth'.

The final section of the journey is perhaps the most dramatic (and the most expensive), as it was carved through the solid rock that leads to Kyle Pier. Kyle of Lochalsh ("strait of the foaming lake") sits at the entrance to Loch Alsh, opposite Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. The two villages were formerly connected by a ferry service, but this was replaced by the Skye Bridge in 1995.

Read about the experiences of a member of the Great Rail Journeys Marketing team during his journey on the Kyle Line

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 4-Star Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is ideally located at the eastern end of Princes Street, close to Edinburgh Waverley railway station and the Scottish Parliament. In a grand Georgian building, this luxurious hotel blends traditional features with modern style. Guests can relax in the spa or swimming pool and dine on Scottish cuisine in the award-winning restaurant. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, mini-fridge, tea & coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

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.

Set on the banks of the River Ness just a short distance from Inverness city centre, this welcoming 4-Star hotel is decorated in traditional style with rich fabrics and classic décor. The hotel's leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym and beauty centre, while guests can also relax over afternoon tea in the River View Lounge, dine in the Eight on the River restaurant or opt for more informal dining options in the brasserie. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Set in the heart of the Scotland's Highlands, the 3-Star Glenspean Lodge was built in the late 19th-century as a private hunting lodge, and has been restored as a cottage-style hotel. The lodge is located 23 km from Fort William, and is set in over two hectares of landscaped gardens and woodland. The hotel has a renowned restaurant, the Nevis View, which holds an AA rosette award.

Guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries.

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.