Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Scenic Journeys of Argyll & Bute

Kilchurn Castle, Scotland

Scenic Journeys of Argyll & Bute

Travel from Glasgow to Oban by rail, enjoying views over Loch Long and Loch Lomond and Kilchurn Castle. We also visit the Isle of Gigha - home to Achamore Gardens - and the Isle of Bute, where we visit Mount Stuart with its stunning grounds.

The railway line from Glasgow to Oban is one of the most scenic in Scotland, and unjustly receives less attention than the more famous routes such as Fort William to Mallaig and Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Yet, there are many visual delights to enjoys, such as the views over Loch Long and Loch Lomond, the remote Glen Douglas, Glen Falloch and Glen Lochy, and the much-photographed ruins of Kilchurn Castle. As well as traversing this historic railway line, we have other splendidly scenic excursions to enjoy, including two island gems. The first of these is little Gigha, home to the Achamore Gardens, whose slightly faded glory still has the power to amaze, and the second is the isle of Bute, where we find one of the most extravagant stately homes in the British Isles. We also visit Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, as well as two fine gardens at Ardkinglas and Arduaine. After a farewell lunch with stunning views over Loch Melfort we sit back and watch the scenery unfold as we take the train back to Glasgow. Please note this tour begins and ends in Glasgow. Departure time will be approximately 12.30 and return time will be approximately 19.30. The tour includes all local travel, accommodation throughout and four nights' dinner, bed and breakfast with one lunch.

From £970 per adult

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

June — September

Book now

Contact details

Brightwater Holidays

Eden Park House
Cupar
Fife
Scotland
KY15 4HS
View tour provider details

Tour information

Starting

  • Glasgow

Length

5 Days

Transport

  • Boat
  • Coach

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Castles
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes

Tour prices

From £970 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

Brightwater Holidays

Tour company information

Brightwater Holidays

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Brightwater Holidays is a well-established specialist in quality, escorted garden holidays and Scenic Scottish tours. The company won a bronze prize at the British Travel Awards in 2020 for Best Coach Holiday Company, and both gold and silver in the 2019 iteration of the awards ceremony for Best Coach Holiday Company and Best Special Interest Holiday Company respectively. It also has a dedicated Private Groups service, with the Private Groups Manager Jenni Duncan being shortlisted for Group Leisure & Travel’s Excellence Award in 2021.

Social Channels

Visit Brightwater Holidays

Opening times

9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

Other tours from this company

VisitGrand Tour of the Outer Hebrides
Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides

Departs: Kinross, Perth, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness

Travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles on a tour that includes visit...

Length:

6 day(s)

Price from:

£895pp

Visit Website
VisitA Classic Scottish Steam Break
A Classic Scottish Steam Break

A Classic Scottish Steam Break

Departs: Stonehaven, Forfar, Kinross, Perth, Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh

Join us for a nostalgic steam break that travels through stunning Scottish scene...

Length:

4 day(s)

Price from:

£595pp

Visit Website
VisitHighlights of Orkney & Shetland
Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

Highlights of Orkney & Shetland

Departs: Kinross, Perth, Dunfermline, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow

Enjoy a tour that visits both Orkney and Shetland, stopping to explore archaeolo...

Length:

6 day(s)

Price from:

£1295pp

Visit Website
VisitIn the Footsteps of the Picts
In the Footsteps of the Picts

In the Footsteps of the Picts

Departs: Edinburgh, Glasgow

Delve into the story of the Picts through visits to the National Museum of Scotl...

Length:

4 day(s)

Price from:

£595pp

Visit Website

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter