Skye & the Outer Isles

After meeting the group in Edinburgh this morning, we head north, pausing to marvel at the Kelpies - the world's largest equine sculptures and Andy Scott's striking tribute to the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland. Continuing on, we learn the story of William Wallace as we pass Stirling Castle and catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, familiar from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander and Game of Thrones.

The scenery grows wilder as we reach Glen Coe, with a chance to look out for Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Our route then brings us to Loch Ness, where we hear the legend of Nessie on a visit to the loch's famous waters.

We continue on to Inverness, our base for the night. This evening is yours to enjoy - take a stroll along the River Ness or up to Inverness Castle for views over the city, before seeking out the local bars and restaurants.

Please note: Check-in is at 8:00 am for an 8:30 am departure from the meeting point on the High Street in Edinburgh (postcode EH1 1TB).

The day begins with fresh Highland air at Corrieshalloch Gorge, before we continue north along a scenic stretch of road to Ullapool. Here we board the ferry across to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, keeping watch for dolphins along the way.

On arrival, we head straight for Harris in the south, where we visit the island's distillery for a wee dram. From there we make our way back north to Lewis and the main town of Stornoway, where we spend the night.

Today is given over to the cultural sights of the Isle of Lewis. We begin in the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway, then step into 17th-century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.

From here we explore the rugged Atlantic coastline, reaching the Butt of Lewis - the most northerly point on the island - to see its lone lighthouse and the force of the sea against the cliffs.

Back in Stornoway, the rest of the day is yours - wander around the harbour and seek out fresh seafood in the local restaurants.

Please note: Access to one of today's sites may be restricted due to conservation work - please check current access before travel.

Leaving Stornoway, we stop at a memorial marking an event from the darker side of the island's history. The day then opens out into some beautiful beaches and a visit to the oldest medieval church on the Isle of Harris.

From Harris we take the ferry 'over the sea to Skye', where the town of Portree becomes our base for the next two nights. On arrival, the evening is yours - head into town for local seafood and whisky, or stretch your legs on a scenic walk.

A full day of exploration awaits on the Isle of Skye. We start at the clear waters of the Sligachan River, with views of its old bridge and the Cuillin mountains rising behind.

Driving over the Skye Bridge, we take in the setting of Eilean Donan Castle, seen on screen in Highlander and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

Back in Portree, you have some free time to browse the shops and restaurants or take in the harbour with its colourful frontages. Later, we round off the day at two of Skye's best-known landmarks, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr.

There is time this morning to see a little more of the Isle of Skye before we take the ferry to the fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast.

If you have booked the Jacobite Steam Train, you board here at Mallaig while the rest of the group continues by coach, with train passengers collected further along the route. From there we take the scenic road back through the Cairngorms National Park, arriving into Edinburgh in the evening where the tour comes to an end.