Kelvingrove Museum
Glasgow Art Club
Kelvingrove
Kelvingrove
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Original Willow Tea Rooms
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Original Willow Tea Rooms
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Original Willow Tea Rooms
Private dinner at Glasgow Art Club
Lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow – the newly-restored original Tea Rooms at 217 Sauciehall Street
House for an Art Lover
The Mackintosh Gallery and works by the Glasgow Boys at the Kelvingrove
Visit to Hill House in Helensburgh
Mackintosh experts Robin and Karen Cairns
Learn about the creative genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh with Robin and Karen Cairns whose enthusiasm and knowledge will bring Glasgow’s most famous son to life. Robin is a playwright, speaker, poet and performer whose play about the life of Mackintosh has been performed in recent years. A long-term student and devotee of Mackintosh, Karen is an artist and architect who has exhibited a collection of watercolours of Mackintosh’s work at Hill House and has worked at several Mackintosh buildings. Highlights include the interior of Hill House and the opportunity to see the innovative “box” that is being used to dry out the house, dinner at Glasgow Art Club, lunch at the newly-restored, original Willow Tea Room and many more Mackintosh-related sights.
Available Departures |
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| 18 - October - 2024 | Limited Availability | Travel Info Please Call |
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Provisional Timings |
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| 16 - May - 2025 | £ 779.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
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| 12 - September - 2025 | £ 779.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
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| 17 - October - 2025 | £ 749.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrive independently at the The Grosvenor Hotel Glasgow from 15.00. This evening there will be a private dinner with wine and a talk by Robin Cairns: 'Charles Rennie Mackintosh – Conjurer and Magician'.
Day 2: House for an Art Lover, Lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow, Hunterian Art Gallery, Kelvingrove and private dinner at the Glasgow Art Club.
We start our busy day at the House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park where we will see how Mackintosh and Macdonald’s 1901 competition design has been brought to life by a team of artists, architects and craftsmen. A special treat is next as we have lunch at Mackintosh at the Willow – the original tea rooms building at 217 Sauciehall Street, recently re-opened after an extensive restoration project. For more information about this project, please visit https://www.mackintoshatthewillow.com/. After lunch we will visit the Hunterian Art Gallery with its recreation of Mackintosh and Macdonald’s first house followed by a visit to the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery for a stroll around the Mackintosh Gallery and a look at works by the Glasgow Boys. This evening, a highlight of the tour is a visit to the Glasgow Art Club, with en-route view of the ravaged exterior of the Glasgow School of Art. Founded in 1867, the Glasgow Art Club is steeped in history and heritage and remains one of Glasgow’s most important landmarks for the arts in Scotland. Rich in culture, it has been a breeding ground for generations of the city’s most innovative and creative inhabitants. The Grade A-Listed Clubhouse is resplendent with historically significant interior features including fireplaces, fretworks, grills and door fittings - partly designed and decorated by Mackintosh and where he was a member, and a wonderful venue for a welcome reception and private dinner with wine.
Day 3: The Hill House, The Mackintosh Club Helensburgh, Ruchill Church Hall and Queens Cross Church.
This morning we visit Hill House in Helensburgh, built by Mackintosh in 1903 for the publisher Walter Blackie. The house is thought of as one of the best examples of his style with modern interiors that incorporate his own furniture designs. The exterior is being housed in an innovative semi-transparent “box” that is being fitted to allow the house to dry out. More than a century of an average of 193 days of rain per year, has left the exterior of Hill House, which incorporated innovative new designs and materials by Mackintosh, badly damaged by water. The “box” aims to dry out the house to rescue it from further deterioration. The interior will still be visible, but the exterior will be shrouded in a semi-transparent casing. For more information about this fascinating project, please visit https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hill-house. Next, it’s onto The Mackintosh Club in Helensburgh for a light lunch on arrival, before an introductory talk and visit. The Mackintosh Club Helensburgh is a hidden gem of a building and was his first complete commission dated 1894. On this special visit you will learn about Mackintosh’s early years and the significance and symbolism of the building along with viewing the permanent exhibition and the connection with the infamous Glasgow Style and the Four. Next, we visit Ruchill Parish Church Hall, designed by Mackintosh with sublte Art Nouveau touches especially in the intenal glazing and door panels which are still intact today. Our final visit is to Mackintosh’s Queens Cross Church, the only church in the world designed by Mackintosh, commissioned in 1896. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.15.
NB: Exact itinerary may vary according to tour manager's discretion and changes in opening times and schedules for some of the smaller Mackintosh sites
Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 37 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
The Grosvenor Hotel, Glasgow
Located in the West End area of the city centre, close to the Hunterian Gallery and University, the traditional, four-star Grosvenor offers a high standard of accommodation and service and is well situated for the various sights visited on this tour. Facilities here include bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, TV and telephone. Car parking is available at the hotel costing £10 per night, payable directly to the hotel. Please note twin rooms at this hotel are classed as Deluxe twin rooms and have a supplement.
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Robin was a fabulous guide. I had a wonderful time. I would travel with your company again.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2024
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this weekend. The visits were excellent as was Robin the tour leader.
Review by Ploog who travelled 06-September-2024
Thank you to Robin and Karen. Excellent tour leaders and so lovely to meet them again. Hill House Helinsburgh was awe inspiring . Have visited this several times and so glad that it is being saved. What a wonderful experience looking down on it from the outside. We enjoyed the two new venues at the church hall and the Mackintosh club.
Review by Fothergill who travelled 06-September-2024
One of the best tours we have experienced from Travel Editions. Charismatic and knowledgeable tour manager - a native of Glasgow. Well planned, active packed programme across 2 days. We learned a good deal. Very generous food experiences too at the Willow tea rooms and the Glasgow Art Club.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-September-2024
We have done 7/8 tours with Travel Editions and this was easily the best. Robin was an excellent tour guide and his knowledge and enthusiasm really brought Mackintosh to life.
Review by Allen who travelled 06-September-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are delighted that the tour was such a success and Robin certainly brings any tour to life. We could not ask for any better feedback than this, thank you.
