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Scotland &
Northern England tour
July 30th – September 1st 2016
$17500 based on twin share
Rolling hills, Romantic Castles stunning Glens and deepest Lochs
Take a cruise on 2 of the most famous lochs in Scotland, stay in the most
desirable locations (all 5*), with some of the most spectacular views, taste some
of the best whiskey, and even brew your own! Learn to play a bagpipe! While
we take an amazing tour to Tracy’s home country.
Stirling Castle
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What is included in your tour?
Economy flights
Transfers
Luxury Coach
Breakfast and Dinner (lunches where stated)
All attractions, and private tours*
Accommodation (5 Star)
Military tattoo if available (if unavailable price will be
reduced accordingly)
30 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
30 Dinners
*these tours are solely for our tour group
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Day 1
In transit and stopover
Day 2 (D)
Arrive in York, take time to recover from our long flight.
Day 3 York Castle Museum (B, D)
After a leisurely breakfast we will make our way to
York Castle Museum, which is a landmark in the
history of museums world-wide. It was founded in
1938 by Dr John L. Kirk.
The museum is housed in 18th century prison
buildings, where you will get a flavour of what life
was really like in the original cells and see some of
the most infamous inmates!
York Castle has been a site of justice and
incarceration for almost 1000 years. William the Conqueror built the first castle in 1068. The site is
still a seat of justice today; the 18th Century Courthouse is now York Crown Court. It still has holding
cells and people accuse of serious crimes are still tried there as they have been for almost 1000 years.
We will then return to our hotel where we will have time to relax before dinner.
Day 4 York Minster (B, D)
Today we will head to one of the greatest cathedrals in
the world. You will see some of the most stunning
collections spanning almost 2000 years of history, a
library that hold the extensive historic printed
collections of The Chapter of York, as well as a modern
reference lending library. Artefacts from Roman tile to
communion silver, Chinese silks to daggers, there are
over 250,000 objects to explore.
We will have the rest of the day to ponder around the
city of York and enjoy the historical streets, while doing
a bit of shopping, or just have a stroll around the City Walls. These are the longest in England and are
famous for the gateways into the city called bars, Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and
Micklegate Bar.
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Day 5 (B, D) Newby Hall
This morning we will have a private guided tour of
Newby Hall. One of UK finest houses, the family
home of Mr & Mrs Richard Compton, an exceptional
example of 18th century interior decoration. Built in
the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren the house was
later enlarged and adapted by John Carr and
subsequently Robert Adam.
William Weddell, an ancestor the Compton’s, was a
prominent member of the Dilettanti society and had
made the “Grand Tour” in 1765-6. Amongst the
treasures he brought back from Europe were magnificent classical sculptures and a superb set of
Gobelins Tapestries.
In order to house all these treasures, Weddell commissioned the Architect Robert Adam to create the
splendid domed Sculpture Gallery and Tapestry Room. Indeed the entire contents of the Tapestry
Room are still in their original condition, which makes the room unique.
Newby also possess many fine pieces of Chippendale furniture, porcelain and paintings.
Day 6 Lake District (B, D)
This afternoon we will step
back in time to the 1770s at
William
Wordsworth’s
childhood home
Wordsworth House and
Garden, in the Cumbrian
town of Cockermouth, is the
birthplace and childhood
home of romantic poet
William and his sister
Dorothy.
It is presented as it would
have been when they lived here with their parents, three brothers and servants in the 1770s. This
homely Georgian townhouse is peopled by knowledgeable 21st-century guides and, we may be lucky
enough to see the maid or manservant hard at work – and keen to chat. There is real food on the
dining table, a fire burning in the working kitchen and a recipe William and Dorothy might have eaten
for you to taste. Ink and quill pens are ready in the clerk’s office, and if you play the piano, you might
like to try the replica harpsichord. The children’s bedroom is full of toys and dressing up clothes, and
in the Wordsworth Room there are books and games to enjoy. Down in the cellar, the household’s
ghosts are waiting to tell their stories.
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Day 7 Lake Windermere (B, L, D)
After breakfast we will head to Lake Windermere.
Here we will have a private 2 to 3 hours cruise
where you will be treated to stunning views of
mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many
wooded islands, from England’s longest lake.
Lunch will be served on board, there will also be a
licensed bar on board for those who would like to
indulge in an afternoon tipple! (At your own cost).
You will have the evening to relax at your own leisure.
Day 8 Lake District (B, D)
We leave our hotel to head into the life of Beatrix Potter.
Hill Top: Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill
Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if
Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room
contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'.
The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers,
herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the
garden path to the front door and see for yourself why
Beatrix loved this place. Bought in 1905 with proceeds
from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside
as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.
