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Christmas in the Glens – A Festive Scottish Adventure

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7 days From £1,695 per person

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Unwrap a festive getaway in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and spend Christmas amongst castles, lochs, and rugged landscapes. 

2023 Tour code: SWX24

About the tour

Experience a cosy festive holiday in picturesque Edinburgh and the beautiful Scottish Highlands. With Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the city, soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Edinburgh. Then, discover the captivating Kelpies, visit the impressive Falkirk Wheel, and enjoy the tranquil setting of Fort William, before visiting the famous Loch Ness on Christmas Eve. Spend Christmas Day relaxing in the Scottish Highlands, indulging in festive treats and creating wonderful festive memories.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – The festivities begin in Edinburgh

Our festive holiday begins as we meet at our lovely hotel in Edinburgh today. After checking in, there's time at leisure to explore the enchanting atmosphere of the city, covered with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations.

You could stroll to the amazing Christmas markets to indulge in some last-minute Christmas shopping and treat yourself to a mulled wine or hot chocolate. For the brave and adventurous, ride on the giant wheel and marvel at the amazing views of Edinburgh, illuminated in all its festive glory. Or, you could head to The Dome on George Street to enjoy a festive tipple next to the magnificent Christmas tree before heading back to our hotel for dinner and festive drinks.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The inspiring Kelpies, impressive Falkirk Wheel and idyllic Fort William

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Edinburgh and to the magnificent Kelpies by coach. These towering sculptures were designed by the talented Glasgow-based artist, Andy Scott to pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of the area.

We then head a few miles down the road to see a wonder of modern engineering, the Falkirk Wheel. Opening in 2002, the rotating boat lift connects the Forth & Clyde canal with the Union canal and is the only one of its kind in the world. It's an impressive stop on our journey to Fort William.

After our visit to the Falkirk Wheel, we make our way to Glasgow to board the iconic West Highland Line train. This journey takes us through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery as we snake our way towards Fort William.

Arriving in Fort William, we check into our hotel where we're treated to delightful afternoon tea and cakes. We end our day with dinner and entertainment.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Historic Urquhart Castle and mysterious Loch Ness

Following breakfast this morning, we head to the mysterious and world-famous Loch Ness for a Christmas Eve adventure. As we journey through the majestic wilds of Scotland, we stop to visit Fort Augustus, a charming village with a delightful blend of stunning natural scenery, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Here, we can see the Caledonian Canal, which connects the Scottish east coast with the west. The canal is a bustling hub of activity, with boats and yachts gliding through the waterway. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal's towpath, watch the boats pass by, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Our next stop is the delightful ruins of Urquhart Castle, on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness. Once one of Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart has witnessed centuries of conflict and played a pivotal role in the Wars of Independence. Remember to keep a look out for Nessie as we explore the ramparts and keep.

After our visit to the castle, we enjoy lunch at the charming Loch Ness Inn before making our way back to Fort William. This evening dinner at our hotel is accompanied by sparkling wine - the ideal way to end a memorable Christmas Eve.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – A wonderful Christmas Day in Fort William

It's Christmas day! Relax, unwind, and be joyous and merry as we take care of you throughout the day. After breakfast, you could stroll around the hotel's picturesque grounds or venture down to the Ballachulish viewpoint to take in the majesty of Loch Leven.

Once you've worked up an appetite, it's time for the main event! We sit down to Christmas lunch with all the trimmings and raise a glass of wine. After lunch, you can explore some more, take a Christmas afternoon nap or simply relax and watch the King's speech. This evening we indulge in a Christmas buffet and another night of entertainment.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and dramatic Neptunes Staircase

After breakfast this morning, it's time to do some more exploring. Our coach takes us to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognisable as the bridge used for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. We admire this marvel of Victorian engineering, from the viewing area which showcases the stunning bridge and surrounding landscape - the perfect picture moment.

After we have taken photos, we drive to Neptune's Staircase - the longest staircase lock in Britain. This impressive structure allows boats to travel up and down the lochs. From here, we visit the canal side bistro, The Moorings Fort William, and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea overlooking Neptune's Staircase. Our coach then departs for the scenic drive back to our hotel where we have some time at leisure before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – To lovely Edinburgh

After breakfast today we board a train back to Edinburgh where we spend the night at our wonderful hotel again.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Homeward bound

This morning, it's time to say goodbye as our holiday comes to an end. We bid farewell to new friends and leave with wonderful memories of an unforgettable Christmas.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

The Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish

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Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Radisson Blu Edinburgh, Edinburgh

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Trains

Scotrail
West Highland Line

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