New Year in the Glens – A Festive Scottish Adventure

Your festive vacation begins as we meet the Tour Manager at our hotel in Edinburgh. After checking in, there's time at leisure to explore the seasonal atmosphere of the city, all lit up with Christmas lights and decorations.

You could stroll through the Old Town, stopping in a café for an afternoon treat. Or, maybe take a ride on the giant wheel in the middle of the Christmas markets and marvel at the amazing views of Edinburgh, illuminated for the season. Later, we regroup at our hotel for our first dinner together, with a glass of prosecco.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Edinburgh and set off to see the magnificent Kelpies by coach. These towering sculptures were designed by the talented Glasgow-based artist, Andy Scott, to pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland that once pulled barges along the canals and worked in the fields of this region.

After our visit we continue to Glasgow to board the train on the iconic West Highland Line. This celebrated route takes us through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery to Fort William. On arrival, we check in to our hotel where we're treated to afternoon tea and cakes with sparkling wine. We end the day with dinner and entertainment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we head to Loch Ness for a memorable New Year's Eve experience followed by lunch. As we journey through the majestic wilds of Scotland, we stop at Fort Augustus, a village with stunning scenery, fascinating history, and warm hospitality.

Here, we can see the Caledonian Canal, which connects the Scottish east coast with the west - a hub of activity, with boats and yachts gliding through the waterway. There's time for a leisurely stroll along the towpath, or to watch the boats pass by and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Our next stop is Urquhart Castle, on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness. Urquhart has witnessed centuries of conflict and played a pivotal role in the Wars of Independence. After our visit to the castle, we enjoy lunch at the Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel before making our way back to Fort William.

There's time to relax and recharge back at our hotel before we enjoy a gala dinner with a glass of wine and entertainment to see in the New Year.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Happy New Year! The day is yours to relax, unwind, and celebrate at your own pace. After breakfast, you could stroll around the hotel's picturesque grounds or venture down to the Ballachulish viewpoint to take in the majestic views of Loch Leven.

You are at leisure until dinnertime, with afternoon tea served at our hotel, so spend the day as you choose. This evening we indulge in another dinner at our hotel, accompanied by live entertainment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we make our return rail journey to Edinburgh, traveling back past Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. After checking in to our hotel again, you have free time to go sightseeing. Discover the historic buildings of the Old Town, still decked out for the season, or enjoy a walk through the streets of the Georgian New Town. Today is a Bank Holiday in Scotland, but there may be a few shops and cafés open. Or you could always warm up in a traditional pub.

There's plenty of time to make the most of our hotel's facilities before our last evening together. We are treated to a Great Scots dinner, accompanied by traditional Scottish piping, dancers and storytelling - a wonderful end to our Scottish New Year's vacation.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, it's time to say goodbye as your festive vacation reaches its end.

From Edinburgh, we journeyed to the impressive Kelpies and took the scenic West Highland Line to Fort William. On New Year's Eve, we explored Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle followed by a relaxing New Year's Day in Fort William. The trip ended back in Edinburgh with free time for sightseeing and a final Scottish-themed dinner with pipers and dancers.

After checking out, head home with wonderful memories of an unforgettable New Year in the Scottish Glens.

• Breakfast