This tour combines exploration of the Ayrshire Coast with a spot of island hopping. Included are visits to Culzean Castle, excursions to the Island of Great Cumbrae and the Isle of Arran where we visit Brodick Castle. There is also time to relax and explore at your own pace on this beautiful Scottish tour.
Sunday: After collecting you from our local pick-up points we make our way north to our overnight hotel in Lancashire.
Monday: After breakfast this morning we continue our journey, entering Scotland at Gretna and drive through Dumfries and Galloway into Ayrshire where we are based for the next four nights.
Tuesday: This morning we take a scenic drive to the charming seaside resort of Largs where we board a ferry for the short crossing to Great Cumbrae, a small and picturesque island only 10 miles round. It offers spectacular views of Ayrshire, the Isles of Bute and Arran, Kintyre and Ailsa Craig. Millport the main town on the island nestled beneath hilly braes, owes its very existence to the bygone days of smugglers, lighthouse men, customs officers and fishermen and has many a tale to tell! It is also home to Britain's smallest cathedral. We have free time here before making the return ferry crossing back to the mainland.
Wednesday: We head south this morning to Culzean Castle and Country Park, like a story-book castle perched high above the Ayrshire cliffs, this is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. A costumed guide will share the secrets of the castle, once home to the chieftan of Clan Kennedy, an ancient Scottish family descended from Robert the Bruce. After time at leisure in the popular seaside resort of Ayr we return to Irvine
Thursday: A full day excursion to the beautiful Isle of Arran home of stunning views and amazing wildlife, begins with a visit to Brodick Castle with its gardens, woodland and waterfalls. The castle is packed with treasures and is set dramatically against the backdrop of Goat Fell Mountain, this grand red sandstone, baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. We should have time to explore the village of Brodick before re-boarding the ferry back to the mainland.
Friday: As our break draws to a close, we must make our way back home to East Anglia with appropriate stops along the way.
The Riverside Lodge Hotel , Irvine, this modern four-star, low rise hotel is located on the outskirts of the town of Irvine in Burns country. The fresh and airy rooms are elegantly decorated, all have complimentary Wi-Fi, toiletries, hair dryers, TV, 24 hour room service and tea/coffee facilities..