A really interesting, enjoyable, informative tour. There was a very full schedule which I liked. Karen and Robin were excellent hosts and guides. I felt that I also learned something about Glasgow- what a great city.
Review by Jarmany who travelled 31-May-2024
This was a first booking with travel editions which I found a pleasant and enjoyable experience. The two leaders were very knowledgeable and friendly. I will certainly consider future trips with your company.
Review by anonymous who travelled 31-May-2024
This was an enthralling holiday brilliantly led by Robin and Karen Cairns.
Review by Shipley who travelled 31-May-2024
The tour comprised a fairly comprehensive selection of what was available to see in Glasgow that Mackintosh had created - some of which it would have been difficult to access without the tour. Robin's enthusiasm for his subject was obvious. Karen was clearly marshalling everything though so seamlessly that you hardly noticed it (as well as adding to some of the commentary and guiding). Karen and Robin were a delight. The little extras which they added into the published itinerary were much appreciated.
Review by Knowles who travelled 31-May-2024
Very busy weekend but very informative with excellent venues and guides
Review by anonymous who travelled 31-May-2024
Most of the meals were excellent but dinner at the Art Club was not up to the same standard. It was a good size of tour group - more people would have made some venues less manageable e.g. Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Art Gallery. Robin, Karen and our driver Alex were all excellent.
Review by Morfey who travelled 31-May-2024
Robin and Karen were excellent hosts for this very enjoyable tour. The programme was well planned and varied, giving an opportunity to see many places associated with Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The meals included in the tour were of variable quality, with the best being lunch at the Willow Tea Rooms, and the worst being the meal at The Glasgow Arts Club.
Review by anonymous who travelled 31-May-2024
Everything to do with the course was excellent - tour leaders, site visits, course content, organisation, coach drivers - we both enjoyed the two days and would happily recommend this tour to friends. Wasn't sure about the entry "flight/train/ferry" as we arranged this ourselves and, travelling on the Friday of the storms, floods and cancelled trains, we were lucky to get to Glasgow but this does not reflect on your management. However, we were not happy with some aspects of the hotel. Although the hotel mentioned a "warm welcome", it didn't live up to this claim. The receptionist was not particularly welcoming and despite having booked and paid for two single occupancy rooms which must have been on his computer, and I also said "two rooms", he ended up giving us one room because he'd heard my friend saying we're together. He did then give us an extra room. Considering the very trying travelling circumstances that day for many of the hotel guests, a bit of sympathy and 'warm welcome' would have been much appreciated. The room Maureen was given was noisy during the night with some kind of banging sounds. She mentioned this to reception but was told that next time she heard the noise to report it. Since it happened in the middle of the night, about 3am, she was reluctant to contact reception at that time. The catering at breakfast was not really up to expectations. There did not seem to be regular checks on the buffet. On Sunday they ran out of toast and I had to ask twice about it only to be finally told that someone had gone to Tesco's to get bread! And while waiting I did see him arrive with two wrapped loaves of fairly ordinary supermarket bread. I've never known a hotel run out of toast - must be one of the cheapest items of food to fill up the guests and could easily have been bought it on the Saturday if stocks were low. Due to the accommodation, for 'overall impression' I was going to tick 'Good" but feel that wouldn't be fair to our course managers and all the effort they put into the weekend so have changed it to 'Excellent' as there was no 'Very Good" option which would have reflected our reservations about the hotel. Our thanks and great appreciation to Robin and Karen, and your administrative staff. Would suggest a change of hotel though....
Review by Manley who travelled 20-October-2023
This tour was made excellent by the tour leaders who were so passionate about their subject.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2023
Travel to venue was outside your control storm Babette!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2023
Along with others on the tour, my trip up to Glasgow from London by train was severely and adversely affected by the bad weather, meaning I had a long delay at Carlisle waiting for Avanti to organise alternative transport; this meant I missed the Friday evening part of the programme. However, the rest of the weekend was a delight. The places visited were extremely interesting and Robin and Karen proved to be most excellent tour guides. Their knowledge was impressive and detailed, and Robin is a true raconteur - providing information in an entertaining way with humour, skill and obvious passion for his subject. A lot was packed into the two days and I came away with a much increased knowledge of, and respect for, the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. An excellent tour!
Review by Organ who travelled 20-October-2023
A really interesting and enjoyable tour. Well organised by Karen and Robin is very informative and ,entertaining guide. I learnt a lot about Rennie Mackintosh and The Four, their work and their lives..
Review by Ryrie who travelled 20-October-2023
An excellent tour, I enjoyed every minute. Robin and Karen Cairns made enthusiastic, caring, knowledgeable leaders and the range of sites seen was impressive. I felt I learnt a lot. Hotel well situated. Altogether a wonderful introduction to Glasgow.
Review by Jameson who travelled 20-October-2023
A most enjoyable tour, thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2023
A most enjoyable tour with good locations. Karen and Robin were excellent, well-informed guides who managed the group with ease.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-October-2023
Very good tour. Tour Manager Karen Cairns was excellent as was Tour Lecturer Robin Cairns. I was escorting a 90 year old lady who had mobility and some personal issues and both Karen and Robin were very helpful in sorting things out including personal care and arranging a wheelchair on two occasions. Hotel was fine other than daily room service which I had to complain about and food and wine at the welcome reception in the Kibble Suite. Both were sub standard and had to complain about them. Overall very impressed and would definitely recommend and use your services again.
Review by Adams who travelled 20-October-2023
Robin and Karen were excellent guides and hosts. Robin really brought the history of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Four to life. The Grosvenor was a very comfortable hotel in a great location. The dinner on the first night was done very well, I hadn’t expected to be given a choice of stater, main course and dessert. The only area where I felt they let themselves down was with breakfast service. Apart from that it was an excellent trip which I would highly recommend.
