Scotland by Rail

On arrival in Edinburgh, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Stay Two Nights: voco Edinburgh Haymarket or similar

Set out on a guided walking tour to discover the heritage of Scotland's historic capital. Stroll along the Royal Mile, admire St Giles' Cathedral and uncover hidden courtyards as you learn how the old town has evolved over the centuries. Continue with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, dramatically perched above the city and offering sweeping views across the skyline. (B/D)

Insider Experience - Scottish Cultural Show This evening, enjoy a lively Scottish cultural show featuring traditional music and dancing, accompanied by a classic Scottish dinner.

This morning, board your train for a scenic journey north from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Travel across two of Scotland's great engineering landmarks - the striking red cantilever Forth Bridge and the Tay Bridge spanning the River Tay. Continue along the dramatic east coast, with views of rugged cliffs, seaside towns and open water.

On arrival, join a panoramic tour of Aberdeen, the 'Granite City', famed for its silver-grey architecture built from local stone. Explore the historic streets of Old Aberdeen, home to the university and St Machar's Cathedral, then continue to nearby Footdee ('Fittie'), a characterful 19th-century fishing village beside the harbour, where colourful cottages offer a glimpse of traditional coastal life. Stay Two Nights: Malmaison Aberdeen or similar (B)

Today's journey takes you into Royal Deeside, a region closely linked with the British Royal Family and renowned for its mountain scenery and heritage. Following the route once used by Queen Victoria to reach her Scottish retreat, journey west from Aberdeen toward the Cairngorms. Visit Craigievar Castle, famous for its pink exterior, and step inside to view period furnishings and historic portraits.

Continue to the royal village of Braemar where you'll see the restored Royal Waiting Rooms and former railway station built for Queen Victoria. Visit the Braemar Highland Games Centre to learn about traditional events such as caber tossing and the history of the famous Braemar Gathering. Depending on seasonal access, there may also be an opportunity to visit Balmoral Castle. Return to Aberdeenshire and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B/D)

Depart Aberdeen this morning and board your train northwest towards Inverness. En route, alight in the whisky town of Keith in the heart of Speyside, Scotland's most celebrated whisky-producing region. Visit one of the area's historic distilleries, where a guided tour reveals the whisky-making process - from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation - followed by a tasting of the region's smooth, distinctive style. Stay Three Nights: Columba Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality (B)

Spend the morning at leisure in Inverness, with time to explore at your own pace. Wander along the banks of the River Ness and visit the Inverness Castle viewpoint for sweeping views. Perhaps relax in a local cafe and soak up the city's Highland atmosphere before a special Insider Experience this afternoon. (B)

Insider Experience - Loch Ness Cruise Set out on a scenic cruise on Loch Ness. Glide across its dark waters surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery while learning about the loch's history and the enduring legend of its most famous resident.

This morning board your train for the journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh along the famous Kyle Line, regarded as one of the Highlands' most scenic rail routes. Watch the landscape change as the train passes moorland, mountains and shining lochs, with views of remote stations and small villages along the way.

On arrival, continue by road to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Set on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, the beautifully restored fortress is one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks. Take time to explore the castle and its history before returning to Inverness, where the evening is at leisure. (B/D)

Travel along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William, where you'll board one of the world's most famous rail journeys. On arrival in Mallaig, enjoy time at leisure to explore the harbour village, known for its fishing heritage and fresh seafood, before returning to Fort William. Stay: Fort William, Cruachan Hotel or similar (B)

Insider Experience - The Jacobite Steam Train Step aboard The Jacobite steam train for a nostalgic journey to the fishing port of Mallaig. Sit back as the train travels through heather-covered hills, rugged moorland and beside tranquil lochs, showcasing some of Scotland's most cinematic scenery. A highlight is crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognised from the Harry Potter films, with sweeping views towards Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument.

This morning board the West Highland Line, often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys. Travel south from Fort William through remote moorlands, past shimmering lochs and beneath towering mountains as you make your way to Arrochar near the head of Loch Long. From here, visit the picturesque village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, known for its charming cottages and scenic views.

Continue by coach along the banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central or similar (B/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, where your journey comes to an end. (B)