Explore Edinburgh and journey deep into the Highlands on Scotland’s legendary railways, through landscapes of lochs, glens and soaring mountains.

Your holiday begins in Edinburgh, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group at our hotel located just off Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. After checking in, you have time to explore the Scottish capital's architecture, history and cultural scene at your own pace.

You might choose to visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, or enjoy a scenic walk up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views over the capital. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the Old Town's historic Royal Mile and the New Town's renowned Georgian architecture. Wandering the cobbled streets, it's easy to see why the city came to be regarded as the 'Athens of the North'.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together as a group at one of Edinburgh's popular restaurants.

After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to the magnificent Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures designed by the talented Glasgow-based artist, Andy Scott. These striking landmarks pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the surrounding fields.

A few miles away lies a wonder of modern engineering, the Falkirk Wheel. This fascinating rotating boat lift is the only one of its kind in the world, connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union canals. We get the full experience with a boat trip that includes two full rotations on the wheel and a canal ride when we reach the top.

Our journey then continues to Blair Atholl, with a stop in the historic city of Striling. Here you'll have time to relax and explore, where you can enjoy lunch with views of the dramatic Stirling Castle or stroll the charming streets dotted with medieval landmarks. We then board the train to Blair Atholl and check in to our hotel with time to unwind before dinner.

This morning after breakfast, we start the day with a visit to Queen's View, one of Scotland's most famous lookouts. While loved by Queen Victoria, it is believed that the view was actually named after Queen Isabella, the first wife of Robert the Bruce, who lived more than 500 years earlier. Here we admire the breathtaking views stretching out across Loch Tummel towards the Glencoe Hills and beyond.

Our journey continues to the charming town of Pitlochry, set against the backdrop of mighty Ben Vrackie. Enjoy some free time to explore some of the independent shops, cafés and Victorian architecture. Later, we return to Blair Atholl to visit the impressive Blair Castle. A vision in white stone, the castle feels lifted from the pages of a fairytale. With its grand interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens, the castle showcases Scottish design through the ages.

After exploring the castle and grounds, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to unwind and discover more of Blair Atholl at your own pace. You may wish to sample one of the town's welcoming restaurants, offering everything from traditional Scottish dishes to locally sourced fine dining.

A scenic journey aboard the Jacobite steam train* awaits after breakfast this morning. Travelling in beautifully restored carriages, this journey along the West Highland Line is renowned as one of the best and most scenic in the world.

A highlight of the route is crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a marvel of engineering with 21 arches that you may recognise from the Harry Potter films. As the train continues towards the coast, wild and wonderful views across the vast Scottish countryside unfold outside your window. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye. With time at leisure here, you can wander along the picturesque harbour, soaking up the atmosphere of a thriving fishing port, and discover the traditional Scottish pubs that serve a range of local seafood dishes, where you may choose to enjoy a relaxing lunch before our return journey on the Jacobite.

Returning to Blair Atholl later this afternoon, the evening is yours to dine independently.

Please note: journeys are steam-hauled where possible, but some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service.

Please note: on the 7th & 21st June and 6th & 20th September departures, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train.

Making the most of our final full day after breakfast, we take a memorable journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway. Departing from Aviemore, we follow the historic Highland Railway route along the stunning River Spey, later boarding the Cairngorm Mountain Railway for a breathtaking ascent through the national park to the summit.

The 1.2-mile funicular climbs steeply, offering sweeping views across the Highlands. At the summit, step out into the crisp mountain air and admire the panoramic vistas. Here you can take a moment to relax and soak up the scenery from the visitor centre, where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat with a view.

Later, we continue by coach to Newtonmore to visit the Highland Folk Museum, an open-air museum paying tribute to traditional Highland Life. Explore authentic 18th-century buildings, view historic artefacts and learn about clan culture from knowledgeable guides. Afterwards, we then return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and the final dinner as a group.

Please note: on the 24th May and 7th & 21st June departures, we will not visit the Highland Folk Museum.

The landscapes of Scotland have charmed us, from the cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh to the breathtaking scenery and soaring mountain ranges of the Highlands. We have journeyed aboard famous heritage rail journeys such as the Jacobite steam train, admired landmarks like the Kelpies, Queen's View and Blair Castle, before paying tribute to Highland life at the Highland Folk Museum.

As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, we make our way back to Edinburgh from Blair Atholl. Arriving in Edinburgh, you are free to make your way home or alternatively, you can continue exploring independently.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is just over a mile in length, running from the base to the summit of Cairn Gorm, the peak that gives its name to the entire mountain range and even the surrounding National Park.

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.

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.

A 20-mile round trip on this former mainline route reveals magnificent Highland scenery at every turn along the banks of the rushing River Spey. With a backdrop of the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, the railway's heritage locomotives continue under the shadow of high mountains and dense sloping woodland to the line's terminus at Broomhill. Beautifully restored carriages provide a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes and delightful station at Boat of Garten. In summer, there are many vivid colours to be viewed, with the greens and purples of heather and gorse lining the trackside.

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.

The Atholl Arms Hotel is a historic hotel located in the picturesque town of Blair Atholl, Scotland. This magnificent building has been a beloved destination for over 150 years, attracting guests from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of luxury and old-world charm.

The hotel's elegant and traditional décor, including its grand staircase, wood-panelled walls, and roaring fireplaces, create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

It features a range of comfortable and stylish rooms, from classic doubles to luxurious suites, all beautifully decorated and furnished with the finest linens and furnishings. Each room is unique and offers its own special charm, from stunning views of the Scottish Highlands to four-poster beds and cosy seating areas.

The Atholl Arms Hotel is renowned for its exceptional dining experiences, with a range of menus that showcase the very best of Scottish cuisine. The hotel's restaurant, The Bothy, offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere, where guests can enjoy delicious meals made with the freshest local produce, including fresh seafood, game, and traditional Scottish dishes. The hotel also features a cosy bar where guests can enjoy a wide range of locally sourced beers, wines, and spirits.

Conveniently located with easy access to some of Scotland's most stunning natural scenery, guests can explore the nearby Cairngorms National Park, home to some of the UK's highest peaks, as well as crystal-clear lochs, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife.

The 3-Star Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile is located in the city centre, conveniently located just a short walk from iconic landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Edinburgh. Please call us to discuss your requirements.