Glasgow & the Highland Adventure

Your tour of Glasgow & the Highlands begins in the city of Glasgow where you meet the Tour Manager at the hotel. Feel free to explore the city independently, either before or after checking in.

Straddling the River Clyde, the thriving metropolis of Glasgow is one of Europe's most popular destinations. It is a lively centre with a rich history and outstanding Victorian architecture. After time to look around the hotel surroundings and possibly to visit some of Glasgow's landmarks, we meet back at the hotel where we have dinner.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning we take the train from Glasgow to Scotland's noble capital, Edinburgh. Here we head straight to Edinburgh's iconic castle which has stood on Castle Rock for centuries, for a guided tour. One of the oldest in Europe with a long history as a royal residence, prison and fortress, the castle is alive with echoes of historic tales. After our one hour tour you are free to explore the city at your own pace, before we board our train to Inverness.

On arrival at Inverness, we transfer by coach to our four-star hotel in the Highland village of Carrbridge. Our accommodation for the next four nights is set in the magnificent Spey Valley opposite the famous packhorse bridge. Built in 1717, this structure, arching over the River Dulnain, is the oldest known stone bridge of its kind in the Highlands. Although the bridge is no longer strong enough to be walked on, its striking design makes it a popular spot for visitors and photographers.

Once we've checked in and settled into our new surroundings, we have dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a coach journey through stunning Highland scenery to Fort William to enjoy a holiday highlight - a return journey on the Jacobite steam train.

Aboard vintage carriages, we travel one of the most scenic stretches in the UK to Mallaig. Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis passes by our windows, and as we continue, keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife such as red deer. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll recognise it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continuing to Mallaig, there's time at leisure to explore the coastal village. For our return journey, we reboard the Jacobite to experience this incredible route in reverse.

Back at our hotel this evening, we have dinner before savouring a wee dram during a storytelling session. Sit back and sip on Scottish whisky as a storyteller shares expert tales and insights about the mysteries and monsters of the Highlands in a fun evening.

Please note: on early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion may be replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we transfer to Clansman Harbour for a cruise across the vast Loch Ness. Remember your cameras, because evidence of its famous mythical monster, Nessie, is said to be worth £1 million. This huge loch - the largest in the UK by volume - is also blessed with some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery.

Surrounded by mountains, we glide beside forests to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on the banks of the loch. Disembarking our cruise, there is some free time at the castle to explore the ruins or grab some lunch before our coach drives us the short distance to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre. On a guided tour, we delve deeper into the ancient myths of Loch Ness with interactive displays that tell its story.

After a day of unravelling the mysteries of Loch Ness, we return by coach to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling to Aviemore today, we join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a return journey through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. The carriages are beautifully restored, with comfortable seats and large windows, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Following the River Spey, we pass scenes of rolling hills blanketed by heather, the craggy top of Cairngorm Mountain and the thick pine forests and wooded glens which line the tracks.

After leaving the train, we join our coach to the renowned Culloden Battlefield. In the setting where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising took place in 1746, we experience a private guided tour of the battlefield, learning about the history of the site and the sacrifices made there.

Following the tour, we have access to the visitor's centre, where we can join the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, view unique weapons and artefacts on display, and appreciate panoramic views of the battlefield from the roof garden. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy our last dinner in the Highlands this evening.

Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions there may be alternatives

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we depart the idyllic village of Carrbridge in the Highlands, returning to Glasgow by rail. Travelling via Perth, we arrive back in Scotland's largest city early this afternoon. After checking in to our hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure to explore.

The retail heart of Glasgow is centred between Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street - a sloping street with immaculate Victorian architecture, and a stream of lively street entertainers. Among the impressive buildings is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. A favourite spot in the city since 1903 is the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street, designed by Scotland's most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Another popular free attraction is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum which displays work by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Dalí, along with natural history and armour exhibits.

When you've had your fill of this cultural city, you may like to unwind at our hotel before we enjoy the final dinner of our tour at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking in the city where our tour began, Glasgow, after breakfast our tour of Scotland's cities and the Highlands ends and you are free to make your way home, or to continue exploring independently.

• Breakfast