Day 2 - Loch Ness and the Highlands Excursion

There’s a delightful journey into the Highlands of Scotland today.

From Edinburgh, we cross the Firth of Forth and tour through the ancient Kingdom of Fife.

On reaching Highland Perthshire, our first stop will be in the pleasant town of Pitlochry, which boasts a wide range of shops and eateries.

Next, we make our way through the Pass of Drumochter and enter the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, where the mountains soar skywards, and lovely loch-side vistas are savour.

The highlight of our tour is Loch Ness, probably Scotland’s most famous lake. The stats of this mysterious body are just epic. At 23 miles long and over 250 m (750 ft) in places, there’s plenty of room for a monster to hide. During our extended stop, why not take a monster-spotting cruise to improve your chances of coming face to face with Nessie?

From Fort William, which is overshadowed by Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, it’s into eerie Glen Coe. We will hear the sad story of the infamous massacre in 1692 while marvelling at the outstanding beauty of this remarkable place.

Soon we cross from the Highlands into the Lowlands and join the motorway for the last part of our tour back to Edinburgh.

This excursion may operate in the reverse direction.

Day 3 - Edinburgh - Sightseeing - Glasgow

After a leisurely breakfast, spend more time discovering Edinburgh.

Take a tour to escape the hustle and bustle of city life at the Royal Botanical Gardens. In Leith, there’s the opportunity of visiting the former Royal Yacht Britannia before heading along the famous Royal Mile.

Alternatively, take a stroll through the stately Georgian New Town to see the grand squares, imposing monuments and impressive architecture that got Edinburgh its nickname of “The Athens of the North”.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, seek out some of the locations that were said to have influenced the global phenomenon. Make a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the grave of Thomas Riddell, the inspiration for arch-villain Thomas Riddle, Lord Voldemort. Later take a stroll up Victoria Street, where the brightly painted shops may have been the muse for Diagon Alley.  

Head to Edinburgh Waverley Station to catch a train to Glasgow at your leisure. The journey time between Scotland’s two great cities is around 50 minutes.

After arriving at Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, head to your city-centre hotel. Tonight, why not head to the historic Merchant City or the “foodie-quarter” of Finnieston to enjoy top-quality cuisine at a friendly eatery?

Overnight: Jury’s Inn, Glasgow (or similar)

Day 4 - Glasgow Sightseeing - Free Time - London

Glasgow is one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

A city of striking architecture, heritage and culture and today, you can discover the city for yourself on an open-top bus tour. It’s the ideal way to experience Scotland’s largest city.

Explore the Victorian architecture of George Square and the City Centre, then head out to the leafy West End to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the newly-built Riverside Museum.

Follow the banks of the River Clyde to experience Old Glasgow, including the vibrant Merchant City and ancient Glasgow Cathedral.

Take time to seek out the hidden work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s famous architect, whose art nouveau gems can be seen throughout the city.

Later this afternoon, board your express train at Glasgow’s Central Railway Station for the journey back to London.