Tour 010 - Luxury Scotland

AIRDS HOTEL AND RESTAURANT & CRINAN HOTEL
Tour 010
This is the Year of Natural Scotland and Connoisseurs Scotland has put
together a number of itineraries that will enable you to discover Scotland’s
outstanding natural beauty. You will find stunning natural and historic
landscapes, art inspired by nature, surprising wildlife and some of the world’s
finest food & drink.
5 nights
With nature right on your doorstep you will have the opportunity to
experience the great Scottish outdoors with these itineraries which celebrate
the very best of The Year of Natural Scotland.
PHOTOGRAPHY, PEDALLING & PAINTING
An intimate country house
hotel in a stunning Highland
location on Scotland’s west
coast will be your base from
which to explore the
dramatic landscape of
Glencoe, bustling Oban town
and the islands of Lismore
and Mull. Sitting in a pretty
hamlet, this exclusive retreat
offers gourmet dining in its 3
Rosette restaurant. Then
stay at the picturesque
harbour end of historic
Crinan Canal in an arty hotel
and relish magnificent views
across the loch and a
restaurant renowned for its
seafood.
DAY 1
Arrive at THE AIRDS HOTEL & RESTAURANT in the hamlet of Port Appin, Argyll, and check into
one of the 11 individually designed bedrooms and suites: your stay here will be for three
nights.
A gourmet experience is guaranteed at this luxury country house hotel with its 3 AA Rosettes
restaurant (Michelin recommended). Full afternoon tea is offered daily in the conservatory,
garden or one of the lounges.
If you wish to be taken on a culinary journey during your stay the hotel offers an impressive
tasting menu with excellent paired wines.
DAY 2
You will be ideally located to explore the Highlands and Inner Hebridean Islands. There are
plenty of walks from a half-hour gentle stroll around the Appin headland to four-hour hikes in
the Nevis Gorge.
EXPERIENCE OPTION Ref. AH1 – Wildlife photography course
Spend a day with an award-winning wildlife photographer. If you don’t have a digital camera it
will be provided with necessary equipment for the day.
You’ll spend time in hides on the banks of Loch Awe, getting tips and advice then, in a digital
suite, you’ll learn about downloading, storing, printing and manipulating your images. A
photo CD and a print of your best shot is included.
[Cost around £95, Loch Visions (Philip Price), www.lochvisions.co.uk]
AIRDS HOTEL AND RESTAURANT & CRINAN HOTEL
Tour 010
5 nights
DAY 3
If you’re a garden lover there are three within 45 minutes’ drive (Kinlochlaich, Ardchattan,
Barguillean’s Angus Garden). For fast and furious expert mountain bikers there’s the Downhill at
Nevis Range to tackle.
EXPERIENCE OPTION Ref. AH2 – Explore Argyll & Lismore Island by bike
Hire a bike for the day to enjoy the stunning scenery of Argyll, on 25 miles of marked cycling trails.
Take the small ferry to Lismore Island (bikes travel free) for breathtaking views of Loch Linnhe and
twelve 3,000ft high peaks
[Cost around £10 per full-day hire, including helmets and backpacks www.port-appin-cottage.co.uk/activities/22-cycling]
DAY 4
With only 55 miles to drive to your next hotel you’ll have time to linger, if you wish, over breakfast
before checking out and heading in a northerly direction to arty CRINAN HOTEL by Lochgilphead,
where you will stay for two nights.
EXPERIENCE OPTION Ref. CH1 – Oil painting demonstration with Scottish artist
Frances Macdonald
Spend time in the studio of renowned Scottish artist Frances Macdonald whose paintings are
featured in private collections around the world. You will see Frances at work during her one hour
demonstration during which she will be happy to answer any questions and give encouragement to
would-be painters.
[Cost £100 per couple] Book via Catherine Tel 01546 830261
Art exhibitions are regular events at Crinan Hotel. Enjoy a gourmet dinner this evening in the
Westward Restaurant while enjoying panoramic views across Loch Crinan
DAY 5
Walk along the Crinan Canal as far as the lochs or farther, discover the hotel’s secret garden, go
horse riding, or opt for a Seafari speedboat adventure. There are stunning walks in the region and,
for golfers, the spectacular Machrihanish golf course.
EXPERIENCE OPTION Ref. CH2 – A day playing Truant – a classic yacht charter
Spend a day on the classic yacht ‘Truant’, the last of her type, built in 1910 by famous race yacht
designer William Fife III. You’ll enjoy sailing ground considered some of the best in the world and,
once sailing, you can get involved in the running of the boat if you wish. You’ll stop for lunch at one
of the many islands, maybe fresh prawns and lobster on the beach with some good wine. Depart
after breakfast, return in time for dinner (1-4 guests)
[Cost £750 for day charter with two crew, foul weather gear, safety equipment, lunch]
Tonight eat in the small and informal Crinan Seafood Bar, a bistro-style restaurant, which overlooks
picturesque Crinan Harbour, lighthouse and boats.
DAY 6
Check out of Crinan Hotel after a leisurely breakfast overlooking the loch where often dolphins will
be seen. The nearest airport is Glasgow, 86 miles away (approximately 2hrs by car). Edinburgh
Airport is 134 miles.
AIRDS HOTEL AND RESTAURANT & CRINAN HOTEL
Tour 010
COSTS
5 nights
Vehicle costs
Hotel costs
TOTAL FOR TOUR
Option 1: Fully chauffeur driven
£735.00
£3885.00
£4620.00
Option 2: Prestige Self Drive car
£750.00
£3885.00
£4635.00
Option 3: Own private car
0
£3885.00
£3885.00
* The costs of the various Experience Options are not included. What is included?
Airds Hotel and Restaurant, a superior double room with King size bed for two people, for three nights, inclusive of dinner and full Scottish
breakfast each day.
Crinan Hotel. A double room for two people for two nights inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast each day.
The inclusions for each are as follows:
Option 1:
Chauffeur Drive Mercedes E-Class or Jaguar XF saloon. Mercedes S-Class or Jaguar XJ saloons are available at a supplementary cost.
•
6 days sightseeing starting at Glasgow Airport on Day 1 and finishing at Glasgow Airport on Day 6 with an average of 8 hours and 100 miles each day
•
Chauffeur’s overnight accommodation while away from base.
•
Parking at Glasgow Airport on arrival and departure.
Entrance fees, lunch on the touring days are not included and would be payable directly on the day in question. Additional hours and miles
would be added to the final bill upon completion of the hire if incurred.
Option 2:
Self-Drive Mercedes E-Class or Jaguar XF saloon
•
6 days self-drive car hire inclusive of supplement for collection and drop off at Inverness Airport.
•
Inclusive of mileage and insurance
•
Insurance excess is £1500.00 for any damage caused. This can be reduced to £750 upon payment of an additional £15.00 per day.
•
One additional driver at no extra charge.
•
Rate is based on collection of car from Edinburgh Airport with drop off at Edinburgh Airport
•
Vehicle must be returned with a full tank of fuel
•
All vehicles would have integrated navigational aids.
Option 3:
Client to drive their own private car
To book this tour please contact Little’s Chauffeur Drive, Tel +44 [0] 141 883 2111, E: [email protected]
For questions and further information please call Jeremy Hawkings, Chief Executive, Connoisseurs Scotland,
Tel +44 [0]1383 825 800 E: [email protected]
www.luxuryscotland.co.uk