A Castle On The Shores Of Loch Fyne

Our tour begins in the bustling city of Glasgow, where you meet your Tour Manager at the 4-Star Indigo hotel. There is some free time to explore this city before enjoying dinner at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, located in our hotel.

Today we enjoy a journey on one of the world's most spectacular scenic railway lines, travelling on the West Highland Line - known as the 'Iron Road to the Isles'. We reach the coast at Oban, which is set in an idyllic bay. Here you have time at leisure. Perhaps you may wish to visit the local War & Peace Museum, detailing the history of the local area, especially its usage as an important naval port during World War Two.

Alternatively, you could visit the famous McCaig's Tower, based on the design of the Roman Colosseum, the tower is the focal point of the town provides wonderful views of Oban and the harbour below. The town is built around the Oban Whiskey Distillery, which holds regular tours of its inner factories. The Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel is also within walking distance and the vivid colours of the castle grounds and stoneworks are really something to behold. Later, we travel by coach to Stonefield Castle. We spend four nights here.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the castle and its grounds. Stroll around the loch, where you'll find woodland gardens and a private island. Later, we drive to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. We enjoy a talk about the local seafood, all ethically sourced from the waters of the loch. After an insight into the history of the loch, as well as the best methods of smoking salmon, we sit down to a mouthwatering lunch. Returning to our hotel, we pause at Tarbert, a fishing village overlooked by the ivy-covered ruins of a 14th-century castle. With a little free time, you may like to climb the steps from the harbour to the castle. Or, head to a quaint pub for a wee dram.

Today we take a ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian mansion house. The house provides a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, with its red stone walls, Marble Hall and the elaborate Marble Chapel, with its spired tower. Much of the interiors and gardens were redesigned in the first years of the 20th century and interestingly, Mount Stuart was the first house of any kind to contain an indoor heated pool, and was the first home in Scotland to gain electric power. We enjoy afternoon tea, relaxing in the idyllic grounds.

We enjoy a scenic drive to Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll. During our tour, we explore the stately rooms and learn about the folklore that has shaped the region. Next, you have free time in nearby Inveraray. You could visit the Georgian Inveraray Jail, a 19thcentury prison that is now a replica museum, or wander to the pier to see the iron Arctic sailing ships moored here, before they set off on their voyages to the poles. This afternoon, we drive to Crarae Gardens, a Himalayan-style woodland garden set on a rocky gorge. You have time here to admire the colourful blooms, rushing waterfalls, and dense trees.

Today we transfer by coach to Oban at the edge of the Highlands. From here we retrace our route to Glasgow, enjoying another spectacular journey on the West Highland Line. After breakfast on Day 7, the tour concludes, and you are free to depart at leisure.