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Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour

  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour

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  • Tour ID:
    1162
  • Tour theme:
    Historic and Cultural Tours,
  • Duration:
    2 Days / 1 Night
  • Starts from:
    Glasgow, Edinburgh
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  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour
  • Jewel of the Clyde - Isle of Bute Tour

Tour Description


Explore the beauties of Argyll and the spectacular Firth of Clyde on this two day tour, with a full day and a half on the “jewel of the Clyde”, the lovely and tranquil Isle of Bute.  See historic Rothesay Castle, the island’s guardian since the 12th century.  Visit Mountstuart, the fairy tale home of the Marquess of Bute, and experience the serenity of St Blane’s Chapel, one of the earliest Christian sites in Scotland.

Day 1

From Edinburgh we head west to Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, passing its magnificent 13th century cathedral.  From Glasgow we head west past Dumbarton, ancient capital of the Britons of Strathclyde, and through Cardross, favourite home of King Robert the Bruce, to Helensburgh on the banks of the Clyde.  Heading up Gareloch, we pass the Royal Naval base at Faslane before going through lonely Glen Fruin, site of one of the last clan battles to be fought, to Luss where we stop for coffee and a chance to view the “bonnie, bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond.

We then trace the shores of the Loch to Tarbet, where we cut west to Loch Long, with outstanding views of the Arrochar Alps, including the famous Cobbler. Heading through the “steep-frowning glories” of Glen Croe, we ascend the formidable Rest and be Thankful pass and then on to the beautiful Cowal peninsula.  We enjoy spectacular views across Loch Fyne to Inveraray, ancestral home of Clan Campbell and the Dukes of Argyll, before driving through the forest of Glendaruel to Colintraive on the Kyles of Bute, where we have lunch.

After lunch, we take the short ferry crossing to Rhubodach on the north end of Bute, then drive south through Port Bannatyne to Rothesay, where we are staying.

After an hour to freshen up, your tour guide will lead you on a guided walk round Rothesay, visiting, among other attractions, the busy pier and harbour, the spectacular Winter Gardens, the Town Buildings and Mansion House, and the fascinating Bute Museum.  We finish the walk at the 12th century Rothesay Castle, scene of many a bloody siege, and favoured residence of the Kings of Scotland.

Your evening is at leisure, to explore Rothesay’s many pubs and restaurants and enjoy the magnificent views of “sweet Rothesay Bay”.

Day 2

After breakfast, we visit the restored 19th century Fernery at Ascog, before arriving at Mountstuart.  This extravaganza of Victorian Gothic was built by the 4th Marquess of Bute after a disastrous fire had destroyed its predecessor in 1877.  After exploring its lavish interior you can take refreshments in the tearoom, or wander through the beautifully landscaped and heavily wooded grounds.

We then continue south to peaceful Kilchattan Bay, in its heyday a bustling resort in its own right, where we stop for lunch at the quaint-looking St Blane’s Hotel.  After lunch, spend some time wandering past the old pier and admire the views across to the Cumbraes and the Ayrshire coast.  The more adventurous may wish to climb the hill of Suibhe Chattan before we head off past Kingarth, with its historic graveyard, to St Blane’s Chapel.  Savour the extraordinary peace and serenity of this tranquil spot, as you enjoy the magnificent views across the Sound of Bute to the awe-inspiring mountains of Arran.  This place once rivalled Iona as Scotland’s main centre of early Christianity, and along with the 12th century chapel you can still see many remains of the ancient 6th century monastery.  From here you can also see Dunagoil the finest vitrified Iron Age fort in Scotland.

Back on the coach, we head up the island’s west coast, past Scalpsie Bay, renowned for its seals, then St Ninian’s Bay and the offshore island of Inchmarnock, both also the sites of ancient chapels.  Passing the Neolithic stone circle at Kilmachalmaig, we arrive at the sands of Ettrick Bay, where we stop for tea.

