Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

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.

• Dinner

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.

• Breakfast, 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.

• Breakfast

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.

• Breakfast

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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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.

• Breakfast