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    Private Guided Departure

    In The Footsteps of Rabbie Burns

    Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

    From £2,625

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Rachael Gavan
    View Rachael's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location
    Trip Type: Private Departures
    Accommodation: Luxury
    Deposit From: £656.25 £656.25

    Grading: Your Own Pace

    Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Celebrate the life of Rabbie Burns, the famed Scottish poet, on this spectacular journey through his homeland. From your exclusive 5* castle hotel you will explore the Ayrshire countryside that inspired him. Visit the most southerly point of Scotland and spend an evening with a local storyteller who will bring the stories of Rabbie Burns to life.

    Burns Night Upgrade

    If your trip is over the 25th of January (Burns Night) or you would like to arrange private dining a traditional Burns supper can be arranged. This includes a piper, a dram of whisky and the customary Address to a Haggis.

    Trip Highlights

    • Relax in a luxurious 5* Castle Hotel with stunning grounds
    • Hear the tales of the bard spun by an expert storyteller
    • Step back in time as you visit key locations in Scotland's past
    • Hike with an expert guide through beautiful quiet landscapes
    • Try your hand at curling, a traditional Scottish Winter sport

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Welcome to Scotland

    On arrival in Glasgow Airport you will be greeted by your driver guide and taken to your city centre hotel.  Heading out into the city to explore you will visit the statue to Robert Burns, which was unveiled on his birthday in 1877.  This wonderful bronze statue took 4 years to complete and is a fitting tribute to Scotland’s most famous poet.  You can continue to explore the city admiring the Charles Mackintosh architecture and visiting the famous Kelvingrove Museum.  Tonight, your guide will give you an insight into one of Scotland’s best known exports with a tasting of whiskies from different parts of the country.  A special way to toast the start your Scottish adventure. 

    Day 2 – Burns Country

    This morning you will start your adventure south, into the heart of Burns country. Your first stop will be at the famous poet’s birthplace. It was here he started his education and he began to make use of his imagination. Take a behind the scenes tour of this wonderful museum, here you’ll get exclusive access to some artefacts not usually on display. The next stop is Alloway Kirk where Burn’s father and sister are buried. Some of the headstones are wonderfully intricate and the inscription on William Burn’s gravestone was penned by the bard himself. As a fitting end to this wonderful day, you will arrive at a cosy wee inn that is built on the site of the old schoolhouse where Burns studied in 1775. Here you will meet a local storyteller who will entertain you with myths and legends about the famous poet. (B, L, D)

    Day 3 – The Southernmost Point of Scotland

    Your destination today is the most southerly point of Scotland and your first stop is at the small village of Portpatrick, which was once the main landing place for livestock from Ireland on route to Dumfries for market.  From the pretty harbour you will head out of the village along a beautiful coastal path admiring the views as you go.  After lunch you will continue to the most southerly point of Scotland, the Mull of Galloway, where you can look out across the sea to the emerald shores of Ireland and watch the seabirds circle the skies above.  

    Returning to your hotel you will enjoy a dinner before wrapping up warm and heading out to the walled garden in the grounds of your hotel.  This is a Dark Sky area and your expert ranger will be able to point out the constellations and share the stories of the night sky. Take a look through the powerful telescope to see what planets and stars are passing by. If you are very lucky you may glimpse a shooting star or the Northern Lights dancing through the sky, a truly magical experience. (B, L)

    Day 4 – Legends, Curling and Tradition

    This part of Scotland has connections to another important historical figure. Robert the Bruce, the 13th centre Scottish King and hero was born on the Ayrshire coast. A beautiful walk round a local loch that takes you to Bruce’s stone a large bolder that commemorates the defeat of the 1500 strong English Army with just 300 men in the heart of the Galloway Forest. This was the start of a long campaign by Robert the Bruce before claiming the crown of an independent Scotland. 

    After a morning of history and hiking, you will embark on a different adventure.  Curling is a winter sport invented in Scotland and dates as far back as the 16th century.  Learn the skills required to master this sport and then try your hand at a game. Bragging rights go to the best player!  This evening return to your hotel for a final dinner. (B, L)

    Day 5 – Return Home

    After a relaxed morning you’ll leave your castle home for Glasgow. On the way stop at Ellisland Farm which was built by Burns for his family in 1788 and inspired some of his best loved nature poems.  See how the family once lived in this beautiful setting and take a walk along the banks of the River Nith, another source of inspiration for the poet. After lunch head north where your guide will drop you off in Glasgow in the late afternoon for your onward travel. (B, L)

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    Private Guided Departure
    In The Footsteps of Rabbie Burns

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Price from: £2,625
    Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This holiday is based in the 5 Star Glenapp Castle Hotel, set in 36 acres of beautifully restored grounds. Here you will be in the very best of hands and can be sure that you will be pampered and relaxed by the end of your trip. Accommodation is in double or twin bedrooms.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast at your hotel is included every morning. Lunches are included and will be a mix of cafe and picnic lunches. Dinners are not included to allow you relaxing evenings together, except if you choose to add on a special Burns supper. Dinners can either be taken at your hotel, or your guide will help you to make any required reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 4 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
    • Breakfast each morning
    • Lunch from Day 1 to Day 5
    • Snacks throughout the trip
    • Services of an experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 5
    • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 5
    • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
    • Entry to all attractions described in the itinerary, specifically:
      • Private behind the scenes tour of the Robert Burns Museum
      • Session with a local storyteller
      • Private tour of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
      • Evening with a dark sky ranger
      • Curling lesson
      • Entry to Ellisland Farm
    • 24 Hour in country support
    Trip Grading Read More

    At Your Own Pace

    This trip is all suitable for anyone to enjoy, regardless of fitness level. Journey at your own pace, stopping as often as you like to soak up the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

    You have the flexibility to choose how you spend each day and can choose from the many walking routes described in the information pack. There are also many non-walking activities featured in the pack that are suitable for all fitness levels.

    Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More
    Burns Night Upgrade

    If your trip is over the 25th January (Burns Night) or you would like to arrange private dinning a traditional Burns supper can be arranged. This includes a piper, a dram of whisky and the customary Address to a Haggis.

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    Difficulty Grades Explained

    At Your Own Pace – Self Guided Holidays

    Our ‘At Your Own Pace’ trips are all suitable for anyone to enjoy, regardless of fitness level. Journey at your own pace, stopping as often as you like to soak up the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

    You have the flexibility to choose how you spend each day and can choose from the many walking routes described in the information pack. There are also many non-walking activities featured in the pack that are suitable for all fitness levels.

    Further information for specific trips can be found in the relevant Trip Dossier. If you are in any doubt at all regarding your suitability for a trip, please contact us and we will be glad to talk about the trip in detail and provide you with a recommendation.

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