Scotland: Lochs and Landscapes
Glasgow
Glasgow
Scotland: Lochs and Landscapes
Tour summary
8 days
Scotland
10 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation7 nights
Settle in for your own Scottish story, filled with soaring mountains, enchanting lochs and mysterious castles. Stroll through a fairytale glen as mist swirls past ancient ruins. Sip on a dram of local Scotch whisky in a cosy fire-lit inn. And spot majestic golden eagles on a Highland safari experience as the Hebrides becomes our home for a while. We’ve woven together the myth and magic of Scotland’s wonderful west, but where it will take you is another tale entirely.
Tour highlights
- Experience soul-stirring views on a Highland safari on the Isle of Arran
- Admire the stunning natural beauty of Loch Lomond aboard a scenic cruise
- Visit an 18th century World Heritage Mill Village at New Lanark
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Glasgow (Scotland)
A land of magnificent historical treasures and imagination-firing landscapes – we’ll meet in Bonnie Scotland’s splendid city of Glasgow. After settling into our hand-picked hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a deliciously hearty welcome meal. Here’s to the incredible journey ahead!
A land of magnificent historical treasures and imagination-firing landscapes – we’ll meet in Bonnie Scotland’s splendid city of Glasgow. After settling into our hand-picked hotel, we’ll get to know one another better over a deliciously hearty welcome meal. Here’s to the incredible journey ahead!
Included today
Accommodation
Malmaison Glasgow (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Glasgow – New Lanark – Arran
This morning, the picturesque 18th century mill village of New Lanark awaits. Abundantly filled with remarkable intrigue, we’ll amble through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its tales along the way. A leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Clyde is a must! Then: take in the sights as we traverse Clyde Coast to meet the ferry. Its destination: the tranquil Isle of Arran, our home for the next two nights. Its vast green landscapes, idyllic waters and friendly charm will bask you in warmth (no matter the weather!). An afternoon of free time awaits. Explore the delightful area, get to know the locals, or sit back and relax, soaking up the ambience of this authentic adventure.
This morning, the picturesque 18th century mill village of New Lanark awaits. Abundantly filled with remarkable intrigue, we’ll amble through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its tales along the way. A leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Clyde is a must! Then: take in the sights as we traverse Clyde Coast to meet the ferry. Its destination: the tranquil Isle of Arran, our home for the next two nights. Its vast green landscapes, idyllic waters and friendly charm will bask you in warmth (no matter the weather!). An afternoon of free time awaits. Explore the delightful area, get to know the locals, or sit back and relax, soaking up the ambience of this authentic adventure.
Included today
Accommodation
Auchrannie Resort (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Arran
Scotland is home to all sorts of incredible flora and fauna. Today, we’ll be seeking out Arran’s wonderful native creatures on a unique safari experience with our local guide. Spot golden eagles, stags and red squirrels as we roam through the isle’s beautiful terrain, learning its unique history, culture and ecology along the way.
Scotland is home to all sorts of incredible flora and fauna. Today, we’ll be seeking out Arran’s wonderful native creatures on a unique safari experience with our local guide. Spot golden eagles, stags and red squirrels as we roam through the isle’s beautiful terrain, learning its unique history, culture and ecology along the way.
Included today
Accommodation
Auchrannie Resort (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - Arran – Oban Area
Ahoy, the mainland is calling! The first port of call upon our return: Kilmartin Glen. This rich landscape boasts 5,000 years of history and is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland; some say, even Europe. Together, we will wander its lush ground, taking in the linear cairns, scattered standing stones and carved rocks. What’s more, our journey into the past will unearth ancient forts and castles which may or may not be filled with ghouls Scotland is famed for. Pack your wits, just in case! Onwards, our adventure takes us towards Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, where we will exchange tales of the journey so far over a group dinner.
Ahoy, the mainland is calling! The first port of call upon our return: Kilmartin Glen. This rich landscape boasts 5,000 years of history and is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland; some say, even Europe. Together, we will wander its lush ground, taking in the linear cairns, scattered standing stones and carved rocks. What’s more, our journey into the past will unearth ancient forts and castles which may or may not be filled with ghouls Scotland is famed for. Pack your wits, just in case! Onwards, our adventure takes us towards Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, where we will exchange tales of the journey so far over a group dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
Knipoch Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 - Oban Area
Are you ready to awaken your senses? This morning, we’ll visit Arduaine Garden – a place filled with colour and fragrance. The garden first bloomed in 1898, during a time of curiosity and hunger for the exotic. From bold azaleas to magnificent magnolias and giant Himalayan lilies to lovely forget-me-nots, this scented world tour is a truly unforgettable experience. Following our visit, we journey on to Oban where our expert Tour Leader will give a short orientation tour – an opportunity to get your bearings. After lunch, the mighty Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel awaits. Built before 1240, the stronghold is one of the oldest stone castles to exist in this glorious country, boasting centuries of treasured history.
Are you ready to awaken your senses? This morning, we’ll visit Arduaine Garden – a place filled with colour and fragrance. The garden first bloomed in 1898, during a time of curiosity and hunger for the exotic. From bold azaleas to magnificent magnolias and giant Himalayan lilies to lovely forget-me-nots, this scented world tour is a truly unforgettable experience. Following our visit, we journey on to Oban where our expert Tour Leader will give a short orientation tour – an opportunity to get your bearings. After lunch, the mighty Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel awaits. Built before 1240, the stronghold is one of the oldest stone castles to exist in this glorious country, boasting centuries of treasured history.
Included today
Accommodation
Knipoch Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 - Oban Area – Glencoe – Luss
More breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as we take a trip through the magnificent Glencoe valley. Sit back and enjoy the leisurely pace as we admire the towering mountain ranges formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial movement thousands of years ago. While we’re here, we’ll visit Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn the haunting story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Afterwards, we’ll relish an afternoon of more fascinating landscapes as we journey through Loch Lomond and The Tossachs National Park, our Tour Leader will choose the finest viewpoints to stop at before we move on to our next destination: Luss.
More breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as we take a trip through the magnificent Glencoe valley. Sit back and enjoy the leisurely pace as we admire the towering mountain ranges formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial movement thousands of years ago. While we’re here, we’ll visit Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn the haunting story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Afterwards, we’ll relish an afternoon of more fascinating landscapes as we journey through Loch Lomond and The Tossachs National Park, our Tour Leader will choose the finest viewpoints to stop at before we move on to our next destination: Luss.
Included today
Accommodation
The Lodge on the Loch (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Luss
After a leisurely morning, we’ll continue our discovery of Loch Lomond with a scenic cruise filled with stunning views of distant islands, majestic mountains and enchanting forests. Then, we’ll savour some free time in the picturesque village of Luss. For the history buffs, get lost in a world of medieval times. For those who wish for a peaceful haven, explore the 19th century parish church filled with staggering Victorian stained-glass windows. Tonight, we’ll join together for a farewell dinner where we shall toast to a cherished adventure filled with wonder and friendship.
After a leisurely morning, we’ll continue our discovery of Loch Lomond with a scenic cruise filled with stunning views of distant islands, majestic mountains and enchanting forests. Then, we’ll savour some free time in the picturesque village of Luss. For the history buffs, get lost in a world of medieval times. For those who wish for a peaceful haven, explore the 19th century parish church filled with staggering Victorian stained-glass windows. Tonight, we’ll join together for a farewell dinner where we shall toast to a cherished adventure filled with wonder and friendship.
Included today
Accommodation
The Lodge of Loch (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 8 - Luss – Edinburgh – Glasgow
Before our tour comes to a close, we’ve got one last stop to make. A Scottish escape wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the beautiful capital, Edinburgh. Here, we’ll embark on a driving tour of the New Town and The Royal Mile, taking in the awe-inspiring architecture and diverse culture. The rest of the morning and early afternoon is yours to uncover this sublime city. Then: you can choose to depart the tour here or join the mini-coach back to magnificent Glasgow, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
Before our tour comes to a close, we’ve got one last stop to make. A Scottish escape wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the beautiful capital, Edinburgh. Here, we’ll embark on a driving tour of the New Town and The Royal Mile, taking in the awe-inspiring architecture and diverse culture. The rest of the morning and early afternoon is yours to uncover this sublime city. Then: you can choose to depart the tour here or join the mini-coach back to magnificent Glasgow, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love

