Join us on this lovely tour showcasing some of south west Scotland’s finest castles and gardens. Whether you choose our May or August departure, you will be delighted with the stunning settings, colourful plant-life and fascinating historic homes in this beautiful area.
DEPARTURE DATES
31 MAY & 02 AUGUST
TOUR INCLUDES
- Return ferry crossings Belfast-Stranraer
- 4 nights hotel accommodation with dinner, bed & breakfast
- Luxury coach with fully qualified Driver/Escort
- Return ferry crossings to the Isle of Arran
- Entrance to Brodick Castle & Gardens
- Entrance to Culzean Castle & Gardens
- Private tour of Hill House and Gardens
- Entrance to Geilston Garden
HOTEL
Menzies Hotel, Irvine
COST
€535 per person sharing
€79 single supplement
Group Rate Special Available On This Tour
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ITINERARY
DAY 1 (MONDAY)
Board our luxury coach at your local pick up point, then we drive to Belfast for the ferry to Stranraer. Our route then takes us across Ayrshire to our hotel in the new coastal town of Irvine. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 2 (TUESDAY)
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we board the ferry at Ardrossan for the short crossing to the Isle of Arran. Here we visit Brodick Castle and Country Park, the only island country park in Britain. The castle dates from the 13th century and has a fabulous collection of paintings, porcelain and silver. The luxuriant gardens are internationally acclaimed and contain three national collections of rhododendron that flower in almost every month of the year, as well as plants from all over the world which thrive in the temperate conditions. We return to the mainland this afternoon in time to relax before dinner. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 3 (WEDNESDAY)
This morning our destination is Culzean Castle – one of Scotland’s best-loved castles overlooking the Firth of Clyde. There will be plenty of time to explore the elegant sunken Fountain Court Garden and the impressive walled garden where flowers, fruit and vegetables are still grown. The castle was redesigned by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and houses fine collections of paintings and furniture. Its armoury display is one of the largest in existence and there is a beautiful oval staircase. Enjoy the lovely coastal views as we return to the hotel. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 4 (THURSDAY)
Today we cross the River Clyde to Helensburgh for a private tour of Hill House. The Hill House is considered to be the finest domestic creation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The family rooms of the house are filled with original Mackintosh-designed furniture and the attractive formal gardens are designed recognisably in his style, with incredible views from the hill top setting. Later we travel to Geilston Garden – a tranquil and intimate garden thought to date from the late 17th century. There is a walled garden, full of colourful shrubs in springtime and featuring a spectacular herbaceous border in the summer, as well a prolific kitchen garden and a woodland area. We return to the hotel late afternoon. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 5 (FRIDAY)
We bid farewell to Ayrshire and return to Stranraer for the ferry to Belfast and onward transfers to your pick up points. |