Review by Chiswell who travelled 08-September-2023
The room at the Grosvenor Hotel was very comfortable and there was very little noise from the Great Western Road. There was no audible noise from the party downstairs on the Saturday night until some party goers made a huge row walking down our corridor back to their rooms in the middle of the night. They ignored a request to be quiet. The hotel could put up signs to ask guests to respect sleeping clients when walking along past bedrooms late at night. The evening meal in the hotel was adequate but the catering staff had difficulty coping with individual requirements even though we had all filled in a sheet with our needs. The tour manager was excellent, knowledgable and and entertaining.
Review by Hall who travelled 08-September-2023
Hotel in good location, but no air con (and it was a very hot weekend). Staff were extremely helpful & professional especially reception, cleaning and the waiting staff - who were fighting a losing battle with the kitchen. The quality, production and presentation of the food at the hotel (especially breakfast) was poor. If not for the staff we would have rated the accommodation poor.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 08-September-2023
Superb tour. Robin and Karen were excellent. Very interesting visits. However the hotel was appalling. Smoked haddock on first night had been over cooked to the consistency of shoe leather. The so called cheese sauce was cold and mostly semi-cooked flour. Breakfasts were worse. Orange squash instead of fruit juice. Tinned fruit salad. No yoghurt on third day as they had run out. Only one coffee machine working so long queues. This then broke. Hot food very over cooked with no cheese or meats available as alternatives. Rooms very hot and window only opened a couple of inches. Had to keep the window closed at night as Waitrose opposite started unloading deliveries at 4AM. No tea bags available in the rooms as they had run out. Sending someone 10 yards to Waitrose to buy some was apparently not an option. The nearest underground station has very steep steps which are very difficult with luggage. The hotel took almost an hour to arrange a taxi to Central Station on the final morning. Only made the train by two minutes.
Review by Grant who travelled 08-September-2023
Appreciate that all hospitality experiencing problems with staffing etc. but standard of breakfast was very disappointing, do not expect packet cereal at 4star hotels, no coffee available one morning. Staff very pleasant.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 08-September-2023
My only complaint is the choice of hotel. My room was awful, dark with the only view was tall buildings and roofs of other structure taking all the light. The shower wouldn’t work and the water I wasted trying wouldn’t empty the bath because the drain must be blocked. I needed a shower after long, hot journey but could only wash using hand basin and the plug would not open. I asked for another room but none available. There was no breakfast - fruit, fruit juice, bread or jam , bacon over cooked, coffee not working. This breakfast would be expected in a hostel not a 4star hotel.This happened 2 mornings. I was given another room next day which was lovely but first night was dreadful and I had paid extra for a single room too.
Review by Baker who travelled 08-September-2023
Travel Editions feedback:
We are sorry your first room wasn't to a good standard but pleased the hotel resolved the situation for the second night.
Tour well planned with enough time to spend at each site. Robin Cairns very well prepared and knowledgeable about Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Karen Cairns excellent tour manager, good time manager. Very friendly and helpful to participants on the tour. I enjoyed this tour, it was not too tiring, and recommend this tour.
Review by Freeburne who travelled 08-September-2023
It was unhelpful for the tour to end at 5.30 pm without the guarantee of being able to book an extra night at the same hotel. We were not alone in the group in having to find and book another hotel for the extra night.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 08-September-2023
We saw just about everything - Robin was so at home with his subject, Karen complemented his talks perfectly and enthusiasm abounded! Highlights I think were House for an Art Lover, the Art Club and Hill House (Astonishing!) only slight dip was the wait at the Hunterian but I think we were a bit tired at this point. Also, the Hotel breakfasts could have been a bit better organised. Understaffed maybe. All other meals were lovely. And wine included!
Review by Millar who travelled 08-September-2023
The food served at the hotel was quite poor for a 4 star hotel . Excellent guided tours and detailed information provided by tour managers -Karen and Robin Cairns . It would have been helpful to know that there is no escalator or lift (initially)from the platform at the subway staion nearest the hotel . Staff at the hotel were very slow to respond to a request for a fan to be placed in my very hot room and I had to ask twice after a very uncomfortable night Lighter duvets would be usefull for the warmer months.
Review by Riggall who travelled 08-September-2023
Karen and Robin were inspirational, knowledgeable and good company. Saturday's programme was quite intensive but Sunday was more relaxed. It was great to be taken to George Square and to Loch Lomond as slight detours. The two dinners were superb, the lunch at the Willow Tea Room was a bit heavy, the lighter lunch at the Mackintosh Club was fine and various teas and coffees along the way were appreciated.
Review by Hicks who travelled 08-September-2023
Karen and Robin were excellent hosts. The whole trip was really well planned, informative and enjoyable. The hotel is probably no longer 4 star. The breakfasts were very poor and my toilet was used (and not flushed), by someone, presumably the housekeeping staff.
Review by Smith who travelled 08-September-2023
Robin and Karen Cairns were both very good in their roles, and made a significant contribution to my enjoyment of the tour.
Review by Holding who travelled 08-September-2023
Robin and Karen did a marvellous job and the programme was well thought-out. Hotel room & bathroom clean & comfortable but after three times of asking nothing was done about à malfunctioning bedside lamp or, more seriously, a non-functioning phone. Breakfast no better than adequate: fruit salad from a tin, sliced bread, and the dinner on Friday evening distinctly substandard. Dinner at the Glasgow Arts Club was much better. I didn’t wait for the taxi I’d ordered on Monday as ahead of me were two guests who had been waiting 45 minutes for theirs. I jumped in with them and made my train on time. I understand they made theirs by the skin of their teeth. Quite unnecessary stress.
Review by Powling who travelled 08-September-2023
Robin was his usual excellent self, enhancing the tour with his oratory skills and theatricality. This tour has improved since I did it in 2012, despite the loss of the art school. The lunches at the Willow Tea Rooms and the Mackintosh Club, plus the dinner at the Glasgow Art Club more than compensate. There was a lot of wining and dining on this tour which suited my sensibilities. Great fun.
