Later this week, on the 25th January, Scots around the world will celebrate the life and works of Rabbie Burns, our National Bard (poet). In an ode to Rabbie, we’ve created a fabulous 5* sample programme (based on the group flying into Glasgow International Airport), set in Ayrshire on the wild west coast of Scotland.
Day 1 – Arrival in Rabbie Burns Country
The group would be met at Glasgow Airport by our knowledgeable guides and luxury coaches to transfer them from the city into the coastal countryside of Ayrshire.
They would enjoy a locally sourced lunch in a chic restaurant, following by a whisky tasting at a specialist whisky merchant who has unparalleled knowledge of Scottish Whisky.
A short transfer takes them to the Rabbie Burns Birthplace Museum for a short cultural visit, before check in and time at leisure at the 5* Trump Turnberry Resort. Dinner that evening would be casual, taking in the sunset at the Duel in the Sun Clubhouse on the resort.
Day 2 – Exploring Ayrshire and a party in the Castle
Ayrshire has a large and varied selection of activity options, making it perfect for an ‘optional day’. Participants would select a chosen morning and afternoon activity in advance. Some of the options include:
Coasteering: Jump, climb and explore hidden coves and sea caves…you might even come face to face with a seal!
Kayaking / Canoeing: Paddle along South West Scotland’s finest coastlines and inland lochs.
Mountain Biking: A mountain biking adventure in the Galloway hills, tailored to your group’s abilities.
Hill Walking: Explore Scotland’s landscape with a guided hillwalk across breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
Cashmere Factory Visit: A behind the scenes look at an internationally renowned cashmere factory, that has been handmaking luxury scarves, wraps, throws and more, since 1866.
Golf: A course that’s on every golfers bucket list has to be Turnberry. Choose to play a round on this world famous course, or visit the Golf Academy for a lesson with a golf pro.
Spa: Indulge in the luxury settings of The Spa at Turnberry, where there are a curated selection of services dedicated to help you elevate your wellness, as you relax and revitalize your mind, body, and spirit.
No Scottish incentive is complete without a castle visit and the chance to taste haggis!
This evening the guests will dress in traditional kilts (for the gents) and sashes (for the ladies), for a special evening at an 18th Century castle. Once home to the Earl of Cassillis, the group will feel like royalty as they dine in the castle’s opulent settings.
They’ll be entertained by Pipers, Sword Dancers, Scottish historical characters, a theatrical Address to the Haggis and can even take a personal guided tour of this dramatic clifftop castle.
Day 3 – West Coast Regatta
Guests can enjoy a lazy start to the day after the partying at the castle the night before. After a short transfer up the coast they’ll enjoy a brunch at the marina of a charming seaside town. Waiting for them there would be a fleet of sailboats, ready to take the group on their own regatta sailing trip up the West Coast, into the Firth of Clyde and back to Glasgow. The scenery will be spectacular!
Upon arrival into Glasgow the group will be met by traditional black taxis for a transfer to the 5* Kimpton Blythwood Square Hotel. The group’s final dinner would be at a local restaurant that’s been hired exclusively for the evening. A folk duo/trio would entertain the guests during their meal.
Day 4 – Views of Glasgow
Following breakfast the group would have the opportunity to pick between two fabulous tours of Glasgow.l
The first offers the chance to experience the food of Glasgow as you embark on a ‘foodie’ tour of the city. The second is a tour of Glasgow’s stunning graffiti murals, their history and links to the modern culture of the city.
The group will then depart for the short transfer to Glasgow International Airport.
Copyright for several of the images above belongs to Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam / Stuart Brunton