Train holiday to Edinburgh and Highlands & Islands

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Day 1
You are greeted by your Tour Manager in Edinburgh at the Radisson Blu, located on mid-way along the city's esteemed Royal Mile. We spend one here which shall be Scottish themed, including a meal in the Great Scots Hall which will be piped in and followed by Scottish tales.

Day 2
Leaving Edinburgh, we head west to Glasgow for the West Highland Railway. The journey heads out along a hillside ledge overlooking Gare Loch through mountains, glens and dense forests before drifting along the shores of Loch Long. From Loch Long, we traverse beside Arrochar and Tarbet to Loch Lomond, Britain's largest body of inland water. Passing through the gateway to the highlands, the line forks westwards at Crianlarich to trace River Lochy. Having passed through Loch Awe and Loch Etive we arrive at Oban and our hotel for two nights, the Caledonian Hotel.

Day 3
Today we take the 40-minute ferry crossing to Craignure where we joining the Isle of Mull Railway for a short journey along the Sound of Mull, a 10.2inch (260mm) gauge track offering views of Ben Nevis, the Glencoe hills and the island of Lismore. We arrive at Torosay Castle where we enjoy a guided tour and time to explore the beautful gardens before we return to Oban.

Day 4
We travel by coach to Fort William below Ben Nevis where we join the Jacobite Steam Train for the return journey to Mallaig and the final leg of the wonderful West Highland Line. The train runs below Ben Nevis before climbing into the mountains surrounding Glenfinnan and the 21-arched Viaduct. Dropping back down to sea level, the landscape opens up with the first views of the 'Small Isles' - Rum, Eigg and Muck. After lunch we continue by coach from Fort William to Ballachulish and our accommodation for one ngiht, the Hotel Ballachulish.

Day 5
Travelling by coach along Loch Ness, we stop at Urquhart Castle for some time to explore the ruins and read up about history of the site at the visitor centre. From Urquhart Castle we transfer to Inverness and the Palace Hotel where we will be based for the next three nights.

Day 6
Enjoy Inverness at your own pace. Make the most of the hotel's leisure faciliites or enjoy a stroll along the River Ness which is near to the hotel.

Day 7
Today we shall take on of the most scenic rail routes in the British Isles, trailing from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. After passing the rolling scenery of Dingwall, we climb high towards Arhnasheen. From Strathcarron we pass along the spectalur shore of Loch Carron beside sharp rockfaces before we transfer to a coach to cross the Skye Bridge for a scenic tour of the island.

Day 8
Leaving Inverness we travel south on the East Coast service through the Cairngorms, via Aviemore, Pitlochry and Kingussie to arrive back in Edinburgh for a further night at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Day 9
Today your Tour Manager wishes you farewell but if you wish to stay longer, Edinburgh is world-renowned for its list of diverse attractions incluing museums, galleries, the Royal Yacht Britannia and an excellent farmers' market every Saturday.