Day 9 Lake District (B, D)
Today will be a free day to do as you wish, perhaps a trip to the Laurel and Hardy Museum, or perhaps
just a wander round the beautiful Lake District. We will be on hand to offer advice or even accompany
anyone who wishes to stay as a group…..today is your choice and we will oblige to the best of our
ability.
Day 10 Glasgow (B, D)
We head to Glasgow today, we will have a leisurely drive through the south of Scotland taking in the
scenery, we will stop along the way for some lunch, before we then continue our journey to Glasgow,
and have a relaxing afternoon, perhaps take in a few shops. Before we enjoy our luxurious
accommodation and evening meal.
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Day 11 Glasgow (B, L, D)
We are off to play the bagpipes today.
We will be welcomed by a Scottish bagpiper and
given a tour of The Museum of Piping. A full
demonstration of the bagpipes will follow along
with an opportunity to learn, play and have fun
with this challenging instrument. Drinks and
refreshments will be served while you are
participation in this entertaining exercise.
Here we will also have a 2 course lunch, will you
brave the “neeps and tatties”?
(And no tempting to find out what he wears
under his kilt!!)
Day 12 Glasgow (B, L, D)
Today is a Master Class day at Glengoyne distillery, unique to Glengoyne, the Master Class offers the
most in-depth and comprehensive distillery tour in Scotland. This specialised tour includes a visit to
the Glengoyne warehouses which are not normally open to the public and explores the key areas of
whisky making in some depth.
This experience includes tastings of Glengoyne 12 and 18 year old Highland Single Malt, 3 Glengoyne
Single Cask whiskies and 5 sherry samples. You will have the opportunity to create your very own
Glengoyne Highland Single Malt in the whisky Sample Room. At the end of the visit, you will be
presented with a 200ml bottle of your one-off creation and a Master Class certificate. A day to
remember. We will have lunch at the distillery.
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Day 13 Edinburgh (B, D)
Today after breakfast we will take a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we can stroll at our
leisure and enjoy the stunning gardens. The Herbaceous Border which provides colour throughout
the season. With ample feeding and the protection of one of Britain's most splendid beech hedges,
the perennials such as lupins, campanulas, delphiniums and phlox thrive.
Even the Arboretum, though arguably at its best in spring, also provides some summer colour
with Philadelphus and late-flowering Magnolia. However, the most spectacular flowering tree must
be the handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata), so called because of its huge white bracts that flutter
in the breeze.
Day 14 Edinburgh (B, D) (subject to availability, price will deducted off the total price of tour if unavailable)
A once in a lifetime event, prime location premier seat, of the outdoor arena with exceptional views
of the performance at the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle fully inclusive of a 3 course meal, with
a whisky to complement each course. Join a table in the Castlehill suite within the Scotch Whisky
Experience, and just moment away from the tattoo arena, and enjoy a sumptuous “taste of Scotland”
menu with the wine and three
specially selected Scotch Whiskey.
We will also have a short recital from
members of the tattoo cast. We will
also have a private viewing of the
world’s largest collection of Scotch
whiskey. You will also receive an
official tattoo souvenir programme
to take home with you to remind you of the amazing time you have had.
Day 15 Edinburgh (B, D)
A visit to the Royal Britannica at 9.30am where we will have a walk around the Royal yacht, we will
also have some tea or coffee and scones, before we disembark for a walk up the Royal Mile. You can
stay within the group if you wish or you are free to wander of on you own.
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Day 16 Stirling (B, D)
After breakfast we will head to Stirling where we will go and visit the
Wallace Monument. (Take your walking shoes for this one), “we
have a wee climb up a hill” Wallace defeated an English army at
the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was
appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at
the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305, Wallace was
captured in Robroyston, near Glasgow, and handed over to
King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn, and
quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.
Since his death, Wallace has obtained an iconic status far beyond his
homeland. He is the protagonist of Blind Harry's 15th-century epic
poem The Wallace and the subject of literary works by Sir Walter
Scott and Jane Porter, and of the Academy Awardwinning film Braveheart (1995).
Day 17 Stirling (B, D)
Today we visit, and the best castle in my mind, Stirling Castle is one of my old time favourites. It sits
on top of Castle Hill and is not only one of the largest but one of the most important castles in Scotland.
Most of the principal building of the castle date from the 15th and 16th centuries. There were several
kings and queens crowned here including Mary Queen of Scots.
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Day 18 and 19 Skye of Curr (in the highlands) (B, D)
Today we head for the tranquillity and beauty of the Scottish Highlands and will spend the next 2 days
in one of the most beautiful accommodations on our
tour. We will have the hotel solely for our group, time
for us to relax and recover from the last 2 weeks of our
busy schedule. You will have free time to do as you wish
here, perhaps just enjoy the scenery, read your book, or
we can all get together and head to do some local site
seeing, the choice will be yours for these 2 days. There
is a wonderful attraction, Landmark, which is quite
something to see, and fun to do.