Returning then to Rothesay, past 14th century Kames Castle, we take the ferry over to Wemyss Bay on the mainland.  From here we head back to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights

Dumbarton Rock, Gareloch, Glen Fruin, Luss, Loch Lomond, Loch Long, Arrochar Alps, Glen Croe, Loch  Fyne, Glendaruel, Kyles of Bute, Rothesay, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle, Ascog Fernery, Mountstuart, Kilchattan Bay, St Blane’s Chapel, Dunagoil Fort, Ettrick Bay, Kames Castle.

Prices & Dates

Prices available upon request...

Pick up available from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

What's Included

Departure & Map

Terms and Conditions

NOTICE TO TRAVELLERS
You should be aware that Scotland has particular features which may or may not appeal to you, including weather, food, local customs, etc. There are different living standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation. By buying the particular travel service you have selected, we assume that you have made all reasonable inquiries about the travel service.


TOUR INFORMATION 
The outline of the itinerary must be taken as an indication of what each Group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Go Scotland Tours. Any changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, delays, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances. No refund will be given for services not fulfilled. It is a fundamental condition of joining the tour described in the itinerary that you accept this flexibility and acknowledge that delays and alterations with resulting consequences, comfort or disappointments are possible.


TOUR INSURANCE PROTECTION 
To protect yourself against cancellation charges, we highly recommend that you purchase Travel & Medical Insurance for your added protection and convenience. We accept no responsibilities for these items.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS 
Below are the standard terms of cancellations. For regular tours please refer to each tours individual terms when making the booking online. Be-spoke services terms may vary and change.
Be-spoke (Private) 1 Day Services; private services of only 1 day (tours, transfers, etc..) are non-refundable 1 week prior.
Be-spoke (Private) Multi-day Services; A 75% refund (25% of package price or £200 GBP if 10% of the price lower, the deposit is non-refundable) will be made if cancellations are received a minimum of 60 Days prior to the Tour departure. From 59 to 30 Days 50% of the tour cost is non-refundable. From 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable.

UNUSED SERVICES 
In case of you are canceling any portion of the tour while en route, there are no refunds for pre-booked hotels, sightseeing tours or any other services or costs. Note: No refunds are made for any unused services including accommodations, sightseeing tours, transportation, etc. with or without notice and the above schedule lists cancellation penalties in effect from time of reservation on any tour or extension. Go Scotland Tours is not responsible for cancelations or delays caused by forces of nature or airlines or cruise line.

CHANGES OF BOOKING
Be-spoke services; Changes made 30 or more days prior of tour start date non-refundable fee of £85 GBP will be charged. Changes made within 30 of tour start date non-refundable fee of £115 GBP.
Regular tours; no charge for changes
Note; charges may vary then what is specified above. This will be discussed at time of change.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY 
No changes can be made in the itinerary as set out in the itinerary once travel has commenced unless confirmed by the Tour organizers in accordance with the provisions listed here. 

CHANGE OF HOTELS OR SERVICES 
Go Scotland Tours. reserves the right to substitute hotels listed for others of a similar category. In the event of any program or hotel changes while you are on the tour, you will be immediately informed and booked in another hotel of the same category. Any costs incurred due to changes made by the tour participants or due to additional services requested will be borne by the tour participants. 

RESPONSIBILITY 
Go Scotland Tours., provide means of fully insured and licensed transportation, and act as agents contracting hotels, meals, or other services and receipts issued are subject to all terms and conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The acceptance of all such documents shall be deemed as consent. Further, Go Scotland Tours. shall assume no responsibility in any way for any injury, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by either reason or default of any company, agent or person engaged in carrying our arrangements for the tour. Further no responsibility can be accepted for any additional expenses incurred by the passengers due to delays, omissions, rerouting, changes in the schedule of the airlines or other events resulting from improper documents carried by the passenger, or by any act of government or any authority, strikes, civil disturbances, political unrest, acts of God and any act or omission or event while the passengers are not aboard their conveyances. The passenger contract in use when issued by the airline/s concerned shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of this tour and/or other passengers. 


ITINERARY, ACCOMMODATIONS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.


 

Operated by: Go Scotland Tours
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