In The Footsteps of Rabbie Burns

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)