Ancient Kingdoms and Holy Islands - May 3rd - 10th 2008
Argyll is blessed with some of the most beautiful and abundant ancient sites in Scotland. Spring is a gorgeous time to explore them. We'll spend our time investigating the best of these special places - Iona, a small island off the coast of the Isle of Mull, where it's said that Druids once lived, and in the 6th century, when Celtic Christianity was brought from Ireland, an abbey was founded; and Kilmartin Glen, where people have lived for thousands of years and where a cornucopia of ancient monuments dot the picturesque landscape. This is the Kingdom of Dalriada, coronation site of Scottish Kings.
May 2nd - Meet at GLA, enjoying lunch in Inveraray en route to Kilmartin where we will spend the next few nights. After settling in enjoy a "Welcome dinner" at a local Inn.
May 3rd - Kilmartin Glen - a valley full of ancient sites going back thousands of years. We'll start our investigations at Kilmartin House, a centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation. Close by is the churchyard at Kilmartin Church which houses one of the best collections of Celtic crosses and grave slabs dating from the 9th Century. We'll go on to explore the linear cemetery where 500 years before the pyramids were built, the inhabitants of the area erected the first of the line of massive burial cairns. There 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. In the afternoon we'll visit the well preserved 16th Century ruins of Carnassarie Castle on a ridge at the edge of the village.
May 4th – Today’s exploration takes us to the southern end of Kilmartin Glen, and 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.
May 5th - After breakfast, drive to Oban and take the ferry across to the Isle of Mull and on through a scenic Pass to Fionnphort. Here we leave our vehicle and sail to the Isle of Iona. There are no cars allowed on the island, so this will be a real retreat. Dinner is provided.
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May 6th - A day to explore this beautiful island which 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. The haunting 12th century Abbey now dominates the landscape. 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. Dinner is provided tonight.
May 7th - Today we will take a boat trip to the stunning Isle of Staffa (depending on the weather), 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. Dinner is provided tonight.
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May 8th - Spend our morning relishing the peace of the island, maybe taking a walk to the Holy Well before setting back across Mull to the mainland and to our hotel in Oban. Here we'll have time to enjoy a few hours of personal exploration before going out to a special place to enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
May 9th - After our breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the west coast and back to Glasgow Airport.
Price - £1495* which includes:
- Pick up and drop off at Glasgow International Airport
- All accommodation and breakfasts and 5 dinners
- All land transportation and ferry fares
- All entry fees
- A multitude of ancient and heritage sites in stunning locations
A deposit of £250 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
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