CELTIC CONNECTIONS TOUR
(7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS

DAY 1
The first night of your tour takes you to the seaside town of Ayr. On the west coast of Scotland, Ayr is reputed to have some of the finest beaches in Britain and there are plenty of exciting things to see and do. From Ayr you can see the Isle of Arran, once joined to the mainland but separated millions of years ago due to vast volcanic forces. You can reach Arran by ferry where you can visit Brodick Castle and the Country Park with its 650 acre woodland garden. Ayrshire has been made famous by the many golf courses that are in the area including the famous Turnberry course at Troon. The splendour of Culzean Castle is something not to be missed as are the garden estates of Belleisle and Rozelle in Ayr. The famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway in Ayrshire and at the Burns National Heritage Park you can visit the thatched cottage where he was born
Overnight : Ayr area (1 night)

DAY 2 AND 3
Continue on to Fort William which stands at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain and is used as a base by climbers and walkers. Glen Nevis is one of the most beautiful in Scotland. At the West Highland Museum in Cameron Square you get a good introduction to the region and its natural history. A few miles south is Glen Coe, site of an infamous massacre in 1692, the story of which is recounted at the visitor centre at the foot of the glen.
Overnight : Fort William area (2 nights)

DAY 4
Your next night will be spent in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands which stands at the mouth of the Caledonian Canal. The canal passes through Loch Ness, world famous for its supposed monster. The Loch Ness Monster exhibition at Drumnadrochit tells its story up to the present. At Culloden Muir is the site of the last battle fought on British soil when 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' was defeated. There is a good visitor centre there. Cawdor Castle and Fort George are worth a visit, and rare wading birds can be viewed at the atmospheric Black Isle. Visitors can watch salmon leaping at the Rogie Falls.
Overnight : Inverness area (1 night)

DAY 5 AND 6
Your last two nights will be spent in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city is split between the high, dark buildings of the medieval Old Town and the classical architecture of the Georgian New Town. Edinburgh Castle dominates its surroundings, perched in the centre of town, and was home to Scottish kings and queens of centuries past. There are two cathedrals to visit, and the National Gallery of Scotland houses masterpieces from the renaissance to the 20th century. Amongst the more unusual museums are the Museum of Childhood and the Scotch Whisky Heritage centre, where tasting can be arranged. In the grand, sweeping streets of the centre, there is great shopping on offer, and the city comes alive with vibrant nightlife. It is especially busy during August when the famous Edinburgh Festival draws tourists from all over the world.
Overnight : Edinburgh area (2 nights)

DAY 7
Return journey