Explore the natural beauty of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, and uncover some of Scotland’s most scenic railways, including the iconic Jacobite steam train

 Your Highland and Hebridean experience begins today as you meet the Tour Manager in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Make your way to our four-star hotel, located just off the Royal Mile, and after checking in for the night, 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 majestic castle towering over the city, or sip on a dram of whisky while listening to live music at one of the traditional pubs. Alternatively, you might like to see more of the impressive architecture at St Giles Cathedral or admire a panoramic view of Edinburgh from the Scott Monument in Princes Street Garden.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner together at the hotel.

 Our explorations begin after breakfast, as we head by coach to the incredible Kelpies. These huge steel sculptures pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area. After some time to walk around and see these majestic art pieces, we continue to Glasgow to take our seats on the West Highland Line.

Our destination is Fort William, and as the train makes its way towards Scotland's west coast, the showstopping scenery begins immediately. After travelling along the Clyde, the route opens up to reveal stunning scenes of mountains and glens. Often hailed as one of the best rail journeys in the world, highlights include the Falls of Falloch, Rannoch Moor and Corrour station - the highest and most remote mainline station in the UK.

Arriving in Fort William, we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner.

 A journey on the famous Jacobite steam train* awaits after breakfast today as we travel from Fort William to Mallaig along one of the most beautiful train lines in the world.

In the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, we begin our journey along the serene banks of Loch Eil, before reaching a highlight of this dramatic route. Opened in 1898, the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct features 21 arches and is known for its role in the Harry Potter films. On arrival in Mallaig, there's time at leisure to stroll round this small port town or find some fresh local seafood for lunch.

Our return journey provides us with another opportunity to admire the scenic West Highlands. This landscape is synonymous with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the scenery evokes the tumultuous time of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Arriving back in Fort William, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled when possible. Some departures will make this journey on Scotrail's diesel service.

 A coach takes us from Fort William to the Uig ferry terminal after breakfast. During this scenic journey, we see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks, that sits on a small island at the confluence of three lochs.

Crossing the spectacular Skye Bridge, we drive across the beautiful Isle of Skye, where towering peaks, rolling hills, and vast, empty moors stretch in all directions. Coastal views and waterfalls guide us across the island and past the Old Man of Storr - a striking rock formation that rises high above us as we pass.

Arriving in Uig, a ferry ride takes us across the Little Minch, and we have a chance to spot seals or dolphins while we sail. Disembarking in Tarbert on Harris, we continue north by coach to the Isle of Lewis and our hotel in the heart of Stornoway. On arrival in this small harbour town - the largest in the Outer Hebrides - we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner.

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

Next, we visit the Port of Ness, a picturesque fishing village with colourful cottages lining the harbour. Continuing along the Atlantic coast, we reach Gearrannan Blackhouse Village to view the traditional thatched-roof cottages that fill the streets with reminders of a simpler way of life. After stopping for lunch at Doune Braes Hotel, we enjoy a highlight of the holiday.

One of the most iconic sights in the Outer Hebrides, the Callanish Standing Stones are ancient megaliths dating to more than 5,000 years ago. Laid out in a cross formation, with the central monolith measuring nearly 16 feet-tall, they predate Stonehenge by about 2,000 years and continue to fascinate visitors from around the world with their mysterious origins. After experiencing this magical location and time to walk amongst the stones, we return to our hotel by coach ahead of dinner.

 History and culture await this morning as we set out on a guided tour of the charming town of Stornoway.

Known as the capital of the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is built around its working harbour, and we may even see fishermen bringing in their hauls as we explore. Keep an eye out for the Gaelic street signs while learning about the rich heritage of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides.

This afternoon, we board a ferry back to the Scottish mainland. Our destination is Ullapool, a quaint village on the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by wonderful scenery. We are greeted by our coach on arrival, and the views continue to impress as we pass rugged Highland landscapes, including lochs and mountains such as Beinn Dearg and Ben Wyvis, enroute to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Here, we check in to our hotel in time for dinner.

 Leaving Inverness behind after breakfast, we transfer to the railway station to join the train back to Edinburgh. A scenic conclusion to our time on Scotland's railways, this journey takes us past endless hills, tranquil lochs and cascading waterfalls - occasionally interrupted by historic towns and villages. Our route takes us through the vivid landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park before we arrive in Edinburgh mid-afternoon.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel for the night, and then you have the remainder of the afternoon to soak up the city's history, which spans more than 900 years. From the landmarks of the Royal Mile to the elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is a world-class city with much to offer.

This evening, we gather for our final dinner together at the hotel.

 From the glens showcased onboard the West Highland Line to the coastal scenery of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland has set a marvellous backdrop for our week-long journey. History, culture and untamed landscapes guided every exploration, fully immersing us in this beautiful country.

Travelling on the famous Jacobite steam train, we explored western Scotland from Fort William to Mallaig, before driving across Skye to reach the Isle of Lewis. Uncovering the mystical Callanish Standing Stones and the small port town of Stornoway gave us a glimpse into the landscapes and lifestyles of the islands, before we returned to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where history and modern life collide.

After breakfast, your holiday draws to a close, and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring Scotland 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

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.

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.

Set on the banks of the River Nevis in Fort William, this 4-Star hotel is close to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. This hotel boasts of an excellent restaurant, serving a wide range of cuisine. The comfortable bar offers a variety of beverages and is the ideal place to relax after a day exploring. Guest rooms are stylishly decorated in neutral shades with walnut wood accents, and all are equipped4 with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

 Welcoming guests since the 1700s, the 4-Star Kingsmill Hotel has a scenic location amidst manicured gardens, just over a mile from the city centre. In addition to boasting a restaurant and whisky bar, the hotel has spa facilities and a leisure club with an indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room and fitness centre. Guest rooms are decorated in a timeless fashion and include free Wi-Fi, television, safe, tea & coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.