Painting in Scotland
Painting Vacations by the banks of Loch Lomond
This is Scottish landscape at its best! The banks of Loch Lomond have inspired many a creative and even has a song about its beauty. Come and join us on our 5 day Painting Holiday and develop your creativity in a truly stunning location. Your tutor will inspire you to develop your painting skills whilst enjoying the best food and drink Scotland has to offer thanks to our local chef.
5 Nights and 4 Days Painting Vacation
Your Accommodation on the banks of Loch Lomond
You’ll stay in an exclusive Estate which has a subtle blend of the modern and the traditional not to mention the best views of Loch Lomond in the area. With lots of indoor and outdoor space and breathtaking views of the Loch, this is the perfect destination for our taster break. The rooms are all ensuite and uniquely designed for comfort and views of the loch.
Monday
Fàilte gu Loch Lomond! You will arrive at your stunning loch side Estate where you can settle in, meet your host, chef and tutor and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with welcome drinks. You then have time to explore the estate and the stunning surrounding acres of land. Join your fellow guests for pre dinner drinks and a traditional Scottish dinner.
Tuesday
After breakfast, you’ll have your first painting lesson with your Tutor. We welcome absolute beginners or those seeking to get back into the joy of painting. This mesmerising loch lies in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park You will have a full day to capture the essence of this stunning location and Loch. Lunch and dinner will be served at the estate cooked by your very own chef.
Wednesday
After breakfast, our driver will pick you up for and we will head to the shores of Loch Lomond for a special cruise. You will sit back and enjoy the sights of this stunning Loch with your sketch book. We then head off to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you will return to the Estate where you will use your sketches as inspiration for your next painting lesson. Dinner will be at the estate.
Thursday
After breakfast, you’ll spend your final day painting at the Estate and its amazing grounds. Lunch will be at the estate. In the afternoon, you will prepare for a mini painting exhibition with your tutor and then you will enjoy a Scottish-style farewell dinner. Slàinte
Friday
After breakfast, you have time for one last wander round the grounds of the Estate and any last minute packing before our drivers come to collect you and take you back to Glasgow Airport or Glasgow Central station. Haste ye back!
Painting Vacations - Loch Lomond Dates
| Date | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 8 to August 12, 2022 | Loch Lomond | 4 Days, 5 Nights- $2199 per person |
Vacation Includes:
- No single supplement
- 4 nights stay in an exclusive estate in Loch Lomond
3 Painting Lessons with your Tutor
Enjoy delicious food, courtesy of our chef, and your favourite wines in the company of your fellow guests
Boat trip on Loch Lomond
Private transport throughout stay
Group airport / train transfers
Jilly McCord, originally from Langholm in the Scottish borders, has had a passion for cooking throughout her life, but took the plunge and entered MasterChef UK in 2019. Jilly was runner up in the competition and since then has expanded her culinary experiences: appearing at festivals; working with national brands; holding supper clubs; and offering her services as a private chef. She is a full-time teacher of History and Politics, but uses every spare minute creating new recipes and pursuing her love of food. She was also a Scottish rugby internationalist, appearing 47 times for Scotland and captaining her country in the Six Nations Championship.
Vacation Day 1 : Thursday - Arrive San Antonio, Texas
After breakfast, experience the delightful river cruise, a unique way to explore the San Antonio River Walk. The colorful, eco-friendly electric riverboats provide narrated tours, allowing guests to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of the area while taking in the beautiful scenery. Afterwards, have lunch at the famous Buckhorn Saloon where history was made and legend lives. It is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution. Many of the original furnishings still grace the Saloon, including the back-bar which was hand-crafted of marble and cherry wood. Spend the next hour aboard the 
Hop On/Hop Off Trolley, with 12 stops, returning to the Alamo for time to explore the historic mission. Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, it is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. The Church, or "Shrine", has become the most recognizable structure in Texas. Some traces from the battle still exist but changes to the structure reflect it's later role as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot warehouse and eventually a memorial to the Alamo defenders. A short distance away, enjoy the sights and flavors of old Mexico at Historic Market Square, a favorite of locals and tourists for generations. Pick up a few momentos before returning to the hotel for a short rest before our Welcome Dinner
San Antonio proudly celebrates one of its most meaningful cultural traditions with Muertos Fest, returning to Hemisfair Park for its 14th year. This beloved festival is dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed, while embracing the joy of life. It has gained national recognition—National Geographic named it one of America’s Top 7 Fall Festivals. Over the course of three days, Muertos Fest transforms Hemisfair into a vibrant gathering filled with tradition, art and entertainment. More than 80 beautifully designed community altars create powerful spaces of remembrance, while five stages showcase live music and performances that highlight the diversity of San Antonio’s cultural heritage. 
