Scottish Highlands, Lochaber & Argyll

REVISED ITINERARY FOR 2026 The Scottish Highlands contain some of Scotland's most stunning scenery, including National Parks and vast areas of unspoilt wilderness. From the historic towns and villages to Loch Ness and the mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's iconic peak - 'the mountain with its head in the clouds', from the pretty seaside town of Oban to the imposing neo-Gothic Inveraray Castle, home of the Dukes of Argyll. Your hotel base is located in charming Banavie on the banks of the Caledonian Canal, just outside ever popular Fort William and right next to Neptune's Staircase, an amazing set of locks which raises the canal by 19m over a quarter of a mile. This tour really does have something for everyone!Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast and dinner- Porterage included at main hotel- Tea /coffee after dinner- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast and dinner- Included excursions as stated- Round trip on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola- Time in Fort Augustus on Loch Ness- ScotRail ticket Banavie - Corpach // Fort William - Banavie- 2-hour Loch Linnhe Seal Island cruise- Entrance to Inveraray Castle & Gardens- Leisure time in Oban

Stunning Scenery - Iconic Scotland
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your overnight stop at 3* Shap Wells Hotel in Cumbria in good time to freshen up for your evening meal. DBB\n\nDay 2 - After breakfast, travel through the stunning scenery of the Scottish borders and onto the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Onwards through the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park, with its acres of unspoilt landscapes, passing tranquil lochs shadowed by rugged mountains to Banavie, just outside Fort William, for your 4-night stay. DBB\n\nDay 3 - 5 - At leisure in Banavie with three included excursions.\nBanavie is a picturesque village by the Caledonian Canal, about 4 miles north of Fort William centre. The scenery around Banavie is exceptional with Ben Nevis dominant in the skyline. The Caledonian Canal passes the village at Neptune's Staircase, an amazing feat of engineering which raises the canal by 19m (62ft) over a quarter of a mile. Built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Scotland. The Great Glen Way walk passes through the village and you may like to take a relaxing stroll along the old tow-path route on the canal banks\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nNEVIS RANGE MOUNTAIN GONDOLA & LOCH NESS\nEnjoy A Ride Up Aonach Mòr Mountain on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, the only one of its kind in Britain, reaching the heights of 650m. It was built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Britain, originally as a way to transport skiers to the slopes. It takes visitors from 100m to 650m up the mountain and takes approximately 15 minutes each way, allowing you to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands whatever the season, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and surrounding areas. There is a restaurant and bar at the top station as well as the Mountain Discovery Centre. NB The gondola may not operate in the case of poor weather.\n\nContinue on by way of Spean Bridge and the unforgettable 17ft high Commando Memorial dedicated to the gallant men of the British Commando Forces in WWII. Head to Fort Augustus at the southern-most tip of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way. This historic hamlet offers spectacular views down Loch Ness and lies on the 60 mile long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Fort William. Your driver may be able to offer you an optional 50-minute boat cruise - the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch - before heading back via stunning scenery to Banavie.\n\nLOCH LINNHE SEAL ISLAND BOAT TRIP & FORT WILLIAM\nEnjoy a relaxed morning in Banavie before taking the ScotRail service to Corpach (just a 5-minute train ride) to board a 2-hour cruise on Loch Linnhe to (hopefully) spot some of Scotland's best wildlife and learn about the local history and culture. Located along the loch is Black Rock, affectionately known as 'Seal Island' amongst locals. This rocky outcrop is not just an ordinary geological formation; it's a sanctuary for both the Common and Atlantic Grey seals that call Loch Linnhe home. Vessels have heated indoor seating as well outdoor elevated viewing decks as well as a range of hot drinks and refreshments. The Skipper will keep you entertained with an informative live commentary. After disembarking enjoy some free time in Fort William with its enviable setting on the loch shores amid magnificent mountain scenery. You may like to visit the small but fascinating West Highland Museum, packed with all manner of Highland memorabilia. The museum is situated just off the main pedestrianised High Steet and is FOC to enter. Head back to Banavie on the train from Fort William later this afternoon\n\nINVERARAY CASTLE & OBAN\nDiscover one of Scotland's finest stately homes on the shores of Loch Fyne in an area of spectacular natural beauty. The ruggedness of the highland scenery serves as a spectacular backdrop for the sheltered tidal Loch, beside which nestles the iconic Inveraray Castle built between 1746 and 1789. Enter the famous Armoury Hall containing some 1300 pieces including preserved swords from the Battle of Culloden. The fine State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room contain magnificent French tapestries and countless other precious artworks. Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, was the chosen location for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode. (There is level access from ground level to the: Entrance Hall, State Dining Room, Tapestry Drawing Room, China Turret, Armoury Hall, Saloon, North-West Hall, and Exhibition Room. (There are 40 stairs to the first floor and 24 steps to the basement which includes the Old Kitchen, gift shop and tea room)\n\nMake a stop a St Conan's Kirk, tucked away on the shores of Loch Awe, this magnificent church is a marvel of Scottish heritage, rich with history, beauty, and architectural wonder. Onward to the pretty harbour town of Oban, without doubt the most popular resort in the Western Highlands. Nestling in a crescent-shaped bay, 'The Gateway to the Isles' captivates visitors with its Victorian charm, wonderful views of the hills of Mull, excellent seafood scene and its most famous landmark, McCaig's Tower, a Colosseum-like folly. Enjoy free time in the centre of this lively town with its constant harbour comings and goings,\n\nDay 6 - Following breakfast, a scenic drive takes you east to Pitlochry, set amongst the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, alongside the refreshing greenery of the surrounding forests. Pitlochry is one of Scotland's most beautiful and vibrant places to visit and offers a wide range of amenities, shops, restaurants and cafes. Continue your journey by way of the historic royal burgh of Jedburgh, an attractive town 10 miles north of the border with England, known for its distinctive abbey. Later check into your overnight hotel in the Newcastle area at 3* Holiday Inn Gosforth Park. DBB\n\nDay 7 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back through Northern England, with ample stops for coffee and refreshments. Continue back to the local joining points via the fast motorway network arriving back mid/late evening.The Moorings Hotel, Banavie
Facing the Caledonian Canal and the famous locks of Neptune's Staircase, this 4* low rise hotel is just 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Fort William and offers panoramic views over Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor. \n\nThe hotel has 36 bedrooms, all tastefully furnished in a traditional style and equipped with satellite TV, free WiFi, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. \n\nThe hotel's bistro restaurant serves a classic Scottish menu and guests can relax at the traditional bar, cafe or outdoor bar deck with its incredible mountain views. \n\nNB There is no lift and only one ground floor room. Single rooms are double for sole use