DAY 1 – Arrive Glasgow

Arrive in the vibrant city of Glasgow by train from London. As Scotland’s largest centre of population, Glasgow is the beating heart of modern Scottish culture. Discover the city’s contrasts, from the elegant Victorian architecture of George Square to the lively energy of Sauchiehall Street and the historic grandeur of Glasgow Cathedral.  Settle into your city centre hotel for a two night stay.

Inclusions: Rail travel from London
Rail travel: 4 hrs 30 mins
Overnight: Glasgow city centre (2 nights)

DAY 2 – Glasgow sightseeing

Glasgow is yours to explore today with your 1 day Hop‑On, Hop‑Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. This double‑decker, open‑top bus is a fantastic way to discover the city at your own pace. With 21 stops across Glasgow, you will have easy access to highlights such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, the Riverside Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, and the vibrant shopping district.

After a day of sightseeing, the evening is free for you to enjoy. Glasgow’s city centre is filled with excellent bars, restaurants, and live‑music venues, giving you plenty of options to unwind and experience the city’s famous hospitality.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Sightseeing Bus Tour
Overnight: Glasgow city centre (2 nights)

DAY 3 – Begin Self-Drive Tour of Scotland – Glasgow to Kintyre

Departing Glasgow, your self‑drive route follows the stunning Loch Lomond shoreline before heading through Inveraray, a picturesque town on the banks of Loch Fyne. From here, the road leads you south into the Kintyre Peninsula, where sweeping coastal landscapes and peaceful countryside set the tone for an immersive Scottish escape.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Kintyre (2 nights)
Drive time: 2 hrs 30 min
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 4 – Kintyre 66 Driving Route

Discover the Kintyre 66, a 66 mile journey around Argyll and the six regions of the Kintyre Peninsula.  This beautiful coastal route is filled with things to see and do.  Today is yours to discover ancient castles and sweeping beaches to incredible wildlife encounters.  It’s the perfect blend of scenery and exploration for a memorable self‑drive escape.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Kintyre (2 nights)
Drive time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 5 – Kintyre Peninsula to Oban

After completing the Kintyre 66, continue your journey north along the coastline toward Oban. This beautiful drive takes you past sea lochs, quiet villages, and sweeping Highland scenery before arriving in the bustling harbour town known as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland.”

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Oban (2 nights)
Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 6 – Oban and surrounds

Oban is a vibrant harbour town offering beautiful coastal views, excellent seafood, and easy ferry access to the Hebridean islands.  Visit McCaig’s Tower for sweeping panoramas, explore the waterfront, or enjoy a tasting at the local distillery.
Alternatively, hop on a ferry from Oban to Mull, or take a tour to Iona and Staffa, and enjoy a day exploring the Hebrides.  Stroll through Tobermory’s brightly painted waterfront and treat yourself to fish and chips by the pier.  Mull and Iona are also fantastic for wildlife lovers, with eagles, otters and plenty of birdlife calling the islands home.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Oban (2 nights)
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 7 – Oban to Fort William 

Take a scenic drive from Oban to Fort William, winding along the edge of Loch Linnhe with plenty of chances to stop for photos or a wander. You can pause at Castle Stalker, enjoy the views around Appin, or take a detour into Rannoch Moor and Glencoe and for those dramatic mountain landscapes. It’s a stunning journey that brings you right into Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, ready for more Highland exploring.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Fort William / Spean Bridge (2 nights)
Drive time: 1 hr (direct) or 2 hrs (via Glencoe)
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 8 – Fort William and surrounds

The day is yours to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Fort William. Many travellers choose to ride the famous Jacobite Train from Fort William station, often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The route crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, with sweeping views over Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument. If you prefer to explore locally, Fort William is also a great base for visiting The West Highland Museum, taking in views of Ben Nevis, stopping by Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, or sampling a dram at a nearby distillery. Close by, you’ll also find Inverlochy Castle and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, which are included with your Scotland Explorer Pass.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Fort William / Spean Bridge (2 nights)
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 9 – Fort William to Stirling

This scenic drive from Fort William to Stirling takes you through some of the Highlands’ most charming spots. Head first toward Dalwhinnie, known for its mountain views and well‑loved whisky distillery, before continuing on to Pitlochry. Just outside town, Queen’s View offers one of Scotland’s most iconic panoramas across Loch Tummel, well worth the short detour. A little further along is Blair Atholl, home to the impressive Blair Castle and peaceful woodland walks. From here, the road leads you south as the Highland peaks give way to the rolling countryside on the approach to Stirling.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Stirling (2 nights)
Drive time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 10 – Stirling and surrounds

Stroll the cobbled streets of Stirling’s old town and perhaps visit the magnificent Stirling Castle, with admission is included with your Scotland Explorer Pass. From the castle, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across to the Wallace Monument, another iconic landmark worth visiting for its dramatic history and panoramic outlook. Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is one of the country’s most important historic sites, offering countless ways to explore the moments that shaped the nation. As an old market town, it’s also full of friendly pubs, cosy cafés and independent shops. If time allows, consider a short drive to The Kelpies at Falkirk – the striking 30 metre high sculptures that have become one of Scotland’s most photographed modern landmarks.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Stirling (2 nights)
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 11 – Stirling to Edinburgh

This morning, return your hire car in Stirling before boarding the train south to Edinburgh, Scotland’s beautiful capital. Spend the day exploring this magnificent city, from the winding cobbled lanes of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town. Wander past the gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before making your way up the Royal Mile into the heart of the historic Old Town. Don’t miss the vibrant Grassmarket area, now filled with independent shops, designers, bars and restaurants. And of course, be sure to try traditional haggis, neeps and tatties in a cosy Scottish pub, finished off with a wee dram.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Rail travel
Overnight: Edinburgh (2 nights)
Rail journey: 50 mins
Sightseeing: Scotland Explorer Pass

DAY 12 – Edinburgh

Spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s rich history with a full day Hop‑on Hop‑off bus tour, making it easy to reach the city’s major landmarks while enjoying onboard commentary. The pass provides convenient transport to top attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith Docks. For one of the best views in Edinburgh, consider climbing Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering incredible cityscape vistas, or simply relax in the wide open spaces of Holyrood Park.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Overnight: Edinburgh (2 nights)
Sightseeing: Scotland’s Explorer Pass

DAY 13 – Edinburgh to London, or extend tour into England

After checking out of your hotel, your included rail journey will take you south to London for the final stage of your holiday. If you would like to see more of England along the way, there is also the option to extend your tour with additional nights in both York and Liverpool before returning to London.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Rail journey: 4 hrs 20 mins