Visitors can browse a lively art market featuring local artisans, take part in creative workshops or enjoy unique events such as the colorful dance, drum, and puppet procession and live poetry readings. This family-friendly event blends ancient traditions with modern creativity, drawing thousands of people each year. With delicious local food and beverage vendors on-site, Muertos Fest offers not only a chance to honor the past but also to celebrate community, culture and the enduring connections between the living and the departed.
Next, discover the musical spirit of Texas in the legendary town of Luckenbach, a place made famous by country music legends and known for its laid-back charm. After a day filled with history, culture, and local experiences, sit back and enjoy the ride back to San Antonio. This full-day tour offers a perfect balance of education and leisure, providing an authentic glimpse into the heritage, landscapes, and traditions that make Texas Hill Country such a unique destination. Tonight we will take our last walk along the River to one of the many local restaurants for our Farewell Dinner.
Sit back and enjoy the scenery to Old Faithful in comfort as we are being chauffeured by an experienced, knowledgeable guide. Equipped with four oversized low-pressure tires, the snowcoach moves on top of the snow and will give us great views of the park scenery while touring Yellowstone. Our tour will take us to the Old Faithful Geyser making several stops along the way to learn about the Park's history, view thermal features, and take pictures.
Our day begins with an early morning pick up and breakfast will be a grab and go style on the way to Yellowstone. We'll travel 45 miles (one-way) of groomed trail to Old Faithful, making several stops along the way, with opportunities to get out and walk around. Points of interest may include Moose Falls, Lewis Canyon, Lewis Falls, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. The highlight of our day will be watching Old Faithful erupt as the contrast of the grayish-white steam against the snow and the stunningly blue skies creates a heightened sense of the Earth’s powerful forces. 
In winter Old Faithful regularly shoots sprays of water more than 100 feet in the air, erupts, the near-boiling water hits the chilly air forming “geyser rain.” Watch as these tiny icy crystals and flakes fall to the ground.
This afternoon is free to enjoy Jackson Hole at your own pace. There are many fun things to do if you want to be active like snow mobiling or dog sledding.The Jackson Hole Visitor Center offers beautiful views onto the National Elk Refuge as well as indoor interpretive displays. Surrounding wetland and grassland habitat allows for excellent bird and wildlife observation. Taking a short taxi ride to visit the National Wildlife Museum is another. Of course eating and shopping are always available or get some rest for tonight we put our Cowboy on.
Tonight we will gather for our Farewell Dinner then we must check out the famous Million Dollar Bar, a unique Western drinking and entertainment venue that was established in 1937. True to its name, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is no ordinary bar. Countless celebrities, presidents, royalty, cowhands, as well as people from all walks of life, have enjoyed great fun within its walls.
V
After breakfast we will stroll, about a 1/3 mile to the first stop on the Trolley tour, the St Augustine History Museum and the Old Jail. The Old Jail gives us a glimpse into the daily lives of St. Augustine’s most notorious prisoners of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Costumed actors tell tales of the jail and its occupants, and can even book you as an inmate.
Town Time Trolley for an overview of the historic center of St Augustine. The Trolley route encompasses seven miles of fascinating history as recounted by one of their highly-trained tour conductors. We will get off at stop 14 so we can walk, the famous St George Street, a designated walking mall, located in the heart of the historic district. With charming shops, museums and historic buildings on every corner, visitors from all around the world dine and shop on St George St. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping as we stroll along this 11-block stretch of stores, restaurants and historic sites. 
This afternoon visit the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, the Castillo de San Marcos. Sitting on the shore of Matanzas Bay, the Fort was constructed in 1672 to guard the coast of St. Augustine against foreign invasion. Take a self-guided tour of the historic National Monument and learn about its fascinating history. There are a variety of exhibits to view, daily Ranger Talks, a short video every hour that features cannon and musket firings and weapons demonstrations and presentations by costumed re-enactors.
Then we Trolley back to the Doubletree to relax and change for dinner. Put your walking shoes as on tonight we get to see the spooky side of St Augustine on our Walking Ghost Tour. First we walk the 1/2 mile back to St George Street to get our MoJo on at the MOJO BBQ, a premier barbecue, southern food, and craft cocktail destination. Locals say the historic buildings and cobblestone streets are filled with spirits who once lived in St Augustine hundreds of years ago. Tonight we visit historic cemeteries and other well-known landmarks, learning about spirits from the past, share paranormal investigations and St Augustine's most interesting haunted discoveries.
