Think of Scotland and you probably think castles, whisky, tartan, highlands and lochs.It is indeed all this and so much more. Over your trip in Scotland you'll get to immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan feel of Edinburgh, soaking in its history as you stroll down the royal mile and visit Edinburgh castle with your private guide. Visit whisky distilleries, the medieval town of Stirling and a Victorian town of Pitlochry. Cruise along the infamous Loch Ness, and explore Urquhart Castle by foot. Explore Loch Lomand National Park and Glasgow city. Take a traditional steam train (of Harry Potter fame) along one of the the great railway journeys of the world through ever changing vistas from the highest mountain in Britain, to Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, passing close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, and the shortest river in Britain, before finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe. Then experience the iconic parts of the Western Highlands taking the “Road to the Isles”, a ferry to the Isle of Skye to explore the island, and a return journey via the Skye Bridge for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Oh yes, and of course...take a wee bit of time to relax - you are on vacation after all! A blend of private and shared activities as well as time to explore on your own makes for the perfect vacation.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with strayed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city.

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there's always something going on in the festival city, and that's just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling - whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella!

This is a fantastically central hotel, located in the heart of Grassmarket, steps away from Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town. The Apex City (4*) is located next door to its sister hotel, the Apex International. One of the best hotels in Edinburgh, the Yu Spa leisure facilities are based at the Apex International Hotel next door, and are available to residents free of charge and open daily. Facilities include ozone pool, tropicarium, plunge shower and gym with state-of-the-art technogym equipment.

Overnight at Apex City (4*).

Depart Edinburgh at 9.30am, on board a top of the range minicoach as you embark on a full day's shared tour taking in many of the great sights outside of Edinburgh. You will travel over the Forth Road Bridge to the little town of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. From here it is a short distance to the Hermitage in Macbeths Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst spectacular waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the country. Then journey north for lunch in Pitlochry (not included) before travelling to the Queens View above Loch Tummel. Continue through the mountains to majestic Loch Tay and the pretty village of Kenmore in an area abundant with ancient stone circles. From here we cross the hills again to the world oldest Scotch Whisky distillery at Glenturret where you can take a tour and tasting before returning past Stirling Castle to Edinburgh.

Overnight at Apex City (4*).

Depart from Edinburgh by mini-coach and head for Stirling Castle on a shared tour. Here, you can visit this imposing stronghold, the favourite residence of the Stuart kings, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. You then continue into the beautiful forest-covered hills of the Trossachs National Park and stop for lunch in Aberfoyle (not included). Then along the remote and spectacular drovers road to Highland Inversnaid on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Here you can enjoy the view of the loch from the Inversnaid hotel or walk along part of the West Highland Way in the footsteps of Rob Roy and up through the Nature reserve to enjoy spectacular views of Loch Lomond. From here you return to Edinburgh in the late afternoon. .

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Overnight at Apex City (4*).

Inverness is promoted as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. Important buildings in the city include Inverness Castle, Inverness College and various churches. It is a hub for visits to the nearby Highlands, and is situated on the famous Lock Ness.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness by train. Approximately 3.5 hrs.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

Optional activites today include visiting the small town of Beauly and the art galleries in the area, or enjoying a private boat ride on Loch Ness. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in either option.

The Kingsmill Hotel (4*) is surrounded by the Invernesshire Mountains and is just a 1 mile from the city centre. The hotel has an excellent reputation, and hospitality has been enjoyed by both locals and visitors to Inverness for many years. The hotel is set in four acres of carefully kept gardens and manicured lawns. At the Kingsmills Hotel you’ll find high standards of hotel keeping in a quiet and pretty location. You’re close enough to the city centre to walk there, or you can take a stroll in the hotel grounds with scarcely a hint that you’re in the middle of the Highland capital. The hotel has the pedigree plus dashes of character and panache only delivered by genuine hoteliers. The conservatory is light, spacious and very relaxing while the bar is stocked with over 40 whiskeys. The Kingsmill hotel also boasts an extensive leisure club with a swimming pool, solarium, sauna, and gym.

Overnight at Kingsmill (4*).

Travel by shared coach to Clansman Harbour where you embark on your 30 minute cruise along Loch Ness. At the end of your cruise, you will disembark at the private jetty at Urquhart Castle. Here you shall have time to enjoy the castle ruins, with its magnificent views up and down this most enigmatic and mysterious stretch of water, and visit the Visitor Centre. You shall return by bus back to Inverness City Centre, via Tomnahurich Bridge. (Entrance to Urquhart castle and cruise on Loch Ness included).

Overnight at Kingsmill (4*).

Fort William is the largest town in the highlands of Scotland and second largest settlement behind the city of Inverness.Fort William is a major tourist centre with Glen Coe just to the south, and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. It is an important centre for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains.

Transfer from Inverness to Fort William by private vehicle with your own professiaonl driver today. The journey should take approximately 1.5hrs.

Travel back in time on a steam train as it takes you on a scenic journey to the west coast for the day. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting in Fort William near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!  The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Marvel at the views as you cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the ‘Harry Potter’ films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The train may pause on the viaduct, time permitting, to allow you to take in the magnificent view. Once stopped in Glenfinnan station there will be time to stretch your legs and, if you wish, visit the West Highland Railway Museum located in the restored station building. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero".The end of the line, Mallaig is a busy fishing port and ferry terminal with services to Skye and the Small Isles. Arriving in Mallaig you'll have over an hour and a half to enjoy a walk round and take in the atmosphere: there are shops, bars, restaurants and plenty of fish and chips to be enjoyed during the lunchtime stopover. You'll be back in Fort William at approximately 4pm.

The Best Western Imperial Hotel (3*) is located in the heart of Fort William. Overlooking Loch Linnhe in one of Scotland's places of real natural beauty, the hotel is the ideal place to explore the highlands from. Breathtaking views and warm hospitality await, with the opportunity to climb Ben Nevis, sample the odd single malt or take a trip to one of the area's many castles. Hotel amenities include a jacuzzi, on-site parking, restaurant and bar as well as wifi. There is no elevator in the property. Room facilities and amenities include Free WiFi TV, Hairdryer and Audio system (via TV or radio), tea & coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board on request as well as en-suite bathroom with toiletries and heated towel rails.

Overnight at Best Western Imperial (3*).

Spend the day on a shared (9hr) tour taking you through the most iconic parts of the Western Highlands taking the “Road to the Isles”, a ferry to the Isle of Skye, and a return journey via the Skye Bridge for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. “The Road to the Isles”, was recently named as one of the world’s 10 best drives and offers a wonderfully scenic drive past Glenfinnan, with its  impressive curving railway viaduct featured in two of the Harry Potter films. Arriving in Mallaig, a brief ferry crossing takes you to the beautiful Isle of Skye where you'll disembark at Armadale, in the south, for optional visits to the Clan Donald Centre, Armadale Castle Gardens (with forty acres of exotic trees and flowers) and The Museum of the Isles. After lunch (not included), begin the journey across the southern part of the island with its many photo opportunities including the rugged skyline of the imposing Cuillin Mountains (some of the oldest rocks in Europe) and pass through Sleat and the garden of Skye. From here, the journey continues east to Dornie, crossing the Skye Bridge, for a visit to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, said to be the most photographed castle in Scotland. We can also enjoy Loch Duich, and the Five Sisters of Kintail; five mountains wrapped in ancient legend. At days end, you'll pass by Loch Garry, circling back to Fort William.

Overnight at Best Western Imperial (3*).

Take a private transfer today from Fort William to Edinburgh. The journey should take about three hours.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).