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Loch Lomond & The Scottish Highlands

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20252026
6 days From £999 £899 per person
4.0 stars(122 reviews)
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Journey to the heart of the Highlands, exploring historic sites like Inveraray and Duart Castle before experiencing the legendary Jacobite Steam Train

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Save up to £200pp on selected British Isles 2025 departures, when you book by 16th December 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: 25FWS

About the tour

Journey to the heart of the Scottish Highlands, taking in the marvellous lochs and glens this part of the world is famous for. Our holiday begins amongst the cultural richness of Glasgow before we traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands aboard the West Highland Line and set sail on stunning Loch Lomond.

Staying in the serene village of Crianlarich, surrounded by mountains and breathtaking landscapes, we discover the historic town of Inveraray, visit the ancient Duart Castle, and wander through the colourful streets of Tobermory. The perfect end to our Scottish experience is a spectacular ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. Crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, we savour the wild landscapes of the Scottish countryside. Prepare to explore the beauty of Scotland's renowned wonders on this Highland getaway.

Unforgettable Experiences

Exploring the 13th-century Duart Castle
Exploring the 13th-century Duart Castle
Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive 13th-century Duart Castle, a historic fortress standing proudly on the Isle of Mull with its imposing stone walls rising from the cliffs and stunning views over the Sound of Mull.
Discovering the legendary Jacobite Steam Train
Discovering the legendary Jacobite Steam Train
Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct and past amazing Highland landscapes on your way to the quaint village of Mallaig.
Cruising the tranquil Loch Lomond
Cruising the tranquil Loch Lomond
Sail along Loch Lomond with guided commentary, drifting through the serene waters flanked by majestic hills and scenic landscapes while spotting wonderful wildlife that call this beautiful setting home.
Visiting the Isle of Mull
Visiting the Isle of Mull
Catch a ferry to the Isle of Mull, off the glorious West Coast of Scotland, and visit the picturesque port of Tobermory with its vibrant harbour, colourful buildings, and friendly streets.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Cultured-packed Glasgow

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.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The scenic West Highland Line to peaceful Crianlarich

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Sailing stunning Loch Lomond and discovering historic Inveraray

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Charming Oban, striking Duart Castle, and colourful Tobermory

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Journey on the incredible Jacobite Steam Train

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Homeward bound

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.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please Note

Please note that while every departure of this tour features the same excursions, they may not necessarily be in the order listed above.

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.

Hotels

Best Western Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich

Best Western Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich

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Hotel Indigo, Glasgow

Hotel Indigo, Glasgow

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Trains

Jacobite Steam Train
Scotrail
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail connections

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 122 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (47)
  2. 4 stars
    (50)
  3. 3 stars
    (15)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (7)

Kevin Thompson

4 stars

Submitted 13/Oct

The room at Crianlarich was far too hot!!!! We asked them to turn it down, but they said they couldn't. The room was set at 27C, very uncomfortable.

Collected by Trustpilot

Nickie

5 stars

Submitted 2/Oct

Excellent tour great hotel and brilliant tour guide

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Bill Larkin

5 stars

Submitted 27/Sep

An excellent well organised holiday. Thanks to David our very friendly tour manager for helping the group have a worry free and happy holiday.

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MR P HOLLAND

4 stars

Submitted 27/Sep

Very well organised from start to finish. Good weather and an excellent tour guide made the break that extra bit special. Some hotel issues eg service and not much food variety but would use again

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HB

3 stars

Submitted 19/Jun

Not enough time at visiting spots dictated by coaches and trains, time slots not long enough to see sights

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Hugh, Thank you for sharing your experience. I will make sure to pass this to our Product team so we can look into the itinerary closely for the future. Sophie.
1 comment

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John

5 stars

Submitted 14/Jun

Excellent escorted tour. Tour Manager was also excellent in every way. A well organised, good value for money, tour.

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