After breakfast we will walk to the Fountain of Youth, stopping at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios, located at the Great Cross on the way. It was on these grounds that Father Lopez celebrated the first parish Mass and began the work at America's first Mission. At Mission Nombre de Dios, we will find numerous artifacts, both sacred and secular, from the very beginning of the Spanish settlement in St. Augustine. 
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15 acre waterfront Historical Site where St. Augustine was founded. Stroll through this waterfront park where peacocks strut and shady oaks beckon us to stay. This is the location where Spanish Explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles, in 1565, established the first and oldest continuous European Settlement in the United States. For over 4000 years, Native Timucua Indians prospered on this land, hear their story, see 
their skills for survival and learn their customs. Our exploration begins with a drink from the Legendary Spring and learn the history of Ponce de Leon's search and his Spanish claim for Florida. Then we will visit the burial grounds and explore the historical landmarks.After a wonderful morning we will take the Trolley to St George street for free time for lunch before we hop back on and hop off at Stop 12, the San Sebastian Winery. Enjoy at leisure a self-guided complimentary tour and wine tasting. A short audio-visual presentation in the upstairs theater explains the art of winemaking and the importance of the 5,000 gallon stainless steel tanks where the wine is fermented and stored prior to bottling.
Next it's time to relax and cruise the waters of historic St. Augustine on an hour-and-fifteen-minute boat ride narrated by the captain. Enjoy picturesque views of historic Saint Augustine and dolphins and birds in their natural habitat, while cruising along Matanzas Bay to and from North Beach. Then we will leisurely walk back to the hotel stopping along the way for an optional dinner.
After breakfast we will trolley to St George Street, where we will switch to the Beach and Alligator trolley. The Alligator Farm Zoological Park features a variety of animal species, including hundreds of native alligators. Exhibits include lemurs, Komodo dragons, toucans, and a sloth exhibit. The park is the only place in the world to see all 24 species of crocodilians in one place. The Alligator Farm offers an optional intriguing zip line and aerial adventure course called Crocodile Crossing. You can coast at eye-level with exotic birds and dangle above crocodiles on one of two courses that reach up to 30 or 60 feet 
high. Visit the Park at your leisure as the rest of the afternoon is free.
Since today is arrival day and we don’t set sail until after sunset, you have plenty of time to explore the wonders of Zante Island. If you have time don’t miss the chance to explore the Byzantine Museum, the National Marine Park in Laganás Bay. 
The rainfall on the Ionian Islands is what enables its lush and verdant landscapes to flourish. Think of thick forests, natural coves, green hills with olive groves, and ardent valleys that sit back-to-back with crystal clear waters and sparkling white beaches. 
Nestled on the Ionian coastline of the Greece Mainland, Ithaca has been described as one of the region’s most beautiful villages. This is because of its two crystal clear bays that line either side of its main town and the iconic Venetian fortress that forms an impressive backdrop.
Not many people know of Meganisi, Grece. It is overshadowed by the main island of Corfu, but you will be glad you got to experience this lesser-known beauty spot. First, we have lunch before stopping for some coastal relaxation at some of the island's secluded areas. Go snorkelling in the turquoise waters, feel the pebbles under your feet, take a walk amongst the clifftop surroundings and visit the Town. We will dine at a pop-up beach tavern in a secluded bay tucked away from the crowds, and later watch the stars from the deck of the yacht.
With white pebble beaches, striking blue seas and lush green countryside, Paxos is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. We will dock at the port of Gaios ready for a full day on the island. You can easily explore with a motorcycle, although it’s also easy by foot, bike or car too. Spend the day seeking out the secluded coves and bays for swimming, enjoy the Venetian architecture of Gaios town or sample the world-renowned olive oil from the surrounding groves. Watch the fisherman go about their work from one of the seafront cafes, before enjoying some of the best and freshest seafood at one of the excellent local tavernas that stock the best catch of the day.
Dotted with secluded bays and sea caves, with shallow waters for those keen to explore the underworld of the Ionian Sea, this part of Kefalonia Island is an explorer’s dream. Enjoy lunch on the vessel while we sail towards bustling Poros, the second largest village on the island set in a horseshoe bay to a backdrop of olive and cypresses trees. Visit the pebbled Kanoni beach and sandy Harami beach and wander amongst nature Later, stroll the vibrant promenade along the seafront. Full of bars and tavernas Poros is the epitome of old school Greek charm. We will dock overnight at a picturesque bay here.
Before we head back to the mainland of Zante Island, with free time to explore, we take the chance to fit in one more of Zante’s long sandy beaches. We visit the beautiful Shipwreck Beach and village on the east coast of the island, enjoying an onboard lunch on the way for some final sweeping sea views.
