Journeys stopping off in Edinburgh

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.