Scotland

The Inside Scoop!

When a friend comes back from a big trip, they always have so much to say, places they’ve enjoyed, restaurants they didn’t but often when we are listening our ears are green with envy and not all the information sticks! Today we are asking Vonna about Scotland;

What is your favorite thing about Scotland?

Personally its the family heritage – generally its the culture which is quite different from the English culture. Love the very Scottishness – the tartans, seeing a businessman walking along the street in his kilt, or a piper busking on he corner, porridge on the breakfast buffet, visiting castles that clan chiefs still live in.

What is a must see for a first time traveler to Scotland?

No question about it – Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle

Is Scottish food really as bad as popular culture like Mike Myers films would have you believe?

NO!!! Although haggis ( click here if you aren’t sure what it is)  really is a common menu item, the quality of restaurant and pub food has improved dramatically in the past 20 years

What sorts of tours do you do in Scotland?

Self drive and custom groups

Castle Honeymoons, custom self-drive itineraries often on themes such as family heritage and research, clan themes, castles, distilleries, we’ve even done a tour to visit lighthouses!

What souvenirs do you bring back for your family when you go?

Everything tartan!  Caithness glass’ beautiful paperweights, clan history books, Scottish music CDs.

If you could stay anywhere where would you stay?

Borthwick Castle – it’s a step back in time where you can even stay in the room once occupied by Mary Queen of Scots. If you want to experience life in a castle  this is it. But it does have modern plumbing!

What time of year is best to go?

May – for uncrowded touring

August  – for the Edinburgh Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival crowded but exhilarating

September -for Highland Games and general touring

Irish Castles

What is it that they say about a picture being worth a thousand words? Well here is a few thousand words for you. Enjoy!

Ashford Castle - Ireland

Drumoland Castle ~Ireland

Castle Leslie ~ Ireland

Waterford Castle ~ Ireland

Castle Durrow ~ Ireland

For more information about how you can stay in these Irish castles or castles in England and Scotland visit Bonaventuretours.com

Family Travel Redefined

 

Dunluce Castle, one of the many sites they explored together.

 

At Bonaventure Tours we believe in family. Family traveling together, family working together and family working in travel together.   At one point the whole McDonald family worked together in the Bonaventure Tour offices, 4 very different viewpoints, different talents but one common love : travel.

In 2000 Vonna and Allison her youngest daughter traveled together to Ireland to meet with suppliers and soak up the Irish atmosphere. Ireland is a place that believes in family as strongly as Bonaventure Tours does. Although Vonna had traveled to Ireland many times prior it was the first time for Allison, who was stunned by the green, the down home hospitality, and itinerary Vonna had created for them, something she does every Bonaventure Tours client. They tasted whiskey together at the Jamieson distillery in Dublin, were amazed by Giant’s Causeway and when Allison was dragged onto the dance floor in a pub by a boy no older than 10 , they knew this trip would never be forgotten.

Family vacations don’t all have to be to Disneyland and they don’t all have to be with a preschooler, they can be with your adult daughter, your grown son or just a get away with your sister for her 50th birthday! With the Bonaventure  custom experience you can redefine what a family vacation is.

To Book a custom Irish Vacation Visit BonaventureTours.com

Amberley Castle

 Vonna’s Vists – First hand reports from Bonaventure Tour’s Master Traveler !

One of the best parts of running a tour company is checking out the castles first hand! Vonna recently went to Amberley Castle south of London.  It’s not easy to wow a seasoned traveler , but  she was immediately wowed by this unmistakably romantic castle. Unlike many large properties Amberley Castle was intimate, the guest rooms had unique charm , there was no mistaking that you were staying in a castle when staying here.  Vonna’s favorite feature was the entrance through the portcullis, taking her back in time and a great foreshadow for the history and luxury awaiting inside.

To book a stay at Amberley Castle visit BonaventureTours.com

Welcome to Our New Blog

Bonaventure Tours has entered the blogosphere!

We will be sharing

• Vonna’s Visits, first hand reports from Bonaventure Tour’s Master Traveler.
• Travel Pictures
•  Info about our favourite destinations
• Travel news
• Up to date Bonaventure Happenings.