Availability Period: May 17th – 24th 2008.
Mid May is the premier time for the dramatic display of rhododendrons that Argyll is famous for. The mild west coast climate is ideal, and the stunning backdrops of mountains and lochs, make it a sight to behold. On our tour, we will visit some of the well known of these coastal gardens, and some lesser known treasures. Other sightseeing trips, including Scottish castles, will enhance our west coast experience.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, May 17th: Meet at Glasgow International Airport. Stop for lunch at Inveraray before visiting the beautiful and wild Crarae Gardens. Crarae Gardens stands amongst the exotic trees and shrubs; listening to the tumbling waterfalls of the burn, one could almost imagine one is in the Himalayas, rather than Argyll.
The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderfully natural effect. The garden was created in 1912 and includes a National Collection of southern beech, as well as a fine collection of other trees and shrubs. It’s a magical spot at any time of year, but with its countless rhododendrons and azaleas it’s a jewel at this time of the year.
Settle in our accommodations and then enjoy our Welcome Dinner in Oban.
Day 2, May 18th: In the morning explore lovely Oban “Gateway to the Isles” with its far reaching vistas of the Isles of Mull, Kerrera and Lismore. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Achnacloich Gardens – these woodland gardens overlook Loch Etive, with Ben Cruachan eastwards and the Island of Mull westwards. The 19th century walled garden, terraces and three small ponds are a fine setting for late 1820s Scots pine. Serious planting began in 1952, with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and many varieties of trees and shrubs - many from the Southern hemisphere. These magnificent gardens are at their peak at this time of the year, enhanced by the beautiful carpet of bluebells in the woods.
Day 3, May 19th: A day trip to visit Kilmartin Glen, with its cornucopia of ancient sites, including 5000 year old stone circles, standing stones, cairns and cup and ring marked rocks. The ruins of Carnassarie Castle stand majestically at the gates of the Glen. On our return, visit Arduaine Gardens, set in a tranquil green oasis nestling on the west coast surprising and delighting garden enthusiasts all year round. This south-facing garden on the Sound of Jura benefits from the warming effect of the Gulf Stream and encourages some spectacular displays. The rhododendrons bring enthusiasts from far and wide, and azaleas, magnolias and many other shrubs fill the garden with scent and colour. From the tall trees of the woodland garden to the water lilies in the ponds, Arduaine takes one on a horticultural journey across the temperate world.
Day 4, May 20th: Sail to the Isle of Mull, with a visit to Torosay castle and gardens, taking the narrow gauge railway. Here are 12 acres of spectacular gardens surrounding Torosay Castle, including formal terraces covered in roses, other climbers and perennials. The many tender plants that grow outside benefit from the Gulf Stream. To the west of the garden you will find the woodland garden with pool, surrounded with candelabra primulas, the alpine garden, and rhododendron collection with Himalayan blue poppies. Stroll along the eucalyptus walk leading to the old walled garden to the south, or explore the bog garden, old rock garden and greenhouses and Japanese garden with panoramic seaviews. The impressive statue walk contains 19 life-size limestone figures sculpted by Antonio Bonazza, brought to Torosay in the 1900s from Padua.
Day 5, May 21st: Today we will journey to the picturesque Glen Lonan, passing by Loch Nell and the Serpent Mound and Crannogs, standing stones and circle, to visit the secluded Angus Garden. This garden was created in 1957 by Betty Macdonald in memory of her son Angus, who was killed in Cyprus the year earlier. The garden is set in magnificent scenery, with stunning views towards Ben Cruachan and Glen Etive, and offers peaceful walks and interesting plants. Famous for its collection of hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas and is the most amazing colourful spectacle at this time of year.
Day 6, May 22nd: Visit the Isle of Seil, with the spectacular walled garden of An Cala. Set snugly into its horseshoe shaped surrounding cliffs the garden embodies the romantic English heyday of the 1930's with its colourful borders, natural rockeries, meandering streams and quirky garden buildings. The borrowed seascapes beyond the garden with their views of scattered islands to the west, anchor it firmly to this beautiful part of Scotland.
Day 7, May 23rd: Today, we’ll take a walk on the magical Isle of Kerrera. Just a short boat ride from Oban, this unique island will take you back in time where the locals and wildlife live in harmony in a beautiful, unspoilt landscape. The ruins of 16th Century Gylen Castle on the south end, features spectacular views down the Firth of Lorne to other Argyll islands and we can soak up the atmosphere of isolation and beauty which must have changed little over the centuries.
Day 8, May 24th: Goodbye to Argyll and back to Glasgow Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Includes:
* Pick up and drop off at Glasgow International Airport
* All accommodation and breakfasts, plus 2 dinners
* All Ferry fares
* All entry fees to gardens and castles.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Scotland
Garden Tours
Wildlife Viewing
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