Experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands, the historic city of Glasgow, a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and journeys on Scotland’s renowned railways

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.

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.

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.

Please note: on the 26th July departure, we will travel one way on the Jacobite steam train and return by coach.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Arguably one of the world's great railway journeys, the Jacobite steam train sets off from Fort William under the watchful gaze of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Travelling through stunning scenery on the northwestern reaches of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, the 42-mile route heads westwards along the northern shore of Loch Eil, with dramatic landscapes never far from view. Crossing the 21 arches of the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct - famed for its appearance in the Harry Potter films - the route heads into breathtaking Highland wilderness, providing great views of Loch Eilt, before crossing more viaducts as the tracks follow the Road to the Isles to the small port town of Mallaig on the coast.

A 20-mile round trip on this former mainline route reveals magnificent Highland scenery at every turn along the banks of the rushing River Spey. With a backdrop of the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, the railway's heritage locomotives continue under the shadow of high mountains and dense sloping woodland to the line's terminus at Broomhill. Beautifully restored carriages provide a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes and delightful station at Boat of Garten. In summer, there are many vivid colours to be viewed, with the greens and purples of heather and gorse lining the trackside.

Perfectly located close to Glasgow's vibrant city centre, the 4-Star Maldron Hotel in Glasgow offers comfortable and modern accommodation. Opened in 2021, the hotel offers a spacious bar and restaurant, 24-hour room service and stylish guest rooms. Rooms are all air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen television, free toiletries, city views and tea & coffee making facilities.

The prestigious 4-Star Voco Grand Central is right next to Glasgow Central station. Housed within a remarkable and historic building, the hotel has hosted many distinguished guests throughout the years, ranging from influential politicians like Winston Churchill to iconic Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra.

The interior has timeless grandeur, with high ceilings, exquisite chandeliers and rich wood panelling. The hotel's bar, the Champagne Lounge, was recognised as the Best Hotel Bar in Glasgow at the esteemed 2019 Best Bar None awards. Guests can indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience here, or sip on expertly crafted cocktails while people-watching over the train station concourse.

Thoughtfully designed guest rooms offer a comfortable retreat equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer.

The 4-Star Carrbridge Hotel is located near the Cairngorm National Park and directly opposite the historic Packhorse Bridge, built in 1717. The Grill Room and Bar has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a varied food and drink menu. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, tea & coffee-making facilities and a hairdryer.

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.