Mackintosh Trail & Loch Lomond

Itinerary:

Monday
Depart Leyland at 10.00hrs for our journey to Cumbernauld with a suitable lunch stop en-route before arriving at the Westerwood Hotel to a warm Scottish welcome while your case is taken to your room.

Tuesday
Today our excursion takes us on the start of our Mackintosh Trail, visit Queens Cross Church, the only church in the world designed by Mackintosh and one of Glasgow's much loved hidden gems. Later we head to the Hunterian Museum, the oldest public museum in Scotland with collections spanning arts, sciences and humanities, The Hunterian is at the forefront of university museums around the world. and neighbouring Hunterian Art Gallery, wander displays of iconic art in an iconic building. Followed by a visit to Kelvingrove Museum, explore 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more.

Wednesday
This morning our excursion takes us through the scenic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to The Hill House, high on a hill in Helensborough, overlooking the River Clyde. What is regarded universally as Charles Rennie Mackintosh's 'domestic creation' turning art into a home. The Hill House is a visually pleasing mix of Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Scottish Baronial architectural styles surrounded by the impressive Hill House Box, part of a pioneering conservation programme put in place by National Trust Scotland to protect the house from the rain for future generations to enjoy. The Box along with the new visitor centre delivers a unique visitor experience. Many of the rooms at The Hill House look just as they did in 1904 thanks to extensive restoration and maintenance. Find out about the life and work of Mackintosh in the exhibition room upstairs and from volunteers in each room. Perhaps enjoy refreshments in the tea room before exploring the formal gardens which have been restored in line with some of the early designs. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic 1hr circular cruise on Loch Lomond with live commentary onboard giving you an insight into the history of feuding clans, pillaging Vikings as well as highlights of sites of natural beauty, with tea/coffee and biscuits served during the cruise.

Thursday
Continuing our Mackintosh Trail today takes us to the Glasgow Art Club where Charles Rennie Mackintosh is responsible for the design of many of the internal features of the Club including the beautiful frieze in the Gallery. This afternoon we have entrance to the exhibition at Mackintosh Willow Tearooms, an internationally renowned architectural and interior design treasure in the heart of Glasgow with a sandwich lunch included. Followed

Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast for our return journey home with a suitable lunch stop en-route.