Manchester to the Scottish Highlands (Hotel) - 4 days

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: Muthu Alexandra Hotel, The Royal Hotel 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 (Boad Street intersection), Manchester, M1 2WD.

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: Muthu Alexandra Hotel, The Royal Hotel or similar.

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.

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 - Coach Parking Bays (Drop Off), 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.