Day 1: Meet in Glasgow
Make your way to Glasgow to meet your Tour Manager this afternoon in the lobby of the Menzies Hotel Glasgow, which is set in the heart of the city in a converted rice mill dating back to 1854. The afternoon is then yours to explore the city, with its Rennie Mackintosh connections, or relax in the hotel’s leisure complex.We enjoy dinner together this evening. (D)
Day 2: West Highland Railway to Crianlarich
Bidding farewell to Glasgow, we embark on the first leg of the stunning West Highland Line. Running first along a hillside ledge overlooking Gare Loch, we pass by mountains, glens and dense forests,before hugging the shores of gorgeous Loch Long. Passing Arrochar and Tarbet we enjoy great views from the western banks of Loch Lomond, Britain’s biggest body of inland water, before arriving at our hotel for the next four nights, the 3* Crianlarich Hotel. After settling in, sample the hotel’s mince pies and mulled wine ahead of dinner. (B,D)
Day 3: Christmas Eve in Oban
We rejoin the West Highland Line today, following the course of Loch Lochy through its majestic glen to picturesque Loch Awe and Loch Etive. Arriving in Oban, we enjoy a visit to the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest sources of single malt Scotch whisky, dating back to 1794. Of course, the visit is followed by a ‘wee dram’ to warm the winter’s day! After some free time in Oban, we return to Crianlarich by coach for a three-course festive Christmas Eve dinner and live ceilidh music. A piper marks the start of Christmas Day at midnight. (B,D)
Day 4: Christmas Day
Spend Christmas Day relaxing by the fireside in the homely surroundings of our hotel and enjoy a four-course Christmas lunch and evening gala buffet. A local historian will entertain you today, followed by a highland dancing display. There may also be a visit from an extra special guest. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Optional Loch Lomond cruise
On Boxing Day you may wish to join our optional excursion to Loch Lomond for a cruise from the ‘bonnie banks’ at Tarbet. Loch Lomond is 24 miles (38km) long and contains 38 islands. Back at the hotel we enjoy a highland banquet followed by music from an accordionist. (B,D)
Day 6: Farewell to the Highlands
Departing Crianlarich, we retrace our route along the beautifully scenic West Highland Line, past sweeping glens and shimmering lochs, back to Glasgow, where our Tour Manager bids you farewell and a safe onward journey. (B)
Your hotel
The 3* Crianlarich Hotel dates back to Victorian times and is situated in the quiet village of the same name, set amidst the Perthshire mountains. Its bedrooms are well-appointed and the hotel boasts a welcoming bar, well stocked with award winning whiskies, a restaurant serving locally sourced food, plus lounges with four log-burning stoves. The word Crianlarich comes from the Gaelic for ‘low pass’ and has been a meeting point of Highland routes since the 18th century. Crianlarich is the point where the West Highland Railway forks in two equally scenic directions to either Oban or Fort William.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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