A wonderful Highlands Christmas break including stays in the
magnificent city of Edinburgh and the peaceful setting of
Glencoe
Experience a festive holiday in Edinburgh and the beautiful
Scottish Highlands.
With Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the city,
soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Edinburgh. Discover the
Kelpies, stay in peaceful Glencoe, and visit the Loch Ness,
Glenfinnan Viaduct and Neptune's Staircase.
Spend Christmas Day relaxing in the Scottish Highlands,
indulging in festive treats and creating wonderful festive
memories.
Unforgettable Experiences
Enjoying an indulgent Christmas Day in Glencoe
Relax and be merry with a Christmas Day packed with seasonal cheer and festive feasts in the stunning village of Glencoe.
Journeying on the iconic West Highland Line
Pass through rugged landscapes, sparkling lochs and soaring peaks on this popular railway.
Visiting the towering Kelpies
Experience one of Scotland’s most celebrated landmarks, standing beneath 30-meter steel horse-head sculptures.
Seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Neptune's Staircase
On Boxing Day, watch the Glenfinnan Viaduct from its impressive viewing point then visit one of the longest lock flights in Britain.
Exploring Edinburgh
With free time, wander the Scottish capital, visiting iconic landmarks and enjoy a Great Scots dinner with bagpipers and traditional dancers.
What’s included on the tour?
Tour Manager
Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
Accommodation
6 nights’ 3-4-Star hotel accommodation
Transportation
Standard Class rail travel
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Food & Drink
Breakfast and dinner each day, 3 lunches
Luggage
Group luggage transfers between all hotels
Excursions & Entertainment
All guided tours and excursions
Evening entertainment in Glencoe
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour
Itinerary
The festivities begin in Edinburgh
Your festive holiday begins as we meet at our hotel in Edinburgh
today. After checking in, there's time at leisure to explore the
enchanting atmosphere of the city, all lit up with Christmas lights
and decorations.
You could stroll through the Edinburgh Christmas markets for
some last-minute Christmas shopping and treat yourself to a mulled
wine or hot chocolate. You could also ride on the giant wheel and
marvel at the amazing views of Edinburgh, illuminated in all its
seasonal glory. Or head to The Dome on George Street to enjoy a
festive tipple next to the magnificent Christmas tree before
regrouping at our hotel for our first dinner together, and festive
drinks.
Includes
Dinner
The inspiring Kelpies and idyllic Fort William
We say goodbye to Edinburgh and set off to see the 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 this region.
After our visit we continue our journey to Fort William, making
our way to Glasgow to board the train on the iconic West Highland
Line. This celebrated route takes us through some of Scotland's
most beautiful scenery. On arrival in Fort William, we check into
our hotel where we're treated to afternoon tea and cakes. We end
the day with dinner and entertainment.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Historic Urquhart Castle and mysterious Loch Ness
This morning, we head to Loch Ness for a wonderful Christmas Eve
experience. As we journey through the wilds of Scotland, we stop to
visit Fort Augustus, a village with a blend of natural scenery,
history, and warm hospitality.
Here, we can see the Caledonian Canal, which connects the
Scottish east coast with the west. The canal is a 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 ruins of Urquhart Castle, on the shores of
the legendary Loch Ness. 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 have lunch at the Loch Ness
Drumnadrochit Hotel before making our way back to Fort William.
This evening our dinner at the hotel is accompanied by sparkling
wine - the ideal way to end a memorable Christmas Eve.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A wonderful Christmas Day in Fort William
It's Christmas day! Relax, unwind, and be joyous with free time
this morning. 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
Boxing Day trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Neptune’s Staircase
It's time to do some more exploring today. 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.
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
Return journey to Edinburgh
After breakfast today we journey by rail back to Edinburgh via
Glasgow, travelling through the spectacular scenery of the West
Highland Line once again. After checking into our hotel, you have
free time to go sightseeing. Discover famed attractions still
decked out in their festive regalia or enjoy a walk through the
streets of the Georgian New Town. Afterwards, you could enjoy a
warming drink in a traditional pub.
Our last evening together is a fantastic occasion. We are
treated to a Great Scots dinner, accompanied by traditional
Scottish piping, dancer and storytelling, a wonderful end to our
Scottish Christmas holiday.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Homeward bound
Your festive holiday reaches its end this morning. Bid farewell
to the Tour Manager and head home with wonderful memories.
From the festively decorated streets of Edinburgh, we travelled
to Fort William, visiting the Kelpies and experiencing the stunning
scenery along the West Highland Line. A visit to Urquhart Castle on
Loch Ness impressed on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day was
filled with seasonal joy and festive feasts. An excursion to the
Glenfinnan Viaduct and Neptune's Staircase was a delightful way to
spend Boxing Day before we returned to Edinburgh ending your
holiday with a traditional Scots dinner.
Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments
with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel
options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are
included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers
and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on
average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.
Departure times
Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and
are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your
final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar
or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days
before departure.
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.
Also known as 'the Iron Road to the Isles', a journey on the
West Highland Line is an epic rail adventure that takes
passengers through some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic
landscapes. In fact the line has twice been voted the world's best
rail journey by readers of Wanderlust magazine.
We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from
the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York,
London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour
Advisors to discuss your requirements.
Extending your holiday in Edinburgh
Extend your holiday in Edinburgh with alternative rail and
accommodation arrangements. Please contact us to discuss your
requirements.
Reviews
3.8 / 5 · 5 reviews
5 stars
(1)
4 stars
(3)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
S Fox
Submitted 4/Jan
Very well organised Christmas tour. Just the right amount of trips and free time. Nothing was too much trouble for tour manager Kay.
Loved how easy it was to see some beautiful parts of Scotland and not have to worry about meals or where we would be staying. The tour was the perfect length for the festive season.
Collected by Trustpilot
PHILIP ROUND
Submitted 4/Jan
Good quality hotels and excellent food. The tour manager provided us with extensive information on the area we were visiting. The only disappointment was the rail journey, where the promised seat reservations on the outward train to Fort William did not materialise nor the planned visit to the Falkirk Wheel which was clearly advertised in the itinerary.
On balance a good festive holiday with a nice diverse group of people.
Collected by Trustpilot
Paul
Submitted 4/Jan
Change from the usual holiday . Nice way to meet people too .
Collected by Trustpilot
James
Submitted 9/Jan
Very disappointed and will think twice before booking with you again. The so-called four hour scenic journey on the West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William was ghastly. The two carriages were packed, conditions cramped, our seat reservations hadn't been made, conditions were filthy to the extent we couldn't see out of the windows and there was no trolley service. Our complaint to Scot Rail has only received a standard reply. The food in the hotel in Ballacullish was very poor, in fact it made me ill one night and I had to stay in bed and miss the trip the following day. Whilst the room was ok and the staff friendly and helpful, the general decor in parts was rather scruffy and in need of updating. On a more positive note, the Radison Blue in Edinburgh was excellent and our tour manager Kay absolutely fantastic. Overall though the 'adventure' was greatly over-hyped and overpriced... we would never recommend it to anyone else.
Sue and James Elliot