Loch Lomond & The Scottish Highlands

Your Tour Manager greets you today at your hotel in Glasgow. Once you've checked in, you can start to explore at leisure before dinner this evening. Straddling the River Clyde, Glasgow is a vibrant Scottish city with a lot to offer, and its lively centre is complemented by the backdrop of its rich history and outstanding Victorian architecture. You could experience your first taste of Scotland with a visit to a traditional pub for a wee dram, or discover its culture with a visit to one of Glasgow's excellent museums or galleries.

• Dinner

Enjoy a journey on the West Highland Line today, a route covering some of Scotland's most beautiful areas. As you leave Glasgow, you're quickly surrounded by the wild and windswept Scottish Highlands as you pass through landscapes of breathtaking mountains, steep-sided lochs, and heather moors.

Arriving in Crianlarich, your coach takes you to your hotel. After checking in, there's time to explore your new surroundings before dinner. Crianlarich is a village in Perthshire, whose name is derived from the Gaelic for 'low pass' because of its location in a glen surrounded by several mountains. The villagers call their village the 'gateway to the Highlands', as it's the starting point for a beautiful walking and cycling trail, and has stunning views of Ben More, one of the highest mountains in the area.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you travel by coach to Tarbet for an early afternoon 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, you 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 your hotel later this afternoon, there's time to relax before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you experience more of the stunning Scottish Highlands by rail, heading for Oban, a charming coastal town. As the train makes its way westward, you'll admire striking views of the Glen Ogle viaduct and the tranquil waters of Loch Awe.

After the scenic journey, you catch the ferry in Oban and set sail for the Isle of Mull. Arriving at Craignure, your coach awaits to drive you to Duart Castle, the ancient home and seat of the Clan Maclean. Enjoy a guided tour of the imposing 13th-century estate, built on the end of a peninsula jutting into the Sound of the Mull.

You then continue by coach to Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, where there's 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.

After catching the ferry back to Oban, your coach takes you back to your hotel in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You experience the final leg of the West Highland Line today on the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train*. Boarding the restored carriages at Fort William, you discover why this journey is renowned as one of the best and most scenic in the world. A highlight of the route is the moment you cross 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. With some time at leisure, you could enjoy lunch with a view before your return journey on the amazing Jacobite.

*Please note that journeys are steam-hauled where possible - some departures may use the ScotRail scheduled service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, it's time to bid farewell to Crianlarich. Heading back to Glasgow by train, take in the stunning landscapes of the West Highland Line that have been the backdrop of your fantastic adventure. When you arrive, take some time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers before making your way home with unforgettable memories.

• Breakfast