Mystical Scotland 2 – Rosslyn, Arran, Iona and Glen Lyon 7th – 15th September.
On this journey we’ll have 9 days of eclectic wonder - from the fascinating and exceptional Rosslyn Chapel to the Isle of Arran with its beautiful diversity and magnificent sites. Then back to the mainland to explore Kilmartin Glen and its haunting stones before journeying to 2 other magical islands, Mull and Iona, with unforgettable places that evoke ancient memories. Returning to the mainland we finish our journey in Glen Lyon, and with holy Mount Shiehallion, the fairy hill of Caledonia, nearby, we’ll explore some powerful sites that will be truly inspirational. Sat. Sept. 7th – Meet at Edinburgh Airport and make our way to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the Da Vinci Code, we can explore this amazing Templar site with its strange tales and exquisite carvings. Settle into our B&B before enjoying our "Welcome Dinner". Sun. Sept. 8th - After breakfast drive over to the west coast to catch the ferry across to the glorious Isle of Arran. Because of Arran’s diversity, it has often been called “Scotland in Miniature”. But it certainly has a feel of somewhere that can cast a magical spell on all who visit! After lunch in Brodick, where we land, drive up the coast to our B&B, stopping en route for a pretty walk through a wildflower wood to Torrylin Cairn on the coast. Mon. Sept. 9th – Spend the day exploring Arran. Our first stop will be Machrie Moor, where a cornucopia of wonderful ancient sites await our exploration; 6 stone circles, standing stones and cairns that seem to go on and on around every corner of the countryside! Then, from the moors back to the coast for a walk to the King’s Cavern. Tues. Sept. 10th – Drive to Lochranza on the north of the island to catch the ferry over to the Mull of Kintyre, and on to Kilmartin Glen. Here are a great many sites dating from Neolithic and Bronze Age, and Templewood stone circle and Ballymeanoch standing stones are two of the best examples of these monuments in this area. On the way into the glen visit Dunadd Fort, capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, and place where kings were anointed. Around this area are the best examples of inscribed rocks and cup and ring mark stones, which we will view also. Stay in Oban tonight. Wed. Sept. 11th – Catch the ferry over to the Isle of Mull where our first excursion is to Lochbuie stone circle in its magical setting surrounded by mountains, where sea eagles and golden eagles are often seen, and seals are often spotted on the nearby beach. We leave this idyllic setting to go on through a scenic Pass to Fionnphort where we leave our car behind and catch the ferry over to the Isle of Iona. After checking in to our hotel, if the weather is good enough, take advantage of a boat trip to the stunning Isle of Staffa where its Basalt columns are a natural architectural masterpiece, inspiring many, including Mendelssohn, whose Hebrides Overture was inspired by the sound of the sea in Fingal's Cave. Also we will have the opportunity to observe the extraordinary puffins that breed on the island. Thurs. Sept. 12th - A day to explore this beautiful island that has been celebrated as a holy place for millennia. It was inhabited by the Druids until the 6th century, when St. Columba sailed over from Ireland and established the first Christian settlement. We’ll visit the haunting 12th century Abbey which now dominates the landscape, and the Nunnery and gardens. Also whilst on Iona, we can take an adventurous trek and a picnic to the south side of the island, where a magical hidden beach reveals its treasures of marble rocks tumbled naturally by the incessant tides. And where the pebbles meet the grassy banks, someone has carefully built an exquisite labyrinth which provides us with a wonderful meditation tool in the perfect setting. Fri. Sept. 13th - Time to leave the tranquility of our island retreat and take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Killin at the head of Loch Tay, stopping to visit the Kinnel Stone Circle. Drive to Kenmore, the conservation village at the outflow of the loch. Our accommodation is there at Scotland’s oldest Inn, and tonight we enjoy dinner in their lovely restaurant. Sat. Sept. 14th - Spend the day exploring the ancient and magical sites around Loch Tay and Glen Lyon, including Croft Moraig Stone Circle, Oakbank Crannog, the Praying Hands of Mary, and the Fortingall Yew Tree (reported to be the oldest living yew tree at 5000 years old) are amongst the day’s splendid sites. After a full day relax over our “Farewell Dinner”. Sun. Sept. 15th – It’s time to say goodbye to the Highlands and back to Edinburgh Airport. Notes: Price Includes:
Also see tour packages in: Europe Scotland Spiritual Odyssey Pilgrimage/Spirituality Cultural Journey Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend |
Outside US, please use a number below and enter the extension "16033" when prompted: Note: If unavailable, leave a voicemail for the supplier to call you back.
|
|||||||||||||||||||







