A great wee break exploring the enchanting southern isles lying tantalisingly off Scotland's shores. From our base in Irvine on the Ayrshire coast, we explore the Isle of Bute, before spending a couple of days touring the magical isle of Arran, described as "Scotland in Miniature", from our base at the lovely Auchrannie Resort.
Wednesday 1 May 2019
Wednesday 2 October 2019
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day excursion to the Isle of Bute
Visit to Mount Stuart House & Gardens
Sail to Arran, known as Scotland in Miniature
Stay at the lovely Auchrannie Resort on Arran
Tour the north and the south of the island
Visit to Brodick Castle Gardens
Uncover local history at the Arran Heritage Centre
Enjoy a wee dram at the Isle of Arran Distillery
Visit the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine
Also included in your Tour Fare:
Dinner every evening
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
DAY 1
Customers booking our rail package meet the Tour Manager en route. Those joining at the hotel will meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group in the early evening at the Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine for dinner.
DDAY 2
We transfer to Wemyss Bay for our ferry crossing to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. We take a scenic coach tour of the island with a stop at Mount Stuart, an outstanding and flamboyant Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens within a 300 acre estate. We continue around the island with photo stops at the stunning bays of Scalpsie and Ettrick.
B, DDAY 3
We sail to Arran, affectionately known as 'Scotland in Miniature', touring the south of the island including the wonderful coastal views of Holy Island from the shorelines of Lamlash Bay. We make a stop at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, which documents Arran's history within old croft and smiddy buildings. We check into our hotel, the Auchrannie Resort for two nights.
B, DDAY 4
We tour the north of the island today, including a visit to Brodick Castle Gardens. Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell, the grand baronial style castle has stunning views across Brodick Bay and lovely gardens. In the far north of the isle we enjoy a tour and wee dram at the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza.
B, DDAY 5
Returning to the mainland, we have an afternoon's leisure in Irvine on the Ayrshire Coast. We have also included entrance to the Scottish Maritime Museum, Scotland's 'Cathedral of Engineering' with a great collection of historic vessels. We check into the Riverside Lodge in Irvine for dinner and a final night together.
B, DDAY 6
We bid farewell and head home from 'Bonnie Scotland'.
BB=Breakfast, D=Dinner
HOTELS
Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine
Set within its own grounds, this 4* hotel offers contemporary accommodation, a restaurant, bar and free wifi throughout.
Auchrannie Resort, Arran
Arrans premier resort and hotel, the 4* Auchrannie has rooms split between its Auchrannie House Hotel and the Spa Resort just a short walk away. As well as restaurants and bars you will find a 20 metre pool and a gym in both the House Hotel and Spa Resort, plus steam rooms, a sanarium and saunas.
FARES
Fare Region | First | Standard | RC (-) |
London: Euston | £1,235 | £1,040 | -£20 |
Greater London | £1,265 | £1,060 | -£25 |
South of England | £1,270 | £1,065 | -£25 |
East Anglia | £1,280 | £1,075 | -£25 |
South West | £1,260 | £1,080 | -£25 |
Heart of England | £1,155 | £1,010 | -£15 |
Midlands | £1,105 | £985 | -£15 |
Yorkshire | £1,065 | £965 | -£10 |
North East | £1,020 | £945 | -£10 |
North West | £1,070 | £960 | -£10 |
South Wales | £1,175 | £1,025 | -£20 |
North Wales | £1,095 | £980 | -£15 |
Scotland | N/A | £915 | -£5 |
Join & Leave at Hotel £849
MAY Departure Supplement £50
Single Room Supplement £195
5 nights bed, breakfast & Table dHôte evening meal
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Coach travel on Bute and Arran, with transfers as described
All excursions and admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
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