Inveraray Castle
Courtesy of Inveraray Castle
Kelvingrove Museum
Mackintosh at the Willow
Mount Stuart
UPDATED TOUR
The Glenburn Hotel is our base for a 5-day tour of the beautiful Scottish island of Bute and surrounding mainland. Tour highlights include visits to some of Scotland’s most impressive castles and gardens set against a varied and beautiful landscape. Also included is afternoon tea at Glasgow’s Mackintosh at the Willow located in the stunning A-listed building designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We take a ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Inveraray Castle
After a leisurely breakfast, we take the short ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive from where we travel along the shores of the tranquil Loch Fyne to the ancestral seat of the chiefs of Clan Campbell, Inveraray Castle & Gardens. One of Scotland’s finest stately homes dating back to the 1400s, we enjoy a guided tour to discover the spectacular home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Learn about the part the clan played in Scottish history as the contents gives us a glimpse into their heritage and enjoy walking amongst the ornate landscaped gardens. We then head back to the “wee ferry” at Colintraive, where we catch our return ferry to Rhubodach.
Day 3 Mount Stuart & Scenic Tour of Bute
Today we visit the neo-gothic Mount Stuart House and Gardens, one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age, set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens, woodland and coast. Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic tour of the island before we arrive back in Rothesay to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at leisure.
Day 4 Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum & Mackintosh at the Willow
This morning we visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum set in a beautiful red brick Victorian building and featuring themed collections displaying an incredible range of historic and important artefacts. Perhaps the famous of all is Salvador Dali’s masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’. Afterwards, we visit Mackintosh at the Willow for an afternoon tea and guided tour of the tea rooms. Re-opened to the public in 2018 after an extensive restoration, the original Willow Tea Rooms building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1903. When we are finished in Glasgow, we return to Wemyss Bay for our return crossing to Rothesay.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we catch our ferry back to Wemyss Bay and continue our journey home.
Please note, this island tour relies heavily on island ferry services. In the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed, be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted; sometimes at very short notice.
The grand and friendly Glenburn hotel is a landmark on the island haven of Bute, set in a prime position above delightful, terraced gardens commanding fantastic views over Rothesay Bay and the Cowal Peninsula, and a 15-minute walk from the town. Extensively refurbished in 2016, the hotel offers 119 comfortable bedrooms, each fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities and decorated in a country house traditional style. There is a large, informal restaurant and a sumptuous, cosy bar as well as a separate grand lounge/ballroom where entertainment takes place. There is also a library/snug and an outside terrace offering lovely views over the bay. Several steps are required to enter the hotel and there is no ramp so this hotel is not suitable for wheelchairs.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £376pp
No single supplement (max 4 incl driver)
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• Return ferry Wemyss Bay – Rothesay (stay arrival & departure)
• Return ferry Rhubodach – Colintraive
• Guided Tour of Inveraray Castle
• Entrance to Mount Stuart House & Gardens
• Return ferry Wemyss Bay – Rothesay
• Entrance to Kelvingrove Museum (free)
• Guided tour & Afternoon Tea at Mackintosh at the Willow
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
