New Year in the Glens – A Festive Scottish Adventure

Our festive holiday begins as we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers at our luxury hotel in Edinburgh. 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 atmospheric Old Town, stop in a café for an afternoon treat. If you are feeling adventurous, maybe take a ride on the giant wheel and marvel at the amazing views of Edinburgh, illuminated for the season. Or head to The Dome on George Street to enjoy an apéritif before walking back to our hotel for our first 3-course dinner together, with a glass of prosecco.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Edinburgh and set off to see 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 this region.

After our visit we continue on 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 delicious afternoon tea and cakes. We end our day with dinner and entertainment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast this morning, we head to the mysterious Loch Ness for a memorable New Year's Eve experience followed by lunch. As we journey through the majestic wilds of Scotland, we stop at Fort Augustus, a charming village with stunning scenery, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Here, we can see the Caledonian Canal, which connects the Scottish east coast with the west - a bustling hub of activity, with boats and yachts gliding through the waterway. There's time for a leisurely stroll along the towpath, or to watch the boats pass by and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Our next stop is the mysterious 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. After our visit to the castle, we enjoy lunch at the charming Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel before making our way back to Fort William. There's time to relax and recharge back at our hotel, before we enjoy a 4-course Gala Dinner with a glass of wine and entertainment to see in the New Year.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Happy New Year! The day is yours, to relax, unwind, and celebrate at your own pace. After a leisurely breakfast, you might choose to stroll around the hotel's picturesque grounds or venture down to the Ballachulish viewpoint to take in the majestic views of Loch Leven.

You are at leisure until dinnertime, with afternoon tea served at our hotel, so spend the day as you choose - you may like to enjoy a bracing walk or an invigorating swim in the hotel pool, or simply relax beside the inviting log fire in the comfortable lounge of our hotel.

This evening we indulge in another dinner at our hotel, accompanied by live entertainment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we make our return rail journey to Edinburgh, travelling back past Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. After checking into our lovely hotel again, you have free time to go sightseeing, discovering the historic buildings of the Old Town, still decked out for the season, or enjoy a walk through the streets of the Georgian New Town. Today is a Bank Holiday in Scotland, but there may be a few shops and welcoming cafés open. Or you could always warm up in a traditional pub.

There's plenty of time to make the most of our hotel's superb facilities, before our last evening together. We are treated to a Great Scots dinner, accompanied by traditional Scottish piping, dancers and storytelling, a wonderful end to our Scottish New Year's holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after a relaxing breakfast, it's time to say goodbye as our festive holiday reaches its end. We bid farewell to our Tour Manager and new friends as we head home with wonderful memories of an unforgettable New Year in the Scottish Glens.

• Breakfast