Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
4 Days Starting in Manchester, England and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Manchester, Loch Ness, Stirling, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey from Manchester to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the best of England and Scotland. Begin with a visit to the picturesque Lake District, then cross into Scotland to discover Glasgow's vibrant culture. Enjoy a scenic drive to Oban, where you'll stay for two nights, savoring its renowned seafood and whisky. Cruise the legendary Loch Ness, marvel at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and delve into the tragic history of Glencoe. Visit the iconic Stirling Castle and end your adventure in Edinburgh, with the option to explore the city further or return to Manchester. This small group tour includes comfortable guesthouse accommodations, breakfasts, and a knowledgeable local driver-guide.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manchester
Location: Manchester
Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar
Manchester - Pooley Bridge - Glasgow (Scotland) - (Luss) - Oban. We depart Manchester early, heading north towards the Scottish border. But we've got one English gem to visit first, the Lake District village of Pooley Bridge. This area inspired Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, and we're sure you'll love the tapestry of majestic landscapes just as much.
Crossing the border, we arrive in Glasgow, where there's free time to explore this Scottish metropolis. Known for its music scene and as a key shipping city, it's the most populous city in Scotland.
Our next stop is the small village of Luss, reached by a scenic drive through the Highlands. Luss is on the shore of Loch Lomond, and you'll have plenty of time to snap a photo and admire the view. We then make our way to Oban, stopping at sights of interest and places the guide thinks the group will like along the way. On arrival, the evening is free to explore this coastal town.
Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar.
Please note: Check-in closes at 07:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:00) - Coach Parking Bays, Manchester Piccadilly, Store Street (Broad Street intersection), Manchester, M1 2WD.
Day 2: Loch Ness
Location: Loch Ness
Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Oban - Fort Augustus - Loch Ness - Glencoe - Oban. Today we're taking in the best of the Highlands. We start at Fort Augustus, on the shore of Loch Ness. There's an included 50-minute cruise on this famous loch, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, should the legendary Loch Ness Monster choose this moment to surface!
We travel onwards to the jaw-dropping Glenfinnan Viaduct. Harry Potter fans will recognise it from the second movie, when harry and Ron attempt to catch up to the Hogwarts Express in a flying car. We cannot guarantee that the Jacobite Steam train that still operates here will cross the bridge during our visit, but the viaduct itself remains a wonderful viewpoint and feat of engineering.
Our final stop of the day is Glencoe, and the Three Sisters Viewpoint. Although offering sweeping views, there's a morbid tale to tell here. Legend has it that three sisters fell in love with three men from neighbouring clans, who they were forbidden to marry. Heartbroken, they threw themselves from these cliffs. After pondering this Scottish interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, we return to Oban.
Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar.
Day 3: Stirling
Location: Stirling
Meals Included: Breakfast
Oban - Kilchurn Castle - Stirling. Leaving Oban, our first stop today is Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed in Scotland, located on the shore of Loch Awe. Seat of the Campbells of Glenorchy, it's a truly impressive site. We then enjoy a quick stop for lunch in the pretty village of Killin, before continuing to Stirling.
There's time for an included visit to Stirling Castle, one of the most famous in Scotland. This 12th century masterpiece showcases the formidable power this region once held. Explore the Great Hall and take in the sweeping Royal Park before we head into Stirling itself, our base for the night.
Day 4: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stirling - Edinburgh - Manchester (England). Say goodbye to Stirling as we drive to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. You have several hours here to walk the hilly streets, explore Edinburgh castle or find somewhere for a Scottish whisky. You then have a choice to make - you can end your tour in Edinburgh and stay to explore independently. Or you can hop back in the minibus and continue with us back to Manchester, it's completely up to you!
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Manchester Piccadilly (Store Street) Drop Off, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. Leaving us in Edinburgh? You can end your tour in Edinburgh if you wish to continue your travels with a drop off in the city centre at 13:30.
What's Included
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3 breakfasts
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3 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
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Escorted by a local driver-guide
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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50 minute circular cruise on Loch Ness
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Admission to Stirling Castle
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All road tolls
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20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in simple guesthouses such as Kathmore, Altavona, or similar, with an option to upgrade to a hotel.
Age Policy
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.
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Is there a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in a simple guesthouse, with an option to upgrade to a hotel.
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Is there a luggage limit for the tour?
Yes, there is a 20kg luggage limit. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a 50-minute circular cruise on Loch Ness and admission to Stirling Castle.
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Can I end the tour in Edinburgh instead of returning to Manchester?
Yes, you have the option to end your tour in Edinburgh and explore independently, or you can return to Manchester with the group.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 5 years with an adult. There is a child discount available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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