Review by Hamilton who travelled 08-September-2023
Our Hosts were brilliant...so knowledgeable & enthusiastic. His acting background came across to all our benefit
Review by Powell who travelled 16-June-2023
The guides knew their subject extremely well. Coach driver coped admirably with the road works and horrendous one way systems of Glasgow. very enjoyable.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-June-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-June-2023
Excellent tour managers whose knowledge, flexibility and enthusiasm made for a most enjoyable few days.
Review by Brownbridge who travelled 16-June-2023
Karen And Robin Cairns were a joy to be with and made sure our trip was excellent.
Review by Muir who travelled 16-June-2023
Very enjoyable tour, with 2 excellent guides. Felt it was nicely “paced”. with time to have a good look and take in the atmosphere of each place/ house we visited. We appreciated being shown Loch Lomond and Scotland Street school. although not on the itinerary. The catering was excellent- Glasgow is a hospitable, friendly city.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-June-2023
The tour was beautifully planned. I learned so much from each place visited. Karen and Robin (manager and guide) were knowledgeable, interesting and very helpful and the general embiance of the group was welcoming and friendly. as a single member I didn't feel leftout in any way. In my experience the Travel Editions tours always provide an interesting and pleasant experience and are good value for money
Review by Goldstein who travelled 16-June-2023
Parking instructions in notes are out of date and unhelpful!
Review by Cartman who travelled 16-June-2023
Good tour. Good guides. Most enjoyable.
Review by Young who travelled 16-June-2023
We had the best time in Glasgow on this tour of everything Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 10/10 for absolutely everything including the two fabulous guides Robin & Karen Cairns! A magnificent weekend and thank you.
Review by Wood who travelled 16-June-2023
Excellent tour guides
Review by Gordon who travelled 16-June-2023
An excellent trip in which we learnt a lot about Rennie Mackintosh and visited many interesting places in and around Glasgow. Robin was an excellent, interesting and amusing tour manager and his wife was also very knowledgeable. We look forward to another trip with them in Scotland next year hopefully. Thank you both and Travel Editions too.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
Loved this tour! The tour lecturer and manager: Robin and Karen Cairns shared much more than just their expertise on Mackintosh .. and not forgetting Margaret Macdonald; Robin's presentation style enabled the listener to see a much wider 'picture' of what is usually heard and seen of Mackintosh; also Robin's humour and anecdotes of living in Glasgow; and Karen's management of the practical side of the tour which was carred out with patience and care; plus her architectural knowledge made the tour a very enjoyable few days. My only - very small criticism - was that (and I don't think this was down to Karen or Robin - but perhaps to bear in mind for any future tours) consideration of diet preferences/musts had not been taken in preparation of the dinner at the Glasgow Club! as although they did have a meat or vegetarian course for the main - both included mushrooms - which meant I just had a bowl of rice and brocolli (I survived and as I said .. just a thought). As I said a very enjoyable tour.
Review by McDade who travelled 14-October-2022
Well organised trip Most enjoyable and informative Karen and Robin Cairns were all you could wish for...excellent
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
An absolutely wonderful weekend, perfectly organised and managed by Robin and Karen. The stunning work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh was comprehensively brought to life by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Robin.. It was excellent value for money and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone even remotely interested in art of the early twentieth century.
Review by Guyan who travelled 14-October-2022
A very busy, but interesting tour. I think that mention should be made of steps that need climbing when there is no lift. It would be good to suggest to the MacKintosh Club in Helensburgh that they paint the edge of their long flight of black stairs in yellow to make it safer for those with poor vision. There was no lift there.
Review by Sayer who travelled 14-October-2022
A well organised and structured weekend. Entertaining, informative, and enjoyable. Hotel a little down at heel. Parking arrangements not up to standard. A smaller group might have worked more efficiently.
Review by Burrows who travelled 14-October-2022
Robyn and Karen gave us an excellent tour which was informative and fun. The one and only problem we encountered was the quality of the food at most venues which left a lot to be desired. having said that we would still recommend the tour to our friends.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-October-2022
Robin was excellent and knowledgeable, so was Karen, a great team. Definitely a fan of CRM now
Review by Rynberg who travelled 14-October-2022
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh trip was excellent. All visits were interesting and very enjoyable. Robin and Karen Cairns were brilliant and very knowledgeable. Thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
A fantastic break, living up to all our expectations and more. The agenda was extensive but comfortably manageable and well balanced. Really feel we now have thorough understanding of RCM and his unique work. One particular meal was lacking but overall no complaints from us whatsoever. 10 out of 10 .
Review by Wiggett who travelled 16-September-2022
We both thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. It was well put together and organised. The Saturday evening at the Art Club was a little disappointing, the place exuded a ‘passed it’s best’ feel, the meal was ver salty and the coach pick up was late. However had we skipped that bit we would have felt we missed something. The other visits exceeded expectations, with the exception of the Kelvingrove visit which was a bit brief although it would have been difficult to fit in a longer visit.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
The entire tour was outstanding. Robin and Karin were extremely knowledgeable as well as helpful and understanding. Each of the visits was carried out flawlessly. The sites exceeded all expectations. Wish I could do it all over again! Barbara Green, Washington, DC
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
The early version of the the tour information was incomplete and did not include Charles Rennie Mackintosh's house. Hence I went myself the day before the tour started. A waste of money and time.
Review by James who travelled 16-September-2022
Although the walking difficulty was given, I feel it should have stated that there were a great many stairs in some of the venues with no lift. I wasnt the only one who found these difficult and left me fairly breathless. All food was pretty good except at the Glasgow Art Club where the main course was a salty dog's dinner. Robin and Karen were lovely, as was the coach driver and all the other participants. Altogether I enjoyed the trip and would recommend it with the proviso of all the stairs.
Review by Tizzard who travelled 16-September-2022
Only one glitch, the main course at the Glasgow Art Club was extremely salty! Both Robin and Karen Cairns were very welcoming and ensured the weekend went very smoothly.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
Leaders Robin and Karen Cairns were enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and entertaining. We covered a lot of ground in 2 days.
