Journeys stopping off in Scottish Highlands

Europe’s most luxurious ‘hotel train’ offers various itineraries around Scotland – all of which depart from Edinburgh Waverley station – to appeal to those interested in country houses, castles, gardens, fine Scottish whisky and spectacular highland landscapes.

The train has been constructed from modern carriages to mimic the ambience of a country-house hotel, with marquetry panelling and high-quality fabrics throughout. Cabins are unusually spacious, and there’s an observation car with open verandah, armchairs and sofas for unparalleled comfort.

Expect excellent fine dining onboard using local ingredients to produce sophisticated French-leaning cuisine. Angus cattle are behind outstanding signature fillet steaks. There’s a good selection of wines and malt whiskies.

Exploring the coast of Britain and Ireland by ship is a wonderful immersion in history, culture and nature. Even to Brits themselves, the historical contrasts are a delight, from Edinburgh Castle to the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney, the Beatles trail in Liverpool and the literary scene in Dublin.

The coastal scenery is dazzling; white beaches and aquamarine shallows in the Isles of Scilly, or the basalt formations of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. The sea passage around the north of Scotland and the Irish Sea is extraordinarily rich in wildlife, with excellent chances of spotting whales and porpoises.

While the majority of people attracted to this kind of cruise are more mature, it’s also possible to turn a round-Britain voyage into a family holiday and some of the bigger ships are well geared up to entertain kids and teens on the days at sea.

The ‘Great Glen’ is a geological gash that slices across the Scottish Highlands from the west coast to the east; the 60-mile, 19th-century Caledonian Canal follows its course, linking a string of lochs and canals to form a convenient watery highway – brilliant for cruising.

A voyage along this extraordinary waterway takes in some of Scotland’s most dramatic Highland scenery, from dun-coloured mountains to dense pine forest and shimmering lochs.

There are atmospheric sights like the dark, brooding waters of Loch Ness and the craggy ruin of Urquhart Castle; and there are opportunities along the way for hiking, cycling, kayaking and, of course, gin and whisky tasting.

Most Caledonian Canal cruises start from the West Coast port of Oban, the jumping-off point for the Hebrides, taking in Duart Castle and quirky, colourful Tobermory on the island of Mull, then sailing the length of Loch Linnhe before entering the canal at Fort William. Others head further north still to the Isle of Skye, combining the sea lochs of the West Coast with the canal transit.

Some itineraries include a trip on the dramatic West Highland Railway, too, regarded as one of the most scenic in the world.