An idyllic island
Allow the mystical nature of island life wash over you during a two-night stay at enchanting Arran. During our stay, we'll spot the island's favourite residents, such as golden eagles and proud stags on a unique safari experience led by a local guide.

Languid loch cruises
Sail through the waters aboard a cruise, watching the reflective surface of Loch Lomond as it changes under the moving clouds above.

Mill Village meanders
Meander through the cobbled pathways of 18th-century New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Mill Village surrounding the calm River Clyde.
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

John No October 2024
Great tour and we had a fantastic guide and driver who brought the group together and really explained the Scottish history.
Dan Mc September 2024
Abby was a safe and professional driver. Tom McIver has institutional knowledge and the area and is a fabulous guide!
Anonymous August 2024
Had a fill in guide as original was ill.
Anonymous July 2024
We had a great time on our tour with our guide, G Davidson and driver Abbey. G was a great tour guide speaking with each of us in the group individually to find out what we specifically liked and...
Read full reviewElizabeth Ma July 2024
A very enjoyable tour Very attentive guide who listened to everyone
Very comfortable mini bus and excellent accommodation Very interesting activities with nes experiences thank you
Anonymous June 2024
Relaxed pace, small-group tour with enough time flexibility to allow spontaneous stops to view unusual things. Good accommodation and lovely meals, made for a memorable 7 days.
Anonymous June 2024
Excellent itinerary covering uncrowded and interesting places with gorgeous scenery. Accommodation of a high standard. Tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We learned a lot about...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour however found couple of the days very full of activities and then next day 8.15 or 8.30 start I found hard to cope with as had a cold and have a lung condition and am...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Our guide, Tom McIver did a great job. He was informative, helpful, kept us all on track, was inclusive & has a great sense of humour.
The tour was well paced & provided an excellent range of...
Anonymous September 2023
It was great and my husband and I are saving for our next Blue-Roads Tour
Kenneth Ry August 2023
Would have scored a lot higher if the bus situation was better.
Barbara Bo August 2023
Felt that we saw the real Scotland not just tourist sights. Any question was answered. Hotels were lovely.
Anonymous October 2022
Did not follow the itinerary. was to have 2 free afternoons. oh no, just drove around & around until time to go back to motel for dinner. Late starts everyday

Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable (even in summer!), so we suggest packing plenty of layers and bringing a trusty raincoat.
Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.
Ferry crossing times can vary depending on the currents, but you can expect a journey lasting between 55 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The Edinburgh Fringe – the world’s largest performing arts festival – takes place over three weeks every August. Bringing a brilliant creative energy, the city is much busier during this time. If there’s anything you’d like to do or see at the end of your tour, we recommend you book as much as possible in advance.
We won’t visit Edinburgh Castle as part of our tour, but if you’ve decided to finish your tour in Edinburgh rather than Glasgow, you’ll have time to explore it for yourself. We recommend booking your tickets in advance here.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesThis tour can be combined with
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