Doon the Water with the Waverley & the Isle of Arr

Day 1

A morning departure as we head north to Carlisle and on into Ayrshire and our base for the next 4 nights, the Riverside Lodge hotel Irvine. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

The highlight of our tour, we enjoy a 6 hour cruise on the famous Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, we cruise around Loch Long and Loch Goil from Largs, enjoying entertaining commentary highlighting the passing points of interest. On board we may visit the Engine Room to experience the sights and sounds of this magnificent steamship - hear the telegraph ring, watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes. We enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from the decks as we sail. Dinner on our return to the hotel.

Day 3

Today, we board the ferry at Ardrossan and sail to Brodick on the Isle of Arran, known as 'Scotland in Miniature'. When on the island we visit Brodick Castle, a grand baronial castle set by the sea, bedecked with gardens, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the majestic Goatfell mountain. After free time for lunch in Brodick, we board our ferry back to the mainland. Dinner in the hotel

Day 4

A leisurely day today, first heading to Ayr to visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which offers a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son. Set in 10 acres of the poet's cherished countryside. There is time for lunch here before we head to Culzean Castle, one of Scotland's best loved castles, with gardens, beaches, woods, trails and to crown it all, cliff-top views . Dinner on our return to the hotel.

Day 5

After an amazing action packed few days on the Ayrshire coast, we return home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner