Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
7 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1010 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Isle of Arran
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Discover ‘Scotland in Miniature’ with its stunning coastlines, rolling hills and captivating castles. Arran is just 20 miles long and 56 miles round, but it encapsulates the best of what Scotland can offer in scenery, history, food and drink.

Historic Ayrshire
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The beautiful region from which Scotland’s National Bard, Rabbie Burns, made his name. Ayrshire combines charming countryside towns with long sandy beaches and superb views to the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran.

Arran Distillery
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Visit the Isle of Arran Distillery, one of the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. Learn about the whisky-making process from professionally trained guides whilst enjoying the spectacular exhibition set around a thirty-foot indoor waterfall.

Local produce
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Enjoy wonderful local produce on Arran, such as locally-made cheese, chocolate, whisky, craft beer and smoked salmon.

Historic castles
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Ayrshire is home to no fewer than twenty castles. Discover the captivating castles of Turnberry, Dundonald and Culzean, where President Eisenhower had his own private suite.

Rabbie Burns
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Discover the enchanting landscapes which inspired Scotland’s National Bard. Visit the award-winning Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and the eerie Alloway Auld Kirk, the churchyard where witches danced in the moonlight in Burns’ famous poem Tam O’Shanter.

A Self-Drive Tour around Scotland’s Undiscovered Corner

Take a tour through time as you learn why Rabbie Burns was so inspired by this scenic and undiscovered area, and visit the award-winning museum dedicated to his life. Explore the stunning coastal road to Turnberry Castle, the birthplace of Scotland’s legendary king Robert the Bruce, before setting sail over the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.

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Ayrshire is a beautiful region and a little-known gem. Spend time in the area discovering the history of Rabbie Burns and the landscapes which inspired his literary work. Admire the artistry of architect Robert Adam’s finest work at Culzean Castle and visit 13th-century Kelburn Castle, which has had an incredible makeover by a team of Brazilian artists. Continue on the spectacular coastal road to Turnberry Castle  and explore the ruins of the birthplace of King Robert the Bruce.

Enjoy the scenic crossing across the Clyde to the Isle of Arran, known as ‘Scotland in Miniature.’ The majestic Goat Fell Mountain dominates the centre of the island, while the wonderful coastline has hidden caves and sandy beaches waiting to be discovered. Delve into millennia of history as you explore Arran’s ancient standing stones and historic castles.

Arran is a dream destination for food and drink lovers and offers some of the finest produce in the country. The island has two whisky distilleries, as well as a chocolatier, brewery, smokehouse, creamery, and no fewer than three cheesemakers – the only problem is deciding what to try first!

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Glasgow to Ayr
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Make the short drive from Glasgow to Ayrshire, where the historic town of Ayr awaits. Ayr boasts a fantastic esplanade alongside a long sandy beach where you can enjoy superb views to the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran.

Rabbie Burns immortalised his hometown with the line “auld Ayr, wham ne’er a town surpasses, for honest men and bonnie lassies”.
Overnight – Ayrshire

Day 2: Ayrshire Sightseeing
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Immerse yourself in Burns country today and learn more about Scotland’s favourite son. Visit the award-winning Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and visit eerie Alloway Auld Kirk, the churchyard where witches danced in the moonlight in Burns’ famous poem Tam O’Shanter.

The area also offers excellent walking opportunities, with the Ayrshire Coastal Path traversing the majestic coastline and providing panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde. Further south the region becomes hillier, with rolling moorlands and hills merging into the rugged uplands of Galloway.
Overnight – Ayrshire

Day 3: Ayrshire Sightseeing
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Historic Ayrshire is home to no fewer than twenty castles. One of the finest is Culzean Castle where you can marvel at the incredible architecture designed by Robert Adam, and discover why President Eisenhower had his own private suite inside the castle. Enjoy a stroll around Culzean Country Park, which encompasses lush woodland, landscaped gardens and rugged coastline.

While Culzean Castle was built for grandeur, nearby Dundonald Castle was built for defence and is regarded as the cradle of the powerful Stuart dynasty who went on to rule both Scotland and England. History is around every corner in Ayrshire.
Overnight – Ayrshire

Day 4: Ayrshire Sightseeing
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Enjoy a spectacular coastal drive to the old fishing port of Girvan, where you can take a boat trip to Ailsa Craig. This unique place is a haven for gannets, puffins, seals and porpoises, and has a fascinating history of piracy, smuggling and even Spanish invasion!

Explore the ruins of Turnberry Castle, the birthplace of Scotland’s greatest king, Robert the Bruce. Bruce led his vastly outnumbered army to victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, securing Scotland’s independence for 400 years.

Overnight – Ayrshire

Day 5: Ayrshire to the Isle of Arran
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Travel by ferry across the Firth of Clyde where the beautiful Isle of Arran awaits. This wonderful island offers something for everyone, with impressive mountains, sandy beaches, fantastic walking opportunities, relaxing spas, ancient castles, and much more.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Day 6: Isle of Arran Sightseeing
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Explore 800 years of history at Brodick Castle, a grand baronial-style castle dramatically set against the backdrop of Arran’s highest mountain. With its terraced lawns and renowned collections of period furniture and paintings, Brodick Castle is the very image of a Victorian Highland estate.

Travel back in time at Machrie Moor where you’ll find standing stones dating back to 3,500 BC. You could also enjoy a boat trip, sea-kayaking, or hike a section of the wonderful Arran Coastal Way.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Day 7: Isle of Arran Sightseeing
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Arran has gained an international reputation for its excellent local produce, and today you could spend a full day enjoying the Arran Taste Trail. Try locally made cheese from the Bellevue Creamery on an Arran oatcake, and sample excellent whisky from the Isle of Arran Distillery. 

Enjoy freshly smoked salmon from Creelers Smokehouse, or indulge in artisan chocolate from the Arran Chocolate Factory. You will be astonished by the quality of the food and drink which Arran produces.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Day 8: Isle of Arran to Glasgow and depart
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Take the ferry back to Ardrossan on the mainland today, where your holiday in Ayrshire and Arran will sadly come to an end. From Ardrossan, it is only a short onward journey to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 7 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Discover Ayrshire & Arran
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 8 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1010

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1205

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

 

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Discover Ayrshire & Arran

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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