The Outer Hebrides & The Highlands

Your Scotland experience begins today as you meet your Tour Manager and the rest of your group in Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel - the Ibis Southbridge Edinburgh you're at leisure to start discovering the city. The hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring everything Edinburgh has to offer.

You could wander the Old Town and see the illuminated castle or sip on a dram of whisky while listening to live music at one of the traditional pubs. The city's electric atmosphere is ready for you to discover.

• Dinner

After breakfast today, you head to the magnificent Kelpies by coach. These huge sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area.

A few miles down the road is the Falkirk Wheel. Opening in 2002, the rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and is the only one of its kind in the world. There's time to admire this masterpiece and take photos.

You then head to Dumbarton, a small town that sits on the banks of the River Clyde. There's time to explore and get some lunch before a railway journey on the West Highland Line to Fort William.

Travelling through stunning mountain and forest scenery, the route is often hailed as one of the best rail journeys in the world. Highlights include the Clyde Estuary, Ben Lomond, and the Falls of Falloch.

Arriving in Fort William you check into your new hotel and enjoy dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you journey on the famous Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig, one of the most beautiful train lines in the world. A highlight of the route is the dramatic arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognisable as a filming location for Harry Potter.

You have free time in Mallaig before heading back to your hotel by coach, stopping along the way at the Glenfinnan Monument, a memorial to the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

The rest of your evening is at leisure in Fort William. You could visit the West Highland Museum, which details the history of the Highlands and Islands, or get comfortable in one of the pubs or restaurants serving up hearty Scottish food.

*Steam-hauled when possible. Some departures will make this journey on Scotrail's diesel service.

• Breakfast

This morning, you board your coach from Fort William to Uig Ferry Terminal. During the journey, you see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks.

You also cross the Skye Bridge onto Skye where towering peaks, rolling hills, and vast, empty moors stretch out in all directions. The next landmark is the Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation that rises high above you as you pass.

Arriving in Uig, you board the ferry to the village of Tarbert - keep your eyes peeled to spot some seals or dolphins in the water as you sail. From here, you continue to the Isle of Lewis by coach and check into the Cabarfeidh Hotel for the next two nights.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you enjoy a full day touring the Isle of Lewis with a guide. Heading north by coach, you begin at the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of the island defined by stunning cliffs and crashing waves.

Next, is the Port of Ness, a picturesque fishing village with colourful cottages lining the harbour. Continuing to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, the traditional thatched-roof cottages that fill the streets here are a reminder of a simpler way of life.

One of the most iconic sights in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Standing Stones, is the next stop. These ancient stones date back over 5,000 years and continue to fascinate visitors from around the world with their mysterious origins.

After experiencing the standing stones, you stop for lunch at the Doune Braes Hotel, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Your tour then continues to the Uig district of Lewis, where rolling hills and an amazing coastline surround you.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a morning discovering Stornoway on a guided tour. The town is known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, and with its traditional harbour, Gaelic street signs and bustling atmosphere, it's a delight to explore.

You then board a ferry to Ullapool, a quaint Scottish village. Surrounded by wonderful scenery, Ullapool has a popular art scene, lovely shops, and friendly locals. You check into your next hotel here and can explore the village at leisure before eating at a local seafront restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Ullapool behind today, your coach takes you to Inverness. From here, you continue by rail to Scotland's lively capital. Endless hills, tranquil lochs, and cascading waterfalls fly by your window occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages.

You can explore Edinburgh's architecture, history, and vibrant cultural scene at leisure this afternoon. Dinner this evening is at one of the city's popular restaurants, Luckenbooths, where you enjoy your final night in the welcoming atmosphere of Scotland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Edinburgh. You say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers before making your way home.

• Breakfast