DEPARTURE
We depart for Glasgow with a change of planes in London.
GLASGOW
We arrive and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Tonight is our Welcome Dinner.
THE TROSSACHS / GLASGOW
We begin with a tour of Glasgow, a city of Victorian architecture. Attractions include Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow University, Merchant City and the City Chambers. This afternoon we tour the Trossachs – an area renowned for its beauty and tranquility with picture postcard views at every corner.
NEW LANARK / GLASGOW
We visit the World Heritage Site of New Lanark, an historic cotton mill village whose mill was once managed by the social pioneer Robert Owen. As we explore the village and the award-winning Visitor Centre it is easy to imagine how people lived and worked in Owen’s time. Tonight we dine in the Ayr countryside and enjoy Scottish entertainment.
ISLE OF ARRAN
We travel to North Ayrshire to board the ferry to the Isle of Arran. In Brodick, the island’s largest village, we visit Broderick Castle, a classic Victorian ‘Highland’ estate. Dramatically set against a mountain backdrop, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay. Later we arrive at our deluxe country resort.
ISLE OF ARRAN
A day of touring the island. In the south there are fertile valleys, meadows and sandy bays overlooked by palm trees thriving in the warm climate of the Gulf Stream, but to the north the land is far more rugged, with deep gorges and lofty mountains. We will stop in villages along the way, ending in Lochranza where we visit The Arran Whisky Distillery.
ISLE OF ARRAN
A day at leisure. You may want to take advantage of the leisure/spa facilities at the hotel, or spend time in Brodick, where you will find shops, tea rooms and pubs.
BOWNESS (CUMBRIA)
We ferry back to the mainland and stop at Gretna Green, where we visit the famous blacksmith shop that historically doubled as a marriage house for eloping couples. Then we cross into Cumbria, England and on to the Lake District for a 3-night stay.
EDEN VALLEY / BOWNESS
We begin in Glenridding where we board our ‘Steamer’ to cruise on England’s most beautiful lake, Ullswater. For the rest of the day we tour the beautiful Eden Valley, a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and lovely sandstone villages (some dating back to Viking times). We will visit a few of the charming market towns before returning to our hotel in Bowness.
BOWNESS
A day at leisure. This vibrant town has attracted visitors since Victorian times. It offers an array of shops, pubs and visitor attractions. If you prefer you may spend the day enjoying our hotel’s leisure facilities or relax and enjoy the views of Lake Windermere.
HADRIANS WALL / DURHAM
We drive along some of Hadrian’s Wall – Britain’s largest World Heritage Site and a ‘Designated Area of Outstanding Beauty. The Wall was the most northerly outpost in the Roman Empire, and is dotted with castles, temples and fortresses as well as archaeological sites that provide valuable insight into the Roman Empire of 2,000 years ago. Today we include a delicious pub lunch in an historic inn that dates to the 16th century. Later we arrive in Durham, for a 2-night stay.
DURHAM
This beautiful city is the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county, and is best explored on foot. We will take a relaxing guided walk of this glorious place with its unique history. Learn about the Prince Bishops and the exciting story behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site Durham Castle and Cathedral.
FORD & ETAL / PEEBLES
We first stop at the Ford & Etal Estates, one of Northumbria’s hidden gems located between the Scottish border, the Cheviot Hills and the dramatic Northumbrian coastline. These two picturesque villages boast a number of attractions. We will visit the Lady Waterford Hall, Heatherslaw Cornmill and ride aboard the Heatherslaw Steam Light Railway. We continue north to our Borders castle hotel located just outside of Peebles.
TWEED VALLEY / PEEBLES
This is the Heart of the Scottish Borders region, where land and sea, hills and moorland all sit happily side by side. Our first visit is Traquair House; dating back to 1107 Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the monarchs of Scotland. We will stop at Lochcarron Woolen Mill, an opportunity to find that perfect cashmere or tartan! This afternoon we will tour the areas of Jedburgh and Melrose, stopping at one of the famous abbeys.
EDINBURGH / PEEBLES
Today we visit Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. On our guided city tour we will see the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and more. We will visit the Royal Yacht Britannia where we discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence. There will be time at leisure for you to enjoy Princes St Gardens, shop at the quaint boutiques or to enjoy a pint at one of the famous pubs! Tonight’s Farewell Dinner will be a Scottish Banquet with Scottish entertainment.
HOME
We fly back to Toronto, via Heathrow, London.
The Travels of David Ironsides 