Glasgow, Loch Ness and the Highlands
3 day / 2 night
In just over 4 hours speed from the heart of London to the Victorian splendour of Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow is a vibrant centre of culture, fashion and entertainment. Today it’s yours to explore! Spend a full day discovering the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and visit mysterious Loch Ness. Discover more of Glasgow on a hop-on, hop off tour before joining a late-afternoon train for London.
Price range: £415 - £645
High Speed Train - travel from London to Glasgow in just under 4.5 hours
Glasgow - discover an exciting city boasting beautiful parks, amazing architecture and friendly people
The Highlands - experience the glorious scenery of the Highlands including awesome Glen Coe and the Cairngorm National Park
Loch Ness - enjoy the chance to go for a monster-spotting cruise on Scotland’s most famous lake
Hop-on, Hop-off Tour - get a different perspective on Glasgow from the upper deck of an open-top bus
Movie locations - Brave, Skyfall and Deacon Brodie
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 -
Join your comfortable express train for the smooth journey northwards to Glasgow. Your train will travel through the Midlands then skirt the Lake District. From Carlisle you’ll cross the Border into Scotland and enjoy scenic views all the way to Glasgow. On arrival in Glasgow it is a short transfer to your hotel for the next two nights.
Glasgow is one of Europe’s great tourism centres with dozens of museums and galleries, outstanding architecture and sprawling parks. This afternoon explore the ornate Victorian architecture of the City Centre. Visit the Lighthouse, which promotes Scotland’s design and architectural heritage or take a tour inside Glasgow’s opulent City Chambers.
Later seek out the Gallery of Modern Art, housed in an extraordinary 18th Century building, which showcases local, national and International art. Enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Merchant City to reach the historic Cathedral Quarter home to Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings and St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, which tells the story of religion across the World.
Back in town there is exciting shopping to be enjoyed along the "Style Mile” and a wide range of eateries and bars to be savoured. Glasgow truly has something for everyone.
Day 2 - Loch Ness and the Highlands Excursion
Our journey commences with a drive along the "bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond, known as the Queen of all the Scottish lakes. There’s a stop in the village of Luss, with its pretty stone cottages and wonderful panoramic loch-side vistas.
The tour continues along the entire length of Loch Lomond then by way of desolate Rannoch Moor and the stunning beauty of Glen Coe, site of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692. There is a stop in Fort William for lunch before passing under the towering bulk of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.
The mysterious waters of Loch Ness is our focus this afternoon. We’ll drive the entire length of the loch and along the way you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins of impressive Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on the loch.
Our journey continues to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, then through the natural beauty of the Cairngorm National Park. We cross the Grampian Mountains to reach the picturesque woodland scenery of Perthshire, where we’ll make a stop.
The last part of our journey takes us towards Stirling and onwards to Glasgow.
Day 3 - Glasgow City Tour - Free Time - London
After breakfast join the hop-on, hop-off tour to get a different perspective on Glasgow.
Why not take time out to visit the Riverside Museum, Glasgow’s museum of transport and travel. Nearby is the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Scotland’s number one free visitor attraction. Its collection features an eclectic mix of natural history, armour and art from many movements plus much, much more. At the University of Glasgow you can visit the Mackintosh House which celebrates the work of the noted architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Later in the tour discover sprawling Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest parkland, home to the beautiful Dalton Fountain, and People’s Palace, which tells the story of Glasgow and its people.
The train for London will depart from Glasgow Central Railway Station later this afternoon. All too soon you will have crossed the Border and speeding towards journey’s end in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Freestyle Train Tour?
This carefully planned semi-independent tour will stretch your holiday time to the max, without making you feeling rushed. A unique combination of travel by train, comfortable accommodation and quality sightseeing will give you extra time to explore Scotland in greater detail. All the documentation you need, including your rail tickets, will be emailed to you. Just print these out and you are good to go. Any questions or if you need your documents early - just email or call us, we’re here to help. On the tour you’ll travel independently by train to and from London. We’ll make sure you have a reserved seat and we’ll send you a comprehensive itinerary, so you know what’s happening at any time during your tour, as well as helpful city guides for you to download to your smart-device. Accommodation is provided in comfortable 3-star hotels that are just a short walk from the railway station and are convenient for sightseeing and the tour departure points. A buffet breakfast is included in the cost of the tour. The sightseeing tours that are included as part of this package are led by experienced driver/guides who will provide an entertaining and informative commentary in English. Transportation will be in comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
Tell me more about the optional visit to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise?
You can maximise your time at Loch Ness by purchasing the optional Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise combination ticket.
The cost of the ticket is £20 per adult and £16 per child.
Visit hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch. After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a cruise on Loch Ness. The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets. Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.
You can purchase this combination ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only. For operational reasons it’s not possible to purchase the cruise or admission to Urquhart Castle separately.
How will I find my hotel?
This Freestyle Train Tour has been very carefully planned. Your hotel has been selected not just for its comfort but also for its location close to the railway station as well as your sightseeing requirements. Concise directions on how to reach your hotel will be given in your customised tour itinerary.
What meals are included?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards. This hearty meal consists of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and lighter Continental options are always available. Lunch and dinner are not included in the price. During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant.
What happens if I miss my train?
The tickets that are issued as part of this package are only valid on the train service shown on the ticket and in your itinerary. If you miss the train you will need to purchase new tickets at your own expense. We recommend arriving at London and Inverness Stations at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your train so that you have time to locate the departure platform.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 2 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Glasgow (2)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Full day tour to Loch Ness and the Highlands
- Hop-on, Hop-off tour of Glasgow
Tour Essentials
- Return standard class train tickets between London and Glasgow with seat reservations
- Customised tour itinerary & Official Glasgow Guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From Euston Railway Station
Euston Road
London NW1 2RT
Check-in: 07:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 21:25 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
IMPORTANT: Once booked this tour cannot be changed or cancelled
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Train Times
The times shown above are for guidance only. The train times for your journey will be shown on your tickets and itinerary.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
ST 00312
