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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

What could be more memorable or more romantic than a wedding at a castle? A castle wedding has been the choice of many celebrities - Pierce Bronsnan at Ashford Castle in Ireland and Madonna at Skibo Castle in Scotland are only two recent examples.

Bonaventure Tours can provide complete destination wedding services in Scotland and Ireland. Bonaventure Tours will assist you through the legalities, clergy contacts, venue selection, and myriad of details from flowers to music to pipers, and Celtic wedding traditions.

We have Irish and Scots wedding co-ordinators in place who will communicate directly with you through the planning process to fulfil your dream wedding. Your complete arrangements will also include travel arrangements for yourselves and your guests through the wedding period as well as your honeymoon and any touring your guests might want to do before or after the wedding.

After arriving at your chosen destination our co-ordinator will assist with the completion of your legal documents, review your arrangements and provide whatever services have been agreed upon. On the wedding day she will be present to insure that all goes as planned.

There are no fixed wedding packages as you might find on a cruise ship or at a tropical resort. Every destination wedding by Bonaventure Tours is completely tailored to your requirements and your budget. Our co-ordinators will listen, suggest and provide options and opinions - allowing you to make informed decisions. Our co-ordinators maintain their independence by charging a fee for their services rather than earning commissions from wedding suppliers.

From tiny 12th century St Margaret's Chapel at Edinburgh Castle to the exclusive use of a complete castle visited by Mary Queen of Scots, Scotland has options galore. Ancient abbeys, historic sites and stately homes are further possibilities.

It is more complicated to be legally married in Ireland. Many couples opt to cut through the red tape and residency requirements with a legal ceremony at home and a religious blessing ceremony in Ireland. Your options in Ireland may be limited by the requirements of your religious denomination.

There are an unlimited array of romantic castles, abbeys and historic sites throughout Ireland. Castle Leslie and St Salvator's church is pure delight in spring when the bluebells carpet the walk from the castle through the gardens and the gate to the churchyard. Knappogue Castle with its private apartment offers a unique setting for a small family group. Humewood Castle - Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire provides the ultimate in luxury while Glin Castle - home to the Knight of Glin has a more intimate ambience.

In both countries civil ceremonies must be performed in premises licensed for this purpose.

From an intimate wedding for two to a gathering for the entire clan, our specialized knowledge of Ireland and Scotland and our local partners will bring your dreams to life.

Call us toll free at 1-800-876-5084, email to info@castlehoneymoons.com or go to our website at www.castlehoneymoons.com to see several different honeymoon packages in either Ireland or Scotland.

An extract from Ireland of the Welcomes September/October 2006

Islands have always been appealing to honeymooners. Hawaii, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Seychelles, and the Greek Islands. In recent years, another island – Ireland – has been recognised by many travelling twosomes to have the same alluring attributes (including the palm trees). Couples of all ages are selecting the green and misty Emerald Isle for a first or second honeymoon, wedding anniversaries, or romantic getaways. Ireland has an added bonus for romantics – an endless supply of fairytale castles. Epic films such as Braveheart (filmed at Trim Castle) and Excalibur and Barry Lyndon (set at Cahir Castle) have put the spotlight on Ireland’s castles for a worldwide audience.

Best of all, Ireland’s castles are not just vacant ancient buildings amid the scenery. Many castles have been restored to highest standards, and beckon visitors to partake of luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals. The “live-like-a-king-and-queen” appeal of a castle, with its usual turrets and towers, canopy or four-poster beds, sprawling estate settings and pampering staff.

In sync with such dreamy accommodations, honeymoon trips tend to be more relaxed than a usual “touring” itinerary. Couples prefer to stay a few nights in each place, relaxing and savouring an area, rather than hopping to a new lodging every night. Since most honeymoons last only one to two weeks, this means itineraries have to be selective, covering only a part of Ireland.
Although Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Belfast, Derry and other large cities are sometimes part of a honeymoon itinerary, the major emphasis for most couples is on the West of Ireland, often referred to as “the real Ireland” – from Donegal south to Cork, with Kerry, Clare, Galway and Mayo being the prime do-not-miss destinations.
In the evenings, no matter where honeymooners roam, there are always plenty of pubs and other entertainments, providing opportunities to mix and mingle with the locals. Getting to know the people and speaking the same language rank high on the list of reasons that honeymooners choose Ireland. It ensures a no-hassle honeymoon.
Call us toll free at 1-800-876-5084, email to info@castlehoneymoons.com or go to our website at www.castlehoneymoons.com to see several different honeymoon packages in either Ireland or Scotland.

Text from Irish Tourist Board publication Ireland of the Welcomes

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