Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days

Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days

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4 Days From

$1265

$949

Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days

4 Days Starting in Manchester, England and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland

Visiting: Manchester, Loch Ness, Stirling, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1265 $949 Operator discount: -$316 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 4-day journey from Manchester to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the best of England and Scotland. Begin with a visit to the picturesque Lake District, then cross into Scotland to discover Glasgow's vibrant culture. Enjoy a scenic drive to Oban, where you'll stay for two nights, savoring its renowned seafood and whisky. Cruise the legendary Loch Ness, marvel at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and delve into the tragic history of Glencoe. Visit the iconic Stirling Castle and end your adventure in Edinburgh, with the option to explore the city further or return to Manchester. This small group tour includes comfortable guesthouse accommodations, breakfasts, and a knowledgeable local driver-guide.

Highlights

  • Lake District - Visit this lush and beautiful region, which inspired Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth

  • Glasgow - Discover the sights of Scotland's largest city independently, with free time to take in the sights

  • Oban - Explore this Victorian coastal town during a 2-night stay, famous for its seafood and whisky

  • Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', keeping your eyes peeled for the mythical beast on an included cruise

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct - See this iconic stretch of railway, which starred in the 'Harry Potter' film series

  • Stirling - Visit Stirling Castle on an included excursion to one of the most famous and well-preserved castles in Scotland

  • Edinburgh - Spend a few hours exploring the Scottish capital, and opt to end your journey here

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Manchester

Location: Manchester

Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Manchester - Pooley Bridge - Glasgow (Scotland) - (Luss) - Oban. We depart Manchester early, heading north towards the Scottish border. But we've got one English gem to visit first, the Lake District village of Pooley Bridge. This area inspired Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, and we're sure you'll love the tapestry of majestic landscapes just as much.





Crossing the border, we arrive in Glasgow, where there's free time to explore this Scottish metropolis. Known for its music scene and as a key shipping city, it's the most populous city in Scotland.





Our next stop is the small village of Luss, reached by a scenic drive through the Highlands. Luss is on the shore of Loch Lomond, and you'll have plenty of time to snap a photo and admire the view. We then make our way to Oban, stopping at sights of interest and places the guide thinks the group will like along the way. On arrival, the evening is free to explore this coastal town.





Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar.





Please note: Check-in closes at 07:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:00) - Coach Parking Bays, Manchester Piccadilly, Store Street (Broad Street intersection), Manchester, M1 2WD.

Day 2: Loch Ness

Location: Loch Ness

Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Oban - Fort Augustus - Loch Ness - Glencoe - Oban. Today we're taking in the best of the Highlands. We start at Fort Augustus, on the shore of Loch Ness. There's an included 50-minute cruise on this famous loch, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, should the legendary Loch Ness Monster choose this moment to surface!





We travel onwards to the jaw-dropping Glenfinnan Viaduct. Harry Potter fans will recognise it from the second movie, when harry and Ron attempt to catch up to the Hogwarts Express in a flying car. We cannot guarantee that the Jacobite Steam train that still operates here will cross the bridge during our visit, but the viaduct itself remains a wonderful viewpoint and feat of engineering.





Our final stop of the day is Glencoe, and the Three Sisters Viewpoint. Although offering sweeping views, there's a morbid tale to tell here. Legend has it that three sisters fell in love with three men from neighbouring clans, who they were forbidden to marry. Heartbroken, they threw themselves from these cliffs. After pondering this Scottish interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, we return to Oban.





Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar.

Day 3: Stirling

Location: Stirling

Meals Included: Breakfast

Oban - Kilchurn Castle - Stirling. Leaving Oban, our first stop today is Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed in Scotland, located on the shore of Loch Awe. Seat of the Campbells of Glenorchy, it's a truly impressive site. We then enjoy a quick stop for lunch in the pretty village of Killin, before continuing to Stirling.





There's time for an included visit to Stirling Castle, one of the most famous in Scotland. This 12th century masterpiece showcases the formidable power this region once held. Explore the Great Hall and take in the sweeping Royal Park before we head into Stirling itself, our base for the night.

Day 4: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Stirling - Edinburgh - Manchester (England). Say goodbye to Stirling as we drive to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. You have several hours here to walk the hilly streets, explore Edinburgh castle or find somewhere for a Scottish whisky. You then have a choice to make - you can end your tour in Edinburgh and stay to explore independently. Or you can hop back in the minibus and continue with us back to Manchester, it's completely up to you!





Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Manchester Piccadilly (Store Street) Drop Off, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD. Leaving us in Edinburgh? You can end your tour in Edinburgh if you wish to continue your travels with a drop off in the city centre at 13:30.

What's Included

  • 3 breakfasts

  • 3 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • 50 minute circular cruise on Loch Ness

  • Admission to Stirling Castle

  • All road tolls

  • 20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights in simple guesthouses such as Kathmore, Altavona, or similar, with an option to upgrade to a hotel.

Age Policy

Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.

  • Is there a local guide during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 3 nights in a simple guesthouse, with an option to upgrade to a hotel.

  • Is there a luggage limit for the tour?

    Yes, there is a 20kg luggage limit. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a 50-minute circular cruise on Loch Ness and admission to Stirling Castle.

  • Can I end the tour in Edinburgh instead of returning to Manchester?

    Yes, you have the option to end your tour in Edinburgh and explore independently, or you can return to Manchester with the group.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for the tour is 5 years with an adult. There is a child discount available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$316

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Operator discount: -$316

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Operator discount: -$316

Prices last published on 19-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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