Day 20 Loch Ness (B, D)
Loch Ness is known around the world for Nessie the fabled Loch Ness Monster, but famous also for its
beauty and history. Historic Castles.
No holiday in Scotland would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness. Over 20 miles long, a mile wide
and 700 feet at its deepest, Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland by volume. The surrounding area
is filled with historic attractions, natural wonders, and superb eateries. The Loch Ness Monster is just
one of the many myths and legends to be discovered in this particularly beautiful part of Scotland.
Day 21 Loch Ness (B, D)
Loch Ness is full of surprises! Today can sit back and enjoy the landscape, while we take a cruise of the
Loch. Before returning to our hotel for some relaxation and discuss who saw “Nessie”
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Day 22 Loch Lomond (B, D)
We head to our accommodation on the “bonnie
bonnie “banks of Loch Lomond. On the way we will
stop at Fort William, where we will have some
spectacular views of Ben Nevis, we will have spot of
Lunch (at your own cost). Then off to our hotel for
dinner and relaxation.
Day 23 Loch Lomond (B, L, D)
This morning will be leisurely as we wait to take our Cruise
on Loch Lomond, where we will have lunch.
Day 24 Largs (B, D)
After breakfast we will then head to Largs,
en-route we will stop to visit Dumbarton
Castle. Dumbarton was the centre of the
ancient kingdom of Strathclyde from the 5th
century until 1018. Impressively situated on
a volcanic rock overlooking the Firth of Clyde,
it was an important royal refuge.
Arrive at our hotel in time to get ready for
dinner.
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Day 25 Largs (B, D) (hop over to Millport)
We will take a ferry across the Firth of Clyde to Millport.
Millport is the 'capital' of Cumbrae, a small island off the
Ayrshire coast. Millport is the only town on the island which is
just offshore from Largs on the Ayrshire coast. The town curves
around an attractive hilly bay on the south coast. The town
possesses Britain’s smallest cathedral, the Cathedral of the Isles,
which was completed in 1851 to a design by William Butterfield, one of the leading Gothic revival
architects of the day.
Day 26 Isle of Arran (B, D)
We will take the ferry to the Isle of Arran this morning. Arran has a strong heritage that dates
back as far as the Stone Age, perhaps as far as 7000BC, and evidence of this can still be seen
around the island. Machrie Moor has six stone circles and some of the stones are over 5 meters
high. Spend time exploring the island, before returning to our hotel.
Day 27 Isle of Arran (B, D)
Today we will go to Brodick Castle
which is dramatically set against the
backdrop of Goatfell Mountain, the
grand red sandstone Scottish baronialstyle castle has stunning views over
Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. The
grounds and surrounds are worthy of a
visit alone, the landscaped gardens to
the woodland trails, wildlife ponds and
waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore
outdoors in Britain’s only island country
park.
Arran fell into the hands of Viking invaders, the Celts, the English, and the Stewart and
MacDonald Clans. Like so much of Scotland, there is a rich heritage of feuds, battles and complex
politics to be found on Arran.
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Day 28 Ayr/Troon (B, D)
After breakfast we will head to the ferry to return back to the main land, where we will drive to Troon
where our accommodation will be for the next 2 nights. Once we have settled into our
accommodation we will take a drive to Alloway to have a stroll over The Brig o' Doon, known as
the Auld Brig to the locals (myself being one) a late medieval bridge. The bridge features on the 2007
series of £5 notes issued by the Bank of Scotland, alongside the statue to Robert Burns, whom
mentions the Brig in one of his famous poems Tam OShanter’, as he escaped from the witches!
Day 29 Ayr (B, D)
A step back in time as we head to Burns Cottage, where Rabbie burns was born, a visit to the Tam
O’Shanter Inn, where we will have some lunch if you wish, (at your own cost)
Day 30 Peak District (B, D)
After an early breakfast (around 7.30am) we will head to the Peak District. We will stop along the way
a few times for breaks and lunch. Before we arrive at our endearing hotel
Day 31 Peak District (B, D)
After breakfast we will head to Chatsworth house for a private tour of the house and gardens.
Chatsworth has been handed down 16 generations of the Cavendish family. It is a family home, a
working farm and a living landscape. The house, many of its contents and 1822 acres of the
surrounding landscape are leased to a registered charity, the Chatsworth House Trust, established in
1981. The 12th Duke and Duchess pay rent to the charity to live at Chatsworth and work with the
charity and others to welcome Chatsworth’s visitors.
Day 32 Depart (B)
Time to head back to our home in New Zealand.
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