Review by White who travelled 16-September-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-September-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-July-2022
Have not graded the travel as this was not arranged by Travel Editions. We went from Euston to Glasgow Central by train, which if things had been running normally would have been very good. However because someone had been killed on the line we had to get off the train at Preston and there was considerable confusion before we managed to get further transport and we arrived in Glasgow about 2.50 hours late.
Review by de Vere-Lewis who travelled 22-July-2022
Such an enjoyable, informative tour. Plenty of time to enjoy the various sites except for the Kelvingrove which because of the design of the afternoon was tight. Robin and Karen were delightful and totally approachable, knowledgable and so enthusiastic.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-July-2022
The tour was very well managed by Robin and Karen Cairns. Their knowledge of Charles Ronnie Mackintosh was amazing and their good humour made the tour really enjoyable. We saw so much during the 2 days and the meals - lunches and dinners were very good too. All in all a great trip!
Review by Woodhouse who travelled 22-July-2022
Review by Worsley who travelled 22-July-2022
This was our first venture with Travel Editions and it met more than our expectations in many ways. The number of tours involved with much, very interesting information was entertainingly presented by Karen and Robin Cairns and each tour revealed many aspects of Charles Rennie Mackintosh that we had not known before. They also welcomed us warmly and we met many very nice people on the tour.
Review by McCallum who travelled 22-July-2022
We had a long delay ( 4 hours late) when travelling by train to Glasgow. This journey was organised by us. We rang Travel Editions office and the hotel to explain we would be late arriving, but we didn’t get a clear answer about getting a meal when we arrived. In the end we did get a main course, but no starter or desert as the others had been offered. We did not have a time for the dinner and lecture on first evening on our schedule, and no- one seemed to be able to tell us when we rang! The hotel was adequate but breakfast was very poor, no air conditioning, so rooms hot. Staff didn’t seem to know about the arrangements for Travel Editions when we arrived. The actual tour was excellent with a lot packed in. The tour mangers, Robin and Karen, were both very knowledgeable, interactive and pleasant…great hosts. The coach and drivers were very good. On the whole, a very enjoyable and stimulating tour.
Review by Connolly who travelled 22-July-2022
Our tour managers, Robin and Karen, were excellent, so knowledgable and obviously very passionate about Charles Mackintosh. We packed so much in that we felt another day would still leave more to see. Unfortunately, due to the very hot weather our bedroom was too hot as there was no air conditioning. Journeys between venues was excellent and always on time. Of all our Travel Edition holidays this was my favourite so far. I look forward to choosing our next trip.
Review by Russell who travelled 22-July-2022
Kelvingrove is Mackintosh divorced from the context (the buildings), so better at the beginning.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-July-2022
Excellent, well planned and comprehensive tour. Full programme, but welcome breaks included. Tour guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Would thoroughly recommend.
Review by Bishop who travelled 22-July-2022
The hotel was comfortable. The staff at Reception and in the Restaurant were extremely helpful and very friendly. The sightseeing was very good. Robin and Karen were very knowledgeable and worked hard to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip
Review by Burton who travelled 22-July-2022
The tour guides were really excellent. A very enjoyable and informative trip. Thank you.
Review by Williams who travelled 22-July-2022
A thoroughly informative and enjoyable weekend.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-July-2022
The tour guides were excellent- knowledgeable, humorous and great hosts. We had a highly enjoyable weekend in Glasgow the mix was just right and every meal catered was an added bonus . Would highly recommend this trip 5 stars
Review by Whitaker who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
Robin Cairns was a most informative and entertaining guide The tour was even better than I had expected. The only adverse comment I have is The Grosvenor Hotel was staffed by people who knew nothing that was going on around them. I would not recommend it to anyone.
Review by Muir who travelled 06-May-2022
Robin and Karen Cairns were excellent leaders and organisers, Everything went smoothly and they made the two days very enjoyable on top of all the interesting places we visited.
Review by Marcham who travelled 06-May-2022
This is my second CRM weekend --- just as enjoyable as the first in 2019. Robin and Karen Cairns are splendid : so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The visits are fascinating -- many and varied CRM creations with special extras: meals at the Willow Tea Rooms and at Glasgow Art Club. The Mackintosh Club [talk & lunch] was an interesting new addition. An excellent weekend. Thank you to Travel Editions and Robin & Karen.
Review by Bremner who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Line who travelled 06-May-2022
We feel very privileged to have Karen & Robin Cairns as our guides. They are both so enthusiastic about Mackintosh and their enthusiasm permeates. Nothing was too much trouble. So much was packed into the few days we had, that at age 85 we took three days to recover! A wonderful experience.
Review by Forsythe who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
Robin and Karen Cairns were the ideal guides, so knowledgable and enthusiastic. Robin's theatrical storytelling style was perfect for brining the ultimately sad story of CRM and MM to life. We packed in so much in two days, with two excellent dinners, and lunches. I had waited 2 years to get to Glasgow and was not dissapointed. Fantastic tour. Well Done everyone.
Review by Rattray who travelled 06-May-2022
Very knowledgable tour manager and guide, plenty to see and lots of social opportunities
Review by Taylor who travelled 06-May-2022
Thoroughly enjoyed our tour to Glasgow. Robin and Karen were superb hosts ; welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable . We had a great time and would recommend this tour.
Review by Blackburn who travelled 22-October-2021
Robin was an extremely good tour guide, full of infectious warmth and detail for Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Together with his wife Karen it was well organised and informative with lots of humour. Would thoroughly recommend this tour to others .
Review by Harris who travelled 22-October-2021
The Mackintosh aspects were excellent - Karen and especially Robin were first class and the whole thing went like clockwork. Sadly whilst the hotel was ideally placed, it is a little scruffy and VERY noisy. I didn't get a lot of sleep. The windows need double glazing at least!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-October-2021
Karen and Robin were welcoming and knowledgable hosts. The visits were well arranged and covered the subject in depth. Brendan the driver also good. The hotel rooms were very comfortable but penny-pinching over servicing the rooms didn't go down well, also the in hotel food could be improved especially the breakfast, cold plates for hot food! Think about the menu choices, almost identical dinners Friday and Saturday not good. And if you don't like custard forget it at the Arts Club.
