West Highlands & Skye 2013

Day 1 - Meet in Glasgow

Your tour begins in Glasgow, as you meet your Tour Manager at the 3* Express by Holiday Inn Central Glasgow Riverside. After settling in, you are free to explore striking Glasgow - perhaps head to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's famous Willow Tea Room or the Glasgow School of Art.

Day 2 - West Highland Railway

Today we embark on a journey on the magnificent West Highland Line. Leaving Glasgow, we skirt Loch Lomond and head into the dramatic Highlands, crossing the isolated moors at Rannoch through an area only accessible by rail. We pass Fort William - under the gaze of mighty Ben Nevis - and continue across the wonderful Glenfinnan Viaduct as we approach the west coast, with tantalising glimpses of the Small Isles in the distance. We stay for three nights at the 3* Morar Hotel. (B,D)

Day 3 - The Isle of Skye

This morning we make the short ferry crossing to the breathtaking Isle of Skye. On arrival we enjoy a panoramic coach tour of this wonderful island, taking in the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Hills along with the wild moors, sheer sea cliffs and tranquil lochs that have made Skye famous. During the day we visit pretty Portree, the island's capital, before making our return journey back to our hotel. (B,D)

Day 4 - Road to the Isles

Today's excursion gives us the opportunity to explore the Road to the Isles. We take a coach past the sublime Silver Sands of Morar, on the narrow road traversing this beautiful, rugged coastline. We reach Glenfinnan, where we visit the famous monument commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie's assault on the British throne - framed by the backdrop of the iconic railway viaduct. We continue to Glenfinnan Station Museum, which details the history of the West Highland Line. Later we arrive in Fort William, where we have free time to explore. Perhaps take a stroll alongside Loch Linnhe, and enjoy lunch in one of the town's many inviting restaurants. On certain departures we leave Fort William on the Jacobite Steam Train, and travel in restored vintage carriages for the journey back to Morar. (B,D)

Days 5-6 - West Highland Line to Glasgow

We make our way back along the West Highland Line to Glasgow. Passing through the wild, unspoilt areas of natural beauty, including Gareloch and Loch Long, we arrive in Scotland's largest city for another night at the Express by Holiday Inn Glasgow Riverside. Your evening is free for you to explore the many attractions of this city at your leisure. After breakfast on Day 6 the tour concludes, and you are free to depart at your own pace, or perhaps explore the city and surrounding area first. (Day 5-B; Day 6-B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.

The following departures do not include a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train on Day 4:
   16 May
   13 Jun