Scenic Scottish Highland Railways, Oban, Mull & Iona

After pickups we will head towards Scotland for our overnight hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast we rejoin our coach and continue north towards Aviemore. We enjoy a relaxing lunch stop at the Perthshire Visitor Centre, where you may meet some Highland cows!

After breakfast we rejoin our coach for a short drive to Inverness. Here we join the local service train for one of the world-famous rail journeys from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Grab a window seat and get ready to marvel at glistening lochs, majestic mountains and magnificent moorland before reaching the harbour village of Kyle of Lochalsh. When you arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh you will be rewarded with superb views across the water to the magical Isle of Skye.

After breakfast today we offer a fabulous optional excursion. We head to the coast for a full day excursion, starting with a visit to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. Explore the Scottish Dolphin Centre's exhibition, where you can delve into the fascinating world of whales and dolphins. The Moray Firth is home to about 200 bottlenose dolphins. Later we continue to Elgin, where, we include a visit to the iconic Elgin Cathedral. Then we head to the town centre to check out the numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. We end the day with a visit to Lossiemouth, a picturesque coastal town. £30

Today we enjoy a stunning return journey on the Strathspey Heritage Railway. Steam through the stunning Scottish Highlands and Cairngorms National Park in style. Afterwards enjoy free time to explore Aviemore.

This morning we leave Aviemore for the last time and drive to Fort William. Here we join the Jacobite Steam Railway for a journey to Mallaig. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Once in Mallaig we have over an hour and a half to enjoy a walk round and take in the atmosphere: there are shops, bars, restaurants and plenty of fish and chips to be enjoyed during the lunchtime stopover before we rejoin the train and return to Fort William and then join our coach and travel to Oban.

Today we enjoy a relaxing day exploring Oban. Nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban, known as the seafood capital of the Highlands.

After breakfast today we join the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Mull is deservedly one of Scotland’s most visited islands. Once on the Island we make our way to the Isle of Iona - a tiny island off the Southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. Iona has a long and illustrious history and is well known as being ‘The Cradle of Christianity’ in Scotland. We include a visit to the iconic Abbey.

Today we leave Oban and make our journey toward our overnight hotel in Gretna Green. We travel along the banks of Loch Lomond, making suitable comfort and photo stops along the way. On arrival at Gretna we enjoy an hour or so at the Blacksmith Shop for those all essential souvenirs before heading to our fabulous overnight hotel.

We continue our journey towards home, making suitable comfort stops en route.

Oban is the ideal place for exploring the West Coast of Scotland and its popular surrounding areas. The Royal Hotel stands in the centre of town close to the harbour and ferry terminal and has a busy high street full of local shops and cafes to enjoy. Built in 1895 the 3-star AA awarded hotel offers traditional Scottish hospitality within quality modern surroundings. All the ensuite bedrooms feature complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, TV, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities.

A few minutes drive from Aviemore, Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel is the perfect escape for an unforgettable vacation. Set in a 65-acre woodland estate, the hotel features a full list of amenities, including multiple dining options and an indoor pool. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Keep up with your fitness regime in the gym or do a few laps in the pool or perhaps visit the sauna. All the ensuite bedrooms feature free WiFi, hairdryer, TV, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities.

Cosy bedrooms, beautiful views and delicious food make up this Dumfries hotel. The hotel's bright restaurant, The Bankend Bar and Brasserie, serves a hot buffet breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner prepared from locally sourced produce. All the ensuite bedrooms feature complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, telephone, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

A Historic Marriage House, Gretna Hall has been at the heart of Gretna Green weddings since 1886. Gretna Hall is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens; offering all the character of a substantial historical building, with all the comfort you would expect from a contemporary hotel. All the ensuite bedrooms feature complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, TV, iron/ironing board and tea/coffee making facilities.