Argyll, Mull and Iona

Venture on a wonderful holiday to the Scottish Highlands and Islands. This all new tour visits the tranquil Trossachs, the rugged Western Highlands and the stunning Inner Hebrides. You are initially based in the historic city of Stirling, then stay at the famed port town of Oban, before relaxing on the inspiring Isle of Mull.
Immerse yourself in tremendous natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, from deep lochs, to towering peaks to sandy beaches. A northern tour not to be missed.

• Enjoy a relaxing steam cruise on the picturesque Loch Katrine on steam ship ‘Sir Walter Scott’.
• Distillery visit in Oban to enjoy a ‘wee dram’.
• Visit a number of beautiful lochs and Scottish castles, with their rich history and architectural grandeur.
• Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery and the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife while travelling by train, water or luxury coach.

Wednesday 2 September

London to Stirling on the ‘Highland Chieftain’ 

You join the ’Highland Chieftain’ at London’s Kings Cross for the journey to Scotland, following the route of the iconic East Coast Main Line (ECML) through increasingly beautiful scenery the further you go north. A light lunch will be served at your seat as you travel First Class in comfort. The train stops at York, taking on those connecting by service train from Peterborough. Continuing via Newcastle and Edinburgh you arrive at historic Stirling, where you book into a local hotel for the next two nights. A welcome dinner is served at the hotel this evening. (L D)

Thursday 3 September

Steam cruise on Loch Katrine and Stirling Castle 

In the morning you transfer by coach and travel from Stirling to nearby Loch Katrine along scenic roads. There follows a lake cruise on the steamship ‘Sir Walter Scott’ to Stronachlachar from Trossachs Pier. On returning you’ll take a light lunch at the restaurant there. In the afternoon you transfer by coach to Stirling Castle for a guided tour of the grounds.
There will be plenty of free time to have a look around Stirling itself afterwards. Dinner will be taken at the hotel. (B L D)

Friday 4 September

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe and Cruachan Hydroelectric Power Station

After breakfast you embark on a scenic drive through the Western Highlands and towards Oban. Enjoy the wonderful views from your luxury coach as different mountains and moors pass along the way. A first highlight is the visit to the ruined 15th century Kilchurn Castle, which used to be the stronghold of Clan Campbell. The impressive structure sits in a picture-perfect location on the shores of Loch Awe and is dwarfed by Ben Cruachan, making it one of the most photographed places in Scotland. From the castle the coach continues the short distance to the lake-side Cruachan visitor centre, where a light lunch will be served at the Hollow Mountain Cafe. After lunch, you can go round the visitor centre, its exhibition describes the impressive Cruachan hydroelectric power station, which is located within the mountain. Alternately, you may wish to take a stroll along Loch Awe. In the late afternoon, the coach continues the short distance to Oban. You spend the next three nights at your hotel in Oban. Dinner will be served at the hotel tonight. (B L D)

Saturday 5 September

At leisure in Oban and distillery visit

Today you can enjoy a leisurely morning and explore the pretty seaside port of Oban. The town has attractive pedestrian streets and is dwarfed by McCraig’s Tower, an architectural folly from the early 20th century. The striking stone structure mimics the Roman Colosseum and is visible from afar. In the afternoon we reconvene for a visit to the famed Oban distillery and a wee dram of this locally crafted single malt. Dinner will once again be served at the hotel. (B D)

Sunday 6 September

Loch Crerar, Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker

After a leisurely breakfast you enjoy a scenic drive along the stunning coastline of northern Argyll. The coach passes along numerous spectacular sea-lochs, such as Loch Etive, Loch Crerar and the largest of them all, Loch Linnhe. There will be numerous stops at scenic points, so that you may enjoy the unsurpassed nature and take advantage of plentiful photographic opportunities. There is a pleasant lunch break at Port Appin, a small ferry pier from where there are wonderful views over to the deep green island of Lismore. In the afternoon a visit to Portnacroish for the iconic panorama of the island-situated, sea-framed Castle Stalker, which will cap our exciting day of discovery. You return to Oban in time for dinner at the hotel. (B L D)

Monday 7 September

Isle of Mull and Duart Castle

Today you embark on the morning ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull. From there you commence on your discovery of the island, calling first at the legendary Duart Castle for a visit of the grounds. Lunch will also be taken there at the local tearooms. You continue then along the spectacular eastern shoreline of Mull, making stops at scenic locations with opportunities to take photos and enjoy the beaches and rich variety of wildlife. Later that afternoon you arrive at your hotel, where you will spend the next two nights in Tobermory. (B L D)

Tuesday 8 September

Ben More and Iona 

In the morning you will be treated to another scenic drive through much of Mull. Enjoy a panoramic stop to view the majestic Ben More, the island’s highest point and only Munro with an elevation of 966 m (3169 ft). At Fionnphort, at the very western tip of Mull, you will take the CalMac ferry as a foot passenger for the short crossing over to the legendary island of Iona and its sacred ancient Abbey, one of the earliest centres of Christianity in the British Isles.
A 10 minute walk and then ample time to see the site and its beautiful natural setting. In the late afternoon you return by ferry and coach to your hotel, stopping at another scenic vantage point along the way for nature photography and ready for your last night on Mull. (B D)

Wednesday 9 September

West Highland Main Line to Glasgow

Today a true railway highlight awaits, as you first take the ferry from Craignure to Oban and then board a ScotRail service train for the journey over the amazing West Highland Line. See Loch Awe and Loch Lomond from the train window, before arriving at Glasgow Queen Street station in the late afternoon. You then spend the evening at leisure in this vibrant metropolis, discovering the attractive pedestrianized city centre zone that is framed by impressive historic buildings and attractive shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down the “Style Mile” or Argyll Street, or discover the Art Nouveau or Art Deco architecture of Central Glasgow. Overnight accommodation is at a conveniently located city centre hotel. (B)

Thursday 10 September

At leisure in Glasgow and return to London

After breakfast you may take a few more hours to spend at leisure in Glasgow, before you board a late morning Avanti Pendolino at the resplendent Glasgow Central station. You will be accommodated in the comfort of First Class as the train whisks you through the Scottish Lowlands and the English Lake District as we make our way back to London. (B)