GRAND TOUR OF SCOTLAND
3RD MAY 2026
12 DAYS
£1675
Single Supplement £300
Holiday Inn Preston 3*
Columba Hotel Oban 3*
Balavil hotel Newtonmore 3*
Invercarse Hotel Dundee 3*
Excursions Include
DAY 1. We make our way from Cornwall to Preston for our overnight hotel so we are refreshed for a full day ahead.
DAY 2. Departing Preston we travel through to the beautiful village of Moffat. Here there will be time to explore and get a coffee. We then make our way through to Inverary where there will be free time for lunch. Later we visit, Inverary Jail where you step back almost two centuries and discover the stories of the real men, women and children who were tried and served their sentences in this prison. Visit the Courtroom; explore the Cells in the Old and New Prisons; We continue our journey through to our hotel in Oban which is situated on the sea front.
DAY 3. We have a boat trip in Oban Bay where there is a good chance of seeing seals, White Tailed Sea Eagle and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this gateway to the Isles or just have a relaxing stroll along the seafront.
DAY 4 We catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull and then drive to the ferry that will take us over to Iona as foot passengers. Iona is a tiny island which is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long, For many centuries, Iona has been an island of special significance for all Christians. In AD 563, Columba and his followers arrived here from Ireland to spread the gospel in Scotland, St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhram is reputed to be the burial place of 48 kings of Scotland, including Macbeth. Later we return back to Oban.
DAY 5 Our journey to Newtonmore takes us on a very scenic journey through Glencoe. We stop at the Glencoe Visitor centre where we can learn about the famous Glens history. We continue through to The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola which is the only one of its kind in Britain and reaches the heights of 650m. It was built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Britain. You will see breath taking panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands whatever the season, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and surrounding areas. On our return to the coach we take the short ride through to Spean Bridge where there is a chance to catch your breath after the wonderful views you have just experienced. We then travel through to our hotel in Newtonmore.
DAY 6 We have a day to explore Inverness which is the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Running through Inverness is where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. While here why not visit its Old Town which features the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts. The contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history.
DAY 7 We visit the stunning Cairngorms where we enjoy a breath-taking trip on Scotland’s only Funicular Railway which is the highest in the UK, reaching the top station at over 1097m above sea level As you travel up the mountainside you’ll get the chance to capture spectacular views of the mountains forests and glistening Loch Morlich below. You may also be lucky enough to spot the regular neighbours, the free roaming Cairngorm Mountain Reindeer herd. Once at the top take in the panoramic views from over 1000metres above sea level from the viewing platform. On returning to the bottom we make our way into Aviemore to enjoy a roam around this beautiful town.
DAY 8 We start our journey to Dundee. We will stop at the beautiful Blair Castle and Gardens which have spanned the Medieval, Georgian and Victorian eras through to present day, Blair Castle encapsulates remarkable periods in Scotland’s history. The gardens were laid out within the 18th Century; the Gardens feature a nine-acre walled garden, a wooded grove, gothic folly, a kirk ruin, and extensive deer park. We then make our way to Perth where you can take a walk to the Black Watch Museum or Explore all this wonderful city which is on the banks of the River Tay.
DAY 9 We have free time to explore Dundee (The City of Discovery). Dundee is on the Firth of Tay estuary. Its regenerated waterfront has 2 nautical museums: RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and 19th-century warship, HM Frigate Unicorn. North of the water, Verdant Works is a museum celebrating the city’s jute-manufacturing heritage. The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum displays art and archaeological finds. There is plenty of time to have a browse around the centre with all the shops and cafes.
DAY 10 We take to the train today for a scenic journey into Edinburgh. When we arrive at Edinburgh Waverly Station there is plenty to do. From Edinburgh Castle which stands on Castle Rock, which has been occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age. There has been a Royal castle on the rock since the reign of Malcolm III in the 11th century. The Royal Mile's unique charm lies in its diverse architecture and its seamless blend of history and modernity. It offers a captivating journey through different eras, from the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the grandeur of the 18th-century buildings. Why not try the open top bus and find out where you would like to return and explore. With plenty of shops, cafes and bars there is something for everyone. We return back to our hotel by train.
DAY 11 Today we depart Dundee for our overnight hotel in Preston. On our way we will have a lovely stop in Moffat where there will be time to explore the village. Maybe visit the chocolate shop or browse the woollen mill.
DAY 12 We leave our hotel in Preston and journey back to Cornwall.
TOUR INCLUDES;
HOME TO HOME,
11 NIGHTS DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST
ENTRANCE TO INVERARY JAIL
OBAN BOAT TRIP
RETURN FERRIES TO MULL AND IONA
RETURN ON THE NEVIS RANGE CABLE CAR
RETURN ON THE CAIRNGORM FUNICULAR RAILWAY
ENTRANCE TO BLAIR CASTLE
RETURN DUNDEE TO EDINBURGH TRAIN
ALL EXCURSIONS
