Scottish Borders & Isles

Our first stop will be the Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what life was like during Royal service on board this former floating palace. Afterwards we journey south to the Scottish Borders, where we explore this less travelled area, full of charming towns, castles galore and stunning rolling countryside. Here we visit Rosslyn Chapel, for a guided tour of this magnificent 15th century architectural masterpiece. Tonight, we enjoy our Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – The Hydro Hotel, Peebles

 

Our day begins at Abbotsford House, extraordinary home and ‘palace of the imagination’ of the 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott. Next, we visit The Great Tapestry of Scotland which reveals Scottish history and culture as experienced, as well as shaped, by its people. Our final stop today is Traquair House, Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House dating back to 1107. We are welcomed by Lady Catherine, enjoy a guided tour, ale tasting and a delicious dinner in the scrumptious dining room.

Dinner/Overnight – The Hydro Hotel, Peebles 

A day of textiles, an abbey and whisky! We start at Melrose Abbey, one of the most powerfully romantic ruins in Britain. Then onto Lochcarron of Scotland, where our guided tour gives us insight into tartan design and manufacturing. Next will visit the Borders Distillery, proudly the first Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837, after our tour we enjoy a wee dram, Slainte! Tonight, you are free to dine on your own.

Overnight – The Hydro Hotel, Peebles

Today we jump across the border where we first stop at Alnwick Castle and Gardens, home of the Duke & Duchess of Northumberland, with over 950 years of history and the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. Next we travel west along the area of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site to Housesteads Roman Fort, dating back to the Roman Empire, here we can walk the barrack blocks whilst admiring the stunning panoramic views. Later we jump back across the border to reach our hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – The Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

We discover Dumfries and Galloway today, starting at Kitchen, Coos and Ewes, here we experience a tour that gets us up close and personal with Highland Cows and Beltex sheep, in their natural farm environment, followed by a sheep dog presentation. Next, we stop in one of the harbour towns, set along the River Dee, for some free time and then it is onto Cream o’ Galloway, the award winning dairy farm for an ice cream tasting, is any holiday complete without ice cream?

Dinner/ Overnight – The Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

We have an earlier departure today as we mark our way to Ardrossan to embark on our ferry to Arran. Fondly referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, we will tour the island, taking in the glorious scenery, stopping to see Lochranza Castle, the Standing Stones at Machrie Moor, if the weather is clear we can see the mysterious Holy Island which sits just off the coast and also admire Arran highest hill, Goatfell. There will be some time on your own in Brodick (you may want to try some Arran Cheese or purchase some products from the famous Arran Aromatics) before we ferry back to the mainland.

Overnight – The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Ayrshire

Our excursion today is the Isle of Bute, nestled in the Firth of the Clyde and just a 40 minute crossing from Wemyss Bay. We arrive to swathes of palm trees and exotic plants lining the shore, the perfect demonstration that parts of Scotland’s west coast have surprisingly mild climate! We head to the spectacularly extravagant Mount Stuart. Designed by the 3 rd Marquess of Bute who was obsessed with architecture and just happened to be the richest man in Britain. Our guide tour takes us through the magnificent interiors and discover the history of the Bute family. You will have free time in Rothesay before we sail back to the mainland. Haste ye back.

Dinner / Overnight – The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Ayrshire

Your tour ends after a hearty Scottish breakfast. Please inquire about departure transfers.