Loch Lomond & The Scottish Highlands

This afternoon, we gather at our hotel in Glasgow to meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers. With check-in available from 3pm, head out and start exploring before our first dinner as a group this evening. The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is situated on the River Clyde and has a welcoming atmosphere with art, culture, music and many other attractions.

Stroll through the vibrant West End, admiring the architecture of the University of Glasgow and exploring Kelvingrove Park. Or admire the 22 galleries on display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - which has free entry. If the weather is pleasant, enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Clyde, soaking up the city's rich history and culture.

• Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure this morning to discover more of Glasgow. Early this afternoon, we gather at the train station for a scenic rail journey on the West Highland Line to Crianlarich in Glen Strathfillan. As we leave Glasgow, we are quickly surrounded by the wild and windswept Scottish Highlands as we travel through landscapes of breathtaking mountains, steep-sided lochs, and heather moors. Sit back and take in the rugged beauty and landscapes that pass by our windows.

After checking in to our hotel on arrival, there's time to relax or take a leisurely stroll before our dinner this evening. The quaint village of Crianlarich is the perfect base to explore the Highlands, with its cosy pubs, welcoming locals, and a rich history dating back centuries. Meander through Glenbruar House Gardens, enjoy a serene stroll along the River Fillan, and marvel at the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel by coach to Tarbet for a cruise on majestic Loch Lomond. Sit back on board and enjoy lunch surrounded by the impressive views while live commentary shares tales from the loch and provides fascinating insights into its history and geological wonders.

After soaking up the beauty of Loch Lomond, we head to Inveraray, a town on the western shore of Loch Fyne. With time at leisure here, you could visit Inveraray Castle, a unique castle with Baroque, Palladian and Gothic-style architecture, surrounded by glorious gardens. Or, you could explore Inveraray Jail. This 19th-century prison and courthouse is now a 'living museum' recreating the history of the era. Returning to our hotel later this afternoon, there's time to relax before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We experience more of the stunning Scottish Highlands by rail after breakfast. Heading for Oban, a charming coastal town, our train makes its way westward, and we experience striking views of the Glen Ogle viaduct and the tranquil waters of Loch Awe. After the scenic journey, we board the ferry in Oban and set sail for the Isle of Mull.

Arriving at Craignure, our coach drives us to Duart Castle, the ancient home and seat of the Clan Maclean. We enjoy a guided tour of the imposing 13th-century estate, built on the end of a peninsula jutting into the Sound of Mull. Explore the medieval architecture, wander the grounds, and absorb tales of clan warfare and Highland culture.

Our next destination is Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull. After our coach journey here, there is time at leisure to explore. This lovely little fishing port is famous for its brightly coloured houses and you could wander by them on your way to seek out its sheltered bay. According to legend, in 1588 one of the Spanish Armada ships sank at this bay carrying a stash of gold. Later we catch the ferry back to Oban from Craignure, where our coach takes us back to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train*. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, discover why this journey 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.

The train continues towards the coast, unveiling wild and wonderful views across the vast Scottish countryside. After passing through Arisaig, the line descends towards Mallaig, a quaint fishing port that looks over the Isle of Skye. Along the picturesque harbour, there's a choice of local Scottish pubs that serve delicious seafood dishes as well as other traditional meals.

*On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Crianlarich. We head back to Glasgow by train where you can continue exploring on your own or make your way home. Look back on the experiences we've shared from the friendly culture of Glasgow and the beautiful landscapes aboard the West Highland Line, to tranquil Crianlarich. We sailed across the majestic Loch Lomond to explore historic Inveraray and discovered Highland history at Duart Castle before soaking up the charm of Tobermory's colourful houses. The ideal ending to our holiday came with a scenic ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, with its vintage carriages and stunning route.

• Breakfast