Glasgow, the UK's top creative and cultural city has ample opportunity for art lovers to explore galleries, museums and street art to their hearts' content, along with a packed calendar of events and concerts and some brilliant places to eat. After the buzz of the city, heading for the tranquility of Loch Lomond and taking in the sea air on the stunning west coast is the perfect counterpoint.
This is a great short break itinerary which works as a long weekend if you're pushed for time. Equally, it can be easily extended by spending longer in the city, by heading further into the Highlands after Oban, or even by heading out on a ferry from this west coast hub to enjoy some peace on the islands of the Inner Hebrides.
Image: Unsplash / Johnny Briggs
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Day 1 - Glasgow

- Overnight in: Glasgow
Today you'll land in Scotland's second city and start to take in the huge array of sights and attractions on offer in Glasgow.
You can fly into Glasgow's international airport, and from there it's a short bus transfer into the city centre. If you're driving yourself or hiring a chauffeur for this trip, you'll be met from your flight and shown to your vehicle.
You can also take the train to Glasgow, with connections possible from across the UK. Most will arrive into Glasgow Central station, which is already right in the heart of the city's busy shopping district.
Our guide to Glasgow should help you decide how to spend your time, and here are some of our favourite options:
- Soak up the culture in the glorious setting of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
- Enjoy the quiet of Glasgow University cloisters
- Have some dinner at Ubiquitous Chip
- Take a stroll in Pollok Park
- Do some shopping in Buchanan Galleries
Image: Unsplash / Colin D
Day 2 - Glasgow to Oban via Loch Lomond

- Overnight in: Oban
- Distance: 97 miles
- Travel time: 2.5hrs (3hrs by train)
After exploring more of Glasgow, today you'll leave the city and
If you're driving, you'll find it's a beautiful 2.5hr drive out to Oban from the city along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. You won't want to rush this journey - make sure you take plenty of time to stop off and drink in the views in this spectacular and famous area of Scotland. As you head into the hills and the village of Tyndrum, why not stop off for a bite to eat at the brilliant Real Food Cafe?
This itinerary is also possible entirely by public transport, and the West Highland Mainline from Glasgow to Oban is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.
Image: Unsplash / Robert Keane
Day 3 - West coast and Highlands

- Overnight in: Oban
Oban is a beautiful west coast seaside town, often known as the 'gateway to the isles' as it's the main jumping off point for the islands of the Inner Hebrides, and also has connections out to Barra and the Outer Hebrides. As well as being in a great coastal location, Oban is also very well-placed for accessing the Highlands. You certainly won't regret spending a second night here to give you enough time to explore.
Check our our destination guide to Oban for some inpsiration, or review the highlights below:
- Visit Oban distillery for a tour or tasting
- Walk up to McCaig's Tower to enjoy sweeping views of the nearby islands
- Take the short foot passenger ferry to the Isle of Kerrera for a walk
- Have fresh seafood for lunch at Ee-Usk on the north pier
- Take a boat trip to visit the seal colony
- Drive up to nearby Glencoe or Fort William (the latter also possible by public transport) and take a hike in the Highlands
Image: Unsplash / Catherine Graber
Day 4 - Last day

- Distance: 97 miles
- Travel time: 2.5hrs (3hrs by train)
Today you'll head back to Glasgow by car or train. You can either retrace your steps and take another opportunity to admire the views of Loch Lomond, or for a change of scene you can travel via the pretty town of Inverary on the shores of Loch Fyne, and head up into the mountains over the Rest And Be Thankful pass.
Whichever route you choose, you'll find yourself quickly back in the city. If you're flying out, head straight for the airport to drop off your car, or if you're taking the train home, Glasgow Central will be your aiming point.
We hope it won't be too long before you're back in Scotland again!
Image: Unsplash / Nancy Hann
Variations
All of our tours are bespoke and tailored to exactly what you want to do. This itinerary is just an example - get in touch and let us customise it for your perfect holiday.

Isles of Mull & Iona
If you've got a day or two more to spare, we highly recommend taking the ferry from Oban to the beautiful Isle of Mull, and - if you can manage it - from there out to the Isle of Iona. These jewels of the Inner Hebrides have a tranquility and remoteness seldom experienced elsewhere, and you'll come back feeling truly refreshed. For more information, see our guide to Mull & Iona.
Image: Emily Woolard

Fort William
If you love hiking, you'll find it very rewarding to extend this trip with a stay in Fort William, the outdoor hub of the Highlands. From here, you can tackle any number of challenging mountain walks and climbs, or opt for a more leisurely pace by sticking to the valleys. You can even head up the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Fort William is a 1hr drive from Oban via the shores of Loch Etive, Loch Creran and Loch Linhe. There is also a bus linking the towns which takes a similar amount of time.
Image: Visit Scotland / Airborne Lens
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