Description
Scotland's festive traditions and customs stretch back thousands of years. The Scots' love of traditions is just as strong as their love of food and drink. Combine the two and you have a seriously good celebration. This tour is full of Scottish celebrations starting with Christmas Eve through to Hogmanay! An opportunity for some last minute shopping in Glasgow, see some of Loch Lomond's stately homes and castles along the shoreline on a circular cruise and the opportunity to visit Stirling the wee city with a big history, punching well above its weight for historic attractions! Open Bar each evening (selected brands only)
Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).
Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.
The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.
*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.
NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.
Itinerary
Festive Meals
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner- Packed lunch on excursion days- Hot drink after dinner- Glass of wine each night with dinner- Traditional Christmas Day dinner- Tea with Cream Scones one afternoon- Traditional Hogmanay meal with entertainment- Open Bar from 19.30 -22.30 - selected brands only.- Gift from Santa- Porterage- Loch Lomond Cruise- Visit to Glasgow
All Inclusive Festive Fun
Day 1 - Head northwards to Scotland. Suitable comfort stops will be made en route. Expect to arrive at The Winnock Hotel early evening for your 4-night stay with breakfast & dinner plus extra festive treats.
Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Drymen with two included excursions & one optional excursion
During your stay at The Winnock Hotel, the following festive extras are included.
- 'Christmas Eve' afternoon tea/coffee with cream scones- Traditional Christmas Day dinner- Visit from Santa- Hogmanay Traditional Scottish dinner & Scottish Show- Scottish Weaponry Display- Soup & Sandwich lunch if in the hotel or packed- Glass of wine with dinner each night- Open bar each evening 19.30 - 22.30 (selected drinks only)INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Loch Lomond Cruise
This one hour circular tour of Loch Lomond's South basin enjoys views of the magnificent Ben Lomond and passes a number of Loch Lomond's stately homes and castles along the shoreline. Venture out towards Inchmurrin Island- the largest of Loch Lomond's 33 islands and home to the ancient remains of Lennox Castle, which in the 14th century sheltered a fugitive Robert the Bruce before he was to become King of Scotland. All boats are heated with tea/ coffee and full bar facilities plus toilets on board. There may be difficulties boarding if you have mobility issues - please check.
Glasgow Christmas Shopping
Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become the largest seaport in Scotland, and tenth largest by tonnage in Britain. Now packed with things to see and do for the visitor, shoppers can enjoy all the High Street brands and independent shops. Museums and art galleries in abundance and Glasgow and was named the 4th best city in the UK for street art. Huge murals can be found on the side of city buildings, which, put together, form the city centre mural trail!
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Stirling, Callander & The Trossachs
Visit the impressive city of Stirling. Explore the Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade, admire the historic castle and take in the views of the National Wallace Monument. Continuing to Callander, a colourful town brimming with tea rooms and souvenir shops, before taking a scenic drive through the Trossachs National Park. Travel through Brig O'Turk, over Duke's Pass and via Aberfoyle before returning to the hotel
Day 5 - Farewell to Scotland and head back south and onto your home towns.
Venue Information
THE WINNOCK HOTEL DRYMEN
Situated on the pretty village green in the conservation village of Drymen, the family-run 3* Winnock Hotel is situated just 4 miles from Loch Lomond.
It offers excellent customer service, cosy log fires and hearty Scottish cuisine.
There is a traditional bar area with an extensive range of speciality malt whiskies. All 74 en-suite bedrooms come with TV, hairdryer and drinks facilities.
There is no lift but ground floor rooms are available. (NB Dinner is served in the Capercaille Room on tables of 8)
Hotel/Attraction Links