Touring the UK by Rail 2019

A rran & B ute – S cotland in M iniature

N E W T O U R

A great wee break exploring the enchanting southern isles lying tantalisingly off Scotland’s shores. From our base in Irvine on the Ayrshire coast, we explore the Isle of Bute, before spending a couple of days touring the magical isle of Arran, described as “Scotland in Miniature”, from our base at the lovely Auchrannie Resort.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Customers booking our rail package meet the Tour Manager en route. Those joining at the hotel will meet the Tour Manager and the rest of the group in the early evening at the Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine for dinner. (D) DAY 2 We transfer to Wemyss Bay for our ferry crossing to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute . We take a scenic coach tour of the island with a stop at Mount Stuart , an outstanding and flamboyant Victorian mansion with beautiful gardens within a 300 acre estate. We continue around the island with photo stops at the stunning bays of Scalpsie and Ettrick. (B,D) DAY 3 We sail to Arran , affectionately known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ , touring the south of the island including the wonderful coastal views of Holy Island from the shorelines of Lamlash Bay . We make a stop at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum , which documents Arran’s history within old croft and smiddy buildings. We check into our hotel, the Auchrannie Resort for two nights. (B,D) ★ ★ Day excursion to the Isle of Bute ★ ★ Visit to Mount Stuart House & Gardens ★ ★ Sail to Arran, known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ ★ ★ Stay at the lovely Auchrannie Resort on Arran ★ ★ Tour the north and the south of the island ★ ★ Visit to Brodick Castle Gardens ★ ★ Uncover local history at the Arran Heritage Centre ★ ★ Enjoy a wee dram at the Isle of Arran Distillery ★ ★ Visit the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £849

Arran

6 DAYS

© Visit Arran

DAY 4 We tour the north of the island today, including a visit to Brodick Castle Gardens . Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell, the grand baronial style castle has stunning views across Brodick Bay and lovely gardens. In the far north of the isle we enjoy a tour and wee dram at the Isle of Arran Distillery in Lochranza. (B,D) DAY 5 Returning to the mainland, we have an afternoon’s leisure in Irvine on the Ayrshire Coast. We have also included entrance to the Scottish Maritime Museum , Scotland’s ‘Cathedral of Engineering’ with a great collection of historic vessels. We check into the Riverside Lodge in Irvine for dinner and a final night together. (B,D) DAY 6 We bid farewell and head home from ‘Bonnie Scotland’. (B)

DEPARTS

Wednesday 1 May 2019 Wednesday 2 October 2019

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD RC £1235 £1040 -£20 £1265 £1060 -£25 £1270 £1065 -£25 £1280 £1075 -£25 £1260 £1080 -£25 £1155 £1010 -£15 £1,105 £985 -£15 £1,065 £965 -£10 £1,020 £945 -£10 £1,070 £960 -£10 £1,175 £1,025 -£20 £1,095 £980 -£15 N/A £915 -£5

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

£849

MAY Departure Supplement £50 Single Room Supplement £195 5 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Coach travel on Bute and Arran, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Isle of Arran Heritage Museum

Mount Stuart House

HOTELS

Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine Set within its own grounds, this 4* hotel offers contemporary accommodation, a restaurant, bar and free wifi throughout. Auchrannie Resort, Arran Arran’s premier resort and hotel, the 4* Auchrannie has rooms split between its Auchrannie House Hotel and the Spa Resort just a short walk away. As well as restaurants and bars you will find a 20 metre pool and a gym in both the House Hotel and Spa Resort, plus steam rooms, a sanarium and saunas.

Arran Ferry

Brodick Castle

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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