Review by Darwin who travelled 22-October-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-October-2021
very enjoyable weekend
Review by Anonymous who travelled 22-October-2021
The manager, lecturer and coach driver were all quite outstanding. We were kept entertained and educated throughout the trip and there was not a single apparent hitch in the arrangements. Our room at the hotel was excellent, as were the breakfasts, and room service. Evening meals were only fair, but I suspect staff shortages were giving slight problems.
Review by Dane who travelled 15-October-2021
This was an excellent tour and covered all the aspects that I wanted to know about Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Our tour guides were entertaining and informative. It was everything we had hoped it would be.
Review by Irving-Lewis who travelled 15-October-2021
I don't think that we received a brochure but read the advertisement in the "Daily Telegraph". This type of holiday was a first for us and we both enjoyed it immensely.
Review by Stelfox who travelled 15-October-2021
Very good . Your usual high standard returned.
Review by Local who travelled 15-October-2021
Very positive experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We booked our own train travel, which was ok, but not brilliant.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-October-2021
The tour guide and manager were great - it made a very successful weekend. The internet connection at the hotel was diabolical!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 15-October-2021
This was only the second group tour we have been on. The first, some years ago, was a rail trip and we felt, after that experience, that group travel wasn’t really for us. However, being devotees of Mackintosh, we decided we would try again, and were glad we did. The outstanding feature was the contribution of Robin Cairns – depth of knowledge combined with excellent presentational skills, empathy with Mackintosh and his circle as people, aesthetic appreciation for their work, he has it all. My wife summed it up as “enthusiasm, devotion, passion”! The culmination was his account of the final chapter of Mackintosh’s life. Fortuitously, he was able to deliver this in the Queen’s Cross Church, originally scheduled as an exterior visit only. Luckily, Karen was able to arrange our admission, which not only proved to be one of the most exceptional interiors, but it also provided an appropriate setting for Robin’s account of Mackintosh’s decline and death. He was clearly moved, as were we. Robin and Karen made a highly effective team. In her administrative function, we were most grateful for Karen’s sympathetic treatment of my wife’s travel requirements due to a propensity to coach sickness, but she was also highly informative on those occasions when the group needed to be split. Mention should also be made of Brendan, the exceptionally skilful coach driver. Of the locations covered, as mentioned Queen’s Cross Church particularly stood out, followed by the Willow Tea Rooms (also the best catering). The House for an Art Lover was rendered slightly less impressive by being set up for a wedding. At Hill House Robin had to defer to the National Trust of Scotland guide, so the tour became diffused and rushed. The Arts Club was disappointing, lacking in a strong Mackintosh atmosphere and the dinner was less impressive than anticipated. The Mackintosh Club in Helensburgh, however, a last minute substitution, was a revelation. Bruce’s presentation was fascinating, the premises atmospheric and the lunch, though basic, more than adequate. Well worth adding as a regular feature. We much enjoyed the extras that Robin slipped in, like the church hall where we stopped on the way to Queen’s Cross, and also the “non-Mackintosh” bonuses like the break at Loch Lomond and his entertaining narrative of the story of the murderess, Madeleine Smith. The Grosvenor Hilton Hotel was generally satisfactory, clean and with Covid precautions well observed. We had the usual gripes about the buffet breakfast not being hot enough and were disappointed by the quality and quantity of the catering for the first night dinner. I have given feedback to the hotel. It was in the nature of coach travel and the kind of places we visited that social distancing was difficult to observe effectively. Hopefully, that will not continue to be an issue but, even so, we doubt whether we shall continue to make such trips as we found the element of enforced socialisation wearing. However, overall it was a rewarding, if quite tiring, few days which greatly enhanced our knowledge and appreciation of Mackintosh, for which all praise to Robin and Karen.
Review by Butcher who travelled 17-September-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-September-2021
It was a most enjoyable tour with excellent leaders. Glasgow was new to us and the hotel was very well situated for an interesting walkabout when we arrived - we will return to visit the Botanical Gardens another time. The sun shone most of the time and a brief stop by the shores of Loch Lomond at the end was the icing on the cake.
Review by Thompson who travelled 17-September-2021
Special mention to our two tour guides, Robin and Karen Cairns.. Despite a couple of changes to the itinerary (due to COVID not being open), the replacements were more than satisfactory and the George Cross Church was in fact open and we were allowed inside which really capped the trip off nicely. Robin also sneaked in another Mackintosh church hall in MerryHill.
Review by Sullivan who travelled 17-September-2021
Whole weekend was organised to perfection, everything ran smoothly. Robin and Karen know their subject inside out and make perfect hosts. The enthusiasm of all involved was infectious. Thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-September-2021
Robin and Karen were engaging, so enthusiastic and always ready to answer questions or expand our knowledge. We were very lucky to share the tour with lovely, friendly and enthusiastic people.
Review by Sung who travelled 17-September-2021
The tour itself was excllent. Robin and his wife were very knowledgeable (Robin was particularly enthusiastic and entertaining) The hotel let the trip down. The bedside lights in my room flickered and the lavatory kept on running. The food was poor. However, the location was excellent and the staff were very helpful.
Review by Whaley who travelled 17-September-2021
Well organized and interesting tour. Guides excellent.
Review by Trenouth who travelled 17-September-2021
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Karen and Robin were very professional, friendly, helpful and well informed. We understood that not everywhere would be open due to Covid and that alterations to the planned itinerary would have to be made. Yet we were delighted with all our visits throughout the tour. We really immersed ourselves in the world and art of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and came away enlightened and more knowledgeable about his influence on 19th and 20th Century art, design, furniture and architecture.
Review by Thomson who travelled 17-September-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-September-2021
It was a most enjoyable weekend and the tour guides, Robin and Karen were delightful and very informative. All the places visited were fascinating and the hotel was excellent and very comfortable.
