Scotland: Lochs and Landscapes 2024

This morning, the picturesque 18th century mill village of New Lanark awaits. Abundantly filled with remarkable intrigue, we’ll amble through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its tales along the way. A leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Clyde is a must! Then: take in the sights as we traverse Clyde Coast to meet the ferry. Its destination: the tranquil Isle of Arran, our home for the next two nights. Its vast green landscapes, idyllic waters and friendly charm will bask you in warmth (no matter the weather!). An afternoon of free time awaits. Explore the delightful area, get to know the locals, or sit back and relax, soaking up the ambience of this authentic adventure. (B)

Accommodation: Auchrannie Resort (or similar)

You may know The Big Five of the animal kingdom, but today we shall seek Arran’s Big Five on a unique safari experience with our local guide. Spot golden eagles, stags, otters, red squirrels and seals as we roam through the isle’s beautiful terrain, learning its unique history, culture and ecology along the way. (B)

Accommodation: Auchrannie Resort (or similar)

Ahoy, the mainland is calling! The first port of call upon our return: Kilmartin Glen. This rich landscape boasts 5,000 years of history and is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland; some say, even Europe. Together, we will wander its lush ground, taking in the linear cairns, scattered standing stones and carved rocks. What’s more, our journey into the past will unearth ancient forts and castles which may or may not be filled with ghouls Scotland is famed for. Pack your wits, just in case! Onwards, our adventure takes us towards Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, where we will exchange tales of the journey so far over a group dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: Knipoch Hotel (or similar)

Are you ready to awaken your senses? This morning, we’ll visit Arduaine Garden – a place filled with colour and fragrance. The garden first bloomed in 1898, during a time of curiosity and hunger for the exotic. From bold azaleas to magnificent magnolias and giant Himalayan lilies to lovely forget-me-nots, this scented world tour is a truly unforgettable experience. Following our visit, we journey on to Oban where our expert Tour Leader will give a short orientation tour – an opportunity to get your bearings. After lunch, the mighty Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel awaits. Built before 1240, the stronghold is one of the oldest stone castles to exist in this glorious country, boasting centuries of treasured history. (B)

Accommodation: Knipoch Hotel ((or similar)

More breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as we take a trip through the magnificent Glencoe valley. Sit back and enjoy the leisurely pace as we admire the towering mountain ranges formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial movement thousands of years ago. While we’re here, we’ll visit Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn the haunting story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Afterwards, we’ll relish an afternoon of more fascinating landscapes as we journey through Loch Lomond and The Tossachs National Park, our Tour Leader will choose the finest viewpoints to stop at before we move on to our next destination: Luss. (B)

Accommodation: The Lodge on the Loch (or similar)

After a leisurely morning, we’ll continue our discovery of Loch Lomond with a scenic cruise filled with stunning views of distant islands, majestic mountains and enchanting forests. Then, we’ll savour some free time in the picturesque village of Luss. For the history buffs, get lost in a world of medieval times. For those who wish for a peaceful haven, explore the 19th century parish church filled with staggering Victorian stained-glass windows. Tonight, we’ll join together for a farewell dinner where we shall toast to a cherished adventure filled with wonder and friendship. (B, D)

Accommodation: The Lodge on the Loch (or similar)

Before our tour comes to a close, we’ve got one last stop to make. A Scottish escape wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the beautiful capital, Edinburgh. Here, we’ll embark on a driving tour of the New Town and The Royal Mile, taking in the awe-inspiring architecture and diverse culture. The rest of the morning and early afternoon is yours to uncover this sublime city. Then: you can choose to depart the tour here or join the mini-coach back to magnificent Glasgow, where we’ll say our goodbyes. (B)