An easy-paced tour through the Scottish border country, with an included excursion to England’s Lake District, both at their finest during spring and early summer. From rolling hills and heather-clad moorlands to forests and a wild, rugged coastline this area has much to offer visitors. It also has a turbulent history to discover.
DEPARTURE DATES
10TH MAY, 24TH MAY, 21ST JUNE
TOUR INCLUDES
- Return ferry crossings Larne-Cairnryan
- Luxury coach throughout with experienced Driver/Escort
- 4 nights hotel accommodation with dinner, bed and breakfast
- Excursions to the Lake District and Dumfries
HOTEL
Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna
COST
€475 per person sharing
€89 single supplement
Group Rate Special Available On This Tour
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ITINERARY
DAY 1 (MONDAY)
The tour begins with a local pick up then we drive to Larne for the midday ferry to Cairnryan. We immediately enter an area of natural beauty, wilderness and romance and after a leisurely drive across country we arrive at our hotel in Gretna, right on the border with England, with plenty of time to relax before dinner. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 2 (TUESDAY)
Start the day with a full Scottish breakfast then spend the morning in Gretna Green, infamous for runaway marriages and nowadays one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations. Perhaps visit the world-famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop, where marriages were performed over the anvil. Features include the original Marriage Room and Anvil, a fascinating exhibition, an Art & Crafts Centre and a Coach Museum. Later we tour the surrounding area, named the ‘land of the seven towers’. We also make a stop at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village for designer shopping at discount prices. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 3 (WEDNESDAY)
Today we cross the border and travel south to Cumbria’s Lake District. This is England’s largest national park and includes England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater. Loved by 19th century poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, the breathtaking scenery is awe-inspiring. We pass Penrith and visit the market town of Keswick on Derwentwater, then see peaceful Bassenthwaite, one of the largest lakes. Finally we head towards the coastal town of Workington which dates back to Roman times, and make a short stop in Carlisle before returning to our hotel. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 4 (THURSDAY)
This morning it’s a short drive to Dumfries known, like its football team, as “Queen of the South”. Dumfries was originally founded as a Royal Burgh in 1186 and saw much bloodshed in its first 500 years mainly, but not only, at the hands of English invaders. Robert the Bruce murdered a rival for the Scottish crown here in 1306. Another colourful character in Dumfries’ rich history was Robert Burns who lived here in the years before his death in 1796. The award-winning Robert Burns Centre is one of the town’s main attractions. After a leisurely morning we re-board the coach and continue to the attractive Victorian spa town ofMoffat. There are many fine shops and cafes here so relax and enjoy your last afternoon in bonnie Scotland before we return to the hotel for dinner. (Dinner, B&B)
DAY 5 (FRIDAY)
We leave the hotel at 10.00hrs and make a stop in the fishing village of Kirkcudbright on the Solway Firth before catching the 13.30hrs ferry from Cairnryan to Larne. Onward connections to your local area follow. |