2025 - The Waverley Paddle Steamer - 'Doon The Watter'
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9166
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
5 days
New for 2025!
A nostalgic steamship cruise on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer awaits! Board the iconic Waverley and experience the sights, sounds and thrills of this magnificent steamship. With almost 80 years of history, Waverley is not just a ship but a living testament to a bygone era. Your base for this tour is the Ayrshire town of Irvine, on Scotland's glorious west coast, where you can be sure of a warm welcome at the popular Riverside Lodge Hotel, as you explore this scenic corner of Scotland. This super new tour features a day out on the fabulous Isle of Arran which is often referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature'. You'll also visit the birthplace of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, drive northwards with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your hotel in Irvine early evening where a welcoming cup of tea/ coffee and Scottish shortbread awaits. DBB
Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Irvine with three included excursions. Pianist entertains on one evening in the hotel. Dinner may be served in the ballroom on tables of 8-10
Once a major west coast seaport, Irvine's beautiful harbour stands in testament to the town's important maritime past. See this history in the architecture found around the harbour, including stunning Georgian buildings. Irvine lies on the superb Ayrshire Coastal Path, steeped in history and fine coastal views
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAM CRUISE
The highlight of your tour, enjoy a return cruise on the famous Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, around Loch Long and Loch Goil from Largs with entertaining commentary highlighting the passing points of interest. The Waverley is registered on The National Historic Fleet as being a vessel of pre-eminent national significance. Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels. She was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk. She has operated in preservation since 1975 and become a “national treasure” carrying over 6 million passengers. Waverley is the sole survivor and has become an icon in her own lifetime. On board you may visit the Engine Room to view Waverley’s powerful triple expansion steam engine in operation – hear the telegraph ring, watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes. There is a souvenir shop as well as several options on board for snacks, drinks and hot food. Enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from the decks as you sail around. Sensible footwear is advisable as well as sunscreen and a sweater (even in summer it may be chilly)
NB There are ridged gangways onto the ship (unsuitable for wheelchair access). Waverley is a historic passenger ship and therefore has relatively steep stairs between the different decks. There is a disabled toilet facility on the promenade deck.
ISLE OF ARRAN - 'SCOTLAND IN MINATURE'
Just a very short drive this morning takes you to Ardrossan to board the ferry across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. The 55 minute crossing takes you to Brodick, the island's main town where you will enjoy an included visit to grand, baronial-style Brodick Castle, the quintessential Victorian 'Highland' estate, dramatically set by the sea and surrounded by hills overlooked by the majestic Goatfell mountain. A scenic tour of some of the island will show you the ever-changing landscapes of highland glens and rugged mountains and take you passed picturesque coastal villages before crossing back to mainland on an afternoon ferry
ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM & CULZEAN CASTLE
Enjoy a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the pretty village of Alloway. This flagship museum is set in 10 acres of the poets' cherished countryside and includes the humble cottage where he was born as well as modern museum which houses artefacts from his life including handwritten manuscripts. The village is also home to the iconic Brig O'Doon, the narrow, arched bridge that Tam o' Shanter raced across on horseback. This afternoon head to the spectacular late 18th century Culzean Castle in its stunning cliff-top location near Turnberry. One of Scotland's best loved castles, Robert Adam's masterpiece is filled to the turrets with treasures and is nestled in a world of woods, terraced gardens, beaches and secret follies. There really is something for everyone in this wildlife-rich estate, which is opulent in the extreme.
Day 5 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening
Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner
- Porterage
- Welcome tea/coffee & shortbread on arrival
- Tea/coffee after dinner
- Pianist on one night in the hotel
- Excursions and visits as stated
- Return ferry crossing Ardrossan - Brodick
- Entrance to Brodick Castle & Gardens
- Return cruise Largs - Loch Long & Loch Goil on the Waverley Paddle Steamer
- Entrance to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
- Entrance to Culzean Castle
Accommodation
Popular 4* Hotel
RIVERSIDE LODGE HOTEL, IRVINE
Located on the outskirts of Irvine overlooking a golf course, the refurbished 4* Riverside Lodge Hotel offers stylish, comfortable accommodation in very pleasant surrounds. The fresh and airy en-suite rooms feature tea / coffee making facilities, TV, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. There is an open plan reception, a cosy, contemporary restaurant and spacious lounge bar. There is no lift but some ground floor rooms. Singles are double / twin for sole use