Tailor Made Heritage Scotland Tour
We provide you with a detailed GPS easy-to-drive itinerary making sure you will not get lost. Give you the latest insider tips on where to find the most beautiful spots to stop to catch glorious views, tuck in the best Haggis and wash it down with some great local whiskies. This tour gives you an insight into a lesser known, yet wonderful, part of Scotland!
Your accommodation will be an authentic, original Scottish guesthouse or countryside hotel. Arrive and familiarise yourself at a your own pace. This is your holiday and your chance to escape from the hectic life for a few days. Try some of the fantastic local produce and relax on your first evening. Your trip starts on the next day with a visit to…
Culzean Castle
Located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde, easy to reach in just 1h hour south of Glasgow. We are in Robert Burns land, the world-wide celebrated national poet of Scotland. Visit his birthplace in the village of Alloway before heading to the spectacular Culzean Castle and Country Park. This magnificent site stands on a dramatic clifftop surrounded by 600 acres of stunning countryside. The views are fascinating. Then follow Eisenhower’s foot-steps. Local authorities gifted him an apartment in the castle for his achievements in World War 2. The apartment operates now as a 6-bedroom bed and breakfast. Moreover you could also stay in a rural cottage within the castle grounds. To unwind, visit a countryside pub, where your forefathers might have had a drink. Alternatively go ghost-hunting at the castle at night.
Ghosthunting – To dare is to do
A ghostly piper mischiefs his way around the castle. Visitors sometimes hear him skirting away on stormy nights. He seems to like it around the old Piper’s Brae and also by the ruined church. There were also several strange apparitions within the castle itself. Above all visitors spotted the figure of a woman in a ball gown near in the state rooms. In addition several witnesses reported the sight of a strangely, vague apparition in one of the corridors.
Culzean Castle also involves a wonderfully gruesome tale so typical of Scottish history. The Earl of Cassilis, keen to obtain new land, took Allan Stewart the Commendator of Crossraguel Abbey down to the dungeons. There he roasted him near to death over a spit until he agreed to sign the Abbey lands over to him. This accounts for the sound of a crackling fire and agonising screams. On occasion visitors report that they have heard them coming from the depths of the castle vaults.
Kelburn
On the following day you will see the unique Kelburn Castle. Brazilian artists gave it an almost complete makeover. Since then it’s one of most unusual and quirky places to visit on your tailor made Scotland tour. Its park boasts of natural beauty with deep gorges. Nearby lies the famous Kelburn Glen which is the perfect place for a walk through an historical garden. Or let your mind ease with a walk along the clifftops. Take your time and unwind. The next stop on your tailor made Scotland tour is picturesque village of Kirkmichael. Experience the simple beauty and peacefulness of Scottish country life.
Largs
Take the short drive to the seaside destination Largs. Beautifully Victorian architecture along an eye dropping coastline Largs is a place you don’t want to miss. Rich culture and history it was here where the Viking invaders suffered a huge loss in 1263, an event which is still celebrated every year with a Viking Festival. Largs is also a centre for all kinds of water sports and boating activities. Talk to us for more details.
Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park
End the day with a visit to the Scottish dark sky observatory in the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. Stargazing provides you with an everlasting memory of pure beauty. Stopover on your way at the stunning Loch Doon, a freshwater loch where you wander around the stunning landscape and discover the ruins of the Loch Doon Castle. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed after this wonderful day. Promise.
Isles of Arran
You think it couldn’t get better? We will ask you again after you visited the Isles of Arran. These are not to be confused with the Aran Islands in Ireland. They are however no less spectacular. The Isles of Arran, also called “Miniature Scotland” combine tranquil beauty of the southern lowlands with the spectacular features of the Highlands. Relatively unspoilt from modern tourism, albeit easy to reach by ferry, the Aran Island are a truly unique destination.
Visit the Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Brodick – Castles | VisitScotland and enjoy breath-taking views from its clifftop setting. Go hiking through the ragged landscape of the Goat Fell and reach the top sitting at 874m. Afterwards recharge by trying some great local produce at the Aran Distillery and Aran Brewery.
See the magnificent Machrie Moor stone circle dating back to 3500BC. A truly spectacular site!
Head to your home from home accommodation, which it will hopefully be by now and reflect over this memorable journey.
If we got you inspired and you want to find out more, contact us here: info@ato-tours.com
See you in Scotland!
Brief Itinerary and Tour Highlights
- 4 nights in a personally vetted guesthouse our country side hotel
- Robert Burns National Heritage Park
- Culzean Castle and Country Park entrance fees
- Kelburn Castle entrance fees
- Dark sky observatory experience
- Isles or Arran ferry
- Fully bonded & insured
- Flexible cancellation policies
- Car rental options