Okay. So every now and again I get a whirlwind of inspiration to try something new. Such happened about a week ago when, thanks to the example of Marc Gunn, I decided I’d like to plan a trip to Scotland focusing on the history and mythology in our fantasy series Rowan of the Wood.

Before I spend a great deal of time, energy, and money, I’d like to see if there is a general interest among our fans, friends, and followers to accompany us on this journey.

I’ve put together a *very* preliminary itinerary… this is so very subject to change, as I haven’t gathered any prices for the hotels/areas or even seen if they have availability.

Day 1: Edinburgh

• Day trip down to Rosslyn Chapel. Filled with Green Men. Also featured in The Davinci Code.
• Evening in Edinburgh

Day 2: Isle of Mull

• Drive to the Isle of Mull (approx. 4 hours + ferry ride)
  (here we might also look into stopping in Argyll on the way…LOADS of pictish sites there)
• Check into Hotel (either on Mull or at the Argyll Hotel on Iona)
• Free Afternoon/Evening

Day 3: Isle of Mill/Iona

• Visit the Loch Buie Stone Cirle, Mull
  Where Rowan and Fiana were wed/tragically separated.
• Visit Iona Abbey. Built in honor of St. Columba, the converter of the picts and mentioned in the books.

Day 4: Loch Ness & Aviemore

• Visit the infamous Loch Ness (about 3.5 hrs from Mull) and try to see Nessie!
• Continue onto Aviemore to the Rowan Tree Hotel, where we will stay for two nights (if we can get in). It’s near The Cairngorm National Park in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Perhaps there is even a Rowan tree there!

Day 5: Aberdeen & Stonehaven

• Day trip to Stonehaven (2 hr one way) – optional. Here we see the remains of Stonehaven Castle. Part of Zefferelli’s Hamlet was shot there.
• See the Picardy Stone, one of the oldest Pictish stones. Carved in the 7th c… 100 years after Rowan.
• Visit an Ogham stone in Brandsbut, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. One of the very few left in Scotland.

** Here is where there is a choice. Would you rather pack up and leave to a new hotel each night for Day 4/5 (staying in Inverness one day and Aberdeen the second) or stay at a centrally located hotel. It’s about the same amount of driving, maybe more to stay centrally located.**

Day 6-8: Edinburgh

• After a 2.5 hr drive from the Highlands (perhaps with a stop in Perth for more history stuff), spend the rest of your vacation in Edinburgh. Lots of free time to do what you want with optional group events.
• National Scottish Museum (their Early People section would cover the Celts & Picts)
• Edinburgh Castle
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• So much more!

Again, this is just a very preliminary sketch. The final tour might not resemble this one at all. It all depends on the feedback I get from those interested!

Other options: include some Macbeth & Harry Potter stops… other literary interest?

Some sites to peruse:

• Historic Scotland
• Argyll Hotel on Iona
• Explore the Isle of Mull
• Dark Isle
• Internet Guide to Scotland
• Rowan Tree Country Hotel
• Inverness Tours (including some Harry Potter & Macbeth sight-seeing)
• Day Trips around Scotland

Possible tour route:

View Larger Map

This is staying at the Rowan Tree Hotel or something similar in the middle with day trips to Loch Ness, Inverness, Stonehaven, and Perth… The other option is driving that route and staying in Inverness & Aberdeen at different hotels.

Preliminary quotes using a UK tour guide came back at around $2500 per person based on double occupancy, land price only. This did include meals, however.

The exchange rate from $$USD to £GBP is astronomical at nearly two USD to one GBP. Makes for an expensive trip.

I, however, am determined to get a better rate than that. The more information I have regarding what interested guests might want, the better chance I have of planning a trip that would work for all. Just while composing this blog, I found this: Edinburgh 5 Day Excursion to Mull, etc. This is already less.

CONTACT ME if you are interested and answer the following questions:
1. How much are you willing to pay (land price only) for a Rowan of the Wood themed vacation to Scotland?
2. Would you prefer a program of 5, 7, or 9 days?
3. Do you want it to include meals if possible? (Breakfast & Dinner)
4. Would you rather travel more, moving to 4 or more hotels over the 8-9 days (for example) or travel less, staying in 3 or less hotels over those days? Like perhaps staying only in the Isle of Mull and Edinburgh and taking day trips from there.
5. Would you rather see actual historical sites, even if it means more time on the road? Or would you rather see most of the historical sites in museums & go to places with gift shops and such, staying mostly in Edinburgh and either Mull/Iona or in the Highlands.
6. Do you prefer hotels or B&Bs?
7. Would you prefer April, May, or June for travel?

Please, please, please CONTACT ME if you are interested. I’ll give it until August to get emails from at least 20 interested parties (based on double occupancy) because we need at least 8 (4 couples) to come in order to make this work.

Tell your friends!