Review by Goodman who travelled 17-September-2021
Excellent in virtually every way. Robin and Karen Cairns were superb in their knowledge and delivery of everything to do with Charles Rennie Mackintosh. We enjoyed it immensely. The Hotel was adequate and that's all we can say. We have been in much better Hilton Hotels.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 17-September-2021
A brilliant short break in Glasgow! Many thanks to Robin and Karen for a memorable weekend.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-October-2019
Review by Steere who travelled 18-October-2019
A thoroughly fascinating weekend, made all the more enjoyable by the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm displayed by Robin and Karen. Timing was impeccable – even allowing for the uncertainty around the wait for entry to the Mackintosh House in the Hunterian Gallery – and we were particularly impressed by Robin's immaculate pacing of the Mackintosh 'story' over the course of 3 days. Congratulations to all concerned – including Alec for his excellent driving. We've been recommending this tour to all our friends, and look forward to advancing our education (and being richly entertained) by Travel Editions on future excursions. Allan & Val Weller
Review by Weller who travelled 18-October-2019
A totally brilliant break in Glasgow. -- with a focus. All was smoothly and most interestingly arranged by Karen & Robin Cairns who were excellent : so knowledgeable about CRM and so calm and friendly. What a variety of beautiful and impressive places to visit, see -- and eat in ! AND a very pleasant group. Perfect! Thank you.
Review by Bremner who travelled 18-October-2019
An excellent tour which all four of us thoroughly enjoyed. Robin and Karen were very knowledgable about the subject with the added bonus of Robin's familiarity with all things Glaswegian which he shared in an entertaining, but always professional, manner. I will certainly recommend this trip to friends and family.
Review by WATKINS who travelled 18-October-2019
Robin and Karen Cairns were brilliant - knowledgeable, funny, helpful - the complete package in themselves. The sites visited were stunning. Well done!
Review by Catty who travelled 18-October-2019
We are only sorry that, due to heavy colds, we had to drop out of the last day of the tour, as up to that point we had had a wonderful time. Compliments and congratulations to all concerned
Review by Rodway who travelled 18-October-2019
Very enjoyable trip. Robin & Karen were fabulous guides. Highly recommend this tour. Will book with Travel Editions again.
Review by Reed who travelled 18-October-2019
I stayed in room 140 at the Hilton Grosvenor overlooking the Botanical Gardens. Very comfortable; could open the windows and the background traffic noise didn't disturb me. Service was over and above brilliant. Our tour leaders Robin and Karen Cairns were wonderfully knowledgable with humour and passion for all things Mackintosh.
Review by Robinson who travelled 18-October-2019
Everything was wonderful - including the weather and an unexpected stop on the ...bonney, bonney banks of Loch Lomond! However, the first night welcoming dinner -at The Hilton, no less - was a disgrace!!! The beef, if that’s what it was, was literally like shoe leather, the vegetables, overcooked, and the selection of puddings was no longer available. It was inedible!! For an establishment like the Hilton chain, which must live on its tour, wedding and party bookings, this was totally unacceptable and left Travel Editions in a bad light on the first day. However, everything else was excellent: Karen and Robin Cairns were delightful and informed hosts, the driver was polite and efficient and all the chosen attractions were terrific - especially the evening dinner at the Glasgow Art Club. Thank you - but book a hotel with better food, please, next time!!!
Review by Bruno who travelled 18-October-2019
Rob and Karen were fantastic guides, very friendly and full of enthusiasm for their topic. Hotel very helpful when my travelling companion became ill at night.
Review by Tuffs who travelled 18-October-2019
The hotel housekeeping was a little hit and miss. They replenished tea bags some days, but not others, for example, (we stayed four nights). They gave me three lots of soap?! The hotel staff were all very enthusiastic and helpful, though, even making me almond milk lattes for breakfast! Karen and Robin were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We could not have had a nicer couple in charge. Looking forward to the Gunpowder Plot and two holidays with you already booked for next year!
Review by Grainger who travelled 18-October-2019
A very well planned tour that ought to be more popular. Although it is not possible to visit the Glasgow School of Art at the moment, we saw enough of Mackingtosh's work - in two houses, two museums, a school, a church and a club - to fill two long days. As we have found on other Travel Editions tours, it was very pleasant to have lunches included rather than being sent away to find something to eat in an unfamiliar city and told to 'be back at the bus at 2 o'clock'.
Review by Perkins who travelled 27-September-2019
An exceptionally well thought out, themed short break with a touch of luxury. Have booked with travel Editions before & will do so again.
Review by Mansbridge who travelled 27-September-2019
We had an excellent weekend and learnt so much. The tour guide was superb as was the tour manager ... they made it a weekend to remember.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-July-2019
I think that this tour is made doubly excellent by Robin and Karen Cairns whose input is a great asset to your company. It makes for the difference between a good tour and a most enjoyable and informative one. I think that everyone on the tour would agree with me on that point.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-July-2019
Train journey 71/2 hours long but not your fault! My daughter , granddaughter and I greatly enjoyed the tour, mainly because of the excellent commentaries by Robin Cairns and his wife Karen but also because of the friendliness of our fellow passengers. We've thought about suggestions to enhance the experience. 1. Allow time for 'comfort stops' when arriving at a venue. We had to find the toilets and then catch up with the group. 2 On the last day make it a proper lunch eg at the Willow Tea Rooms . This would allow people leaving for a long journey at 5pm to have had a meal that day. On the Saturday we had a full meal there and another one at the Artists Club in the evening and two main meals aren't necessary in one day. A full lunch on the last day would give people a chance to say proper goodbyes to their companions on this tour. On the Sunday we had indifferent sandwiches and very spicy soup given us in a public , busy restaurant at Kelvin Grove museum and at 5pm everyone rushed their separate ways, leaving a feeling of emptiness and incompleteness. Even a last cup of tea would have been welcome, say at the Mackintosh Church? Thank you
Review by Bloomfield who travelled 05-July-2019
Absolutely excellent tour in every way. Robin & Karen were superb!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-July-2019
One of the most enjoyable holidays I’ ve ever had, largely due to the efficiency and warm personalities of Karen and Robin Cairns. Two days were not sufficient to do credit to the work of Charles Mackintosh and the sights of Glasgow. An extra day would have been welcomed. Robin and Karen were superlative guides.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-July-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-July-2019
Hotel could have been more centrally located especially for those extending their stay.
Review by Cope who travelled 14-June-2019
Very good tour with excellent tour guides husband and wife Robin and Karen. Would appreciate slightly later start in the morning ie 9.30
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-June-2019
Outstanding tour guides with infectious enthusiasm
Review by Pollitt who travelled 14-June-2019
A thorough and very enjoyable tour, enhanced by the excellent job done by Robin and Karen as guides. More generally I particularly appreciate the guidance you give on the amount of walking involved in your tours
Review by Wiseman who travelled 14-June-2019
Brilliant tour. Robin & Karen were both excellent in their own way - the admin was very smooth and unobtrusive, the talks were top class, with historical accuracy and wit thrown in! The only suggestion would be to rearrange the order of the visits to better match the chronology of the buildings better.
Review by Fulton who travelled 14-June-2019
Tour good with knowledgeable guides. There is a new statue of Charles Rennie Mackintosh which the taxi driver pointed out on the way back to Glasgow station. It would have been good if we could have seen that on one of the coach outings.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-June-2019
Karen and Robin Cairns are among the best guides/managers we have had over the 50 years of travelling globally.
Review by Roberts who travelled 14-June-2019
A very enjoyable event. The knowledge and enthusiasm of the tour guides added to the experience.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-June-2019
This was an exceptionally well designed and prepared tour, in no small measure due to our excellent guides, Rob and Karen Cairns. Both of them were welcoming, knowledgeable and passionate about he subject. It was a great pleasure to be guided by them and to share with them their enthusiasm for the Mackintoshes.
Review by Hall who travelled 19-October-2018
Excellent itinerary with good substitutes for the Art School and Hill House which were unavailable. Robin and Karen dovetailed very well and were very passionate about Charles Rennie Macintosh and Glasgow in general.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
A first class Tour with masterful guides, Robin & Karen Cairns. The overall organisation and timing were very good with no apparent time pressures - but we are sure there were from the guides perspective! An excellent overview of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh era. Minor comments would be the lack of printed dates on your final itinerary papers. Also the evening introduction dinner at the Hilton Hotel was of disappointing & poor quality and not good organisation by their inexperienced staff.
Review by Kettel who travelled 19-October-2018
The tour exceeded our expectations, we learnt so much about Charles Rennie Mackintosh whilst seeing some wonderful works of art in unexpected places.
Review by Sutherland who travelled 19-October-2018
Excellent weekend tour with tour manager and guide Karen and Robin. Their infectious enthusiam really brought the subject to life. Although a short tour, we felt that we learned a great deal about Art Nouveau and I might even change my preference from Deco.
Review by Jones who travelled 19-October-2018
A most enjoyable trip led with enthusiasm and a great experience must come back to Glasgow when all the other renovations are complete
Review by Rimmer who travelled 19-October-2018
The Tour Guide and Tour Organiser were excellent and the hotel (Glasgow Hilton Macdonald) was very good - comfortable, helpful staff.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-October-2018
An outstanding tour with outstanding guides (Robin and Karen) who were able to cater for the experts amongst the group as well as those who knew very little about Mackintosh. It was a large group but thanks to the skillful organisation of the tour manager/leader it never felt like it. We covered a great deal and I left wanting more. I already plan to do the tour a second time.
Review by eden who travelled 28-September-2018
The tour manager and lecturer were excellent. They were very friendly and knowledgeable and made the whole experience great.
Review by Simons who travelled 28-September-2018
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. It was well arranged, interesting and stimulating. It has encouraged to look for another Travel Editions holiday in 2019.
Review by Gold who travelled 28-September-2018
Lecturer excellent. Well organised and efficient. Thank you.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 28-September-2018
I especially appreciated the chance to see the Glasgow Art Club. Dinner there was very good. The coach drivers did an excellent job. The visit to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian involved quite a long wait, on our feet. It wasn't made clear to all of how long that would take, since the group was divided into three. A little morevcoordination was needed.
Review by Forster who travelled 28-September-2018
Thoroughly enjoyable tour, with excellent guides who were able to adjust the itinerary to everyone's satisfaction in light of the fire at the Art School and the damp problems at Hill House.
Review by Moreton who travelled 28-September-2018
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative tour, the tour manager(s) were informed and good heated. We particularly enjoyed the dinner at the Glasgow Arts Club.
Review by Bessant who travelled 28-September-2018
The enthusiasm and skills of the guides was excellent as was their approachability. We had a great time. And managed to fit in other things as well like Glasgow city chambers Kipple Palace and the University buildings. And all the Hunterian!!!
Review by Shoults who travelled 28-September-2018
excellent leadership by Robin and Karen. loved the private dinner at the Art club and exclusive tour of the Willow tea rooms exhibition. We are devoted Mackintosh supporters and enjoyed the itinerary, unfortunately we were let down by the hotel in the location of the room and the food and the attitude of the staff and hotel policy.
Review by Fothergill who travelled 07-September-2018
I cannot speak highly enough of Robin and Karen. They were fun, super-efficient, kind and very knowledgeable. The hotel was excellent, all the trips were fabulous, particularly, for me, The Willow Tearooms and the Glasgow Art Club dinner. We were made to feel very special.
Review by Stockell who travelled 07-September-2018
The enthusiasm of our guides was infectious and the architecture and interiors we saw were spectacular. A very concentrated tour.
Review by who travelled 07-September-2018
A stunning trip with topnotch lecturers. Inspiring. Hotel noisy one night because of a wedding party.
Review by Woodward who travelled 07-September-2018
Housekeeping not good at Hilton Grosvenor Our room was not serviced one day and tea and milk not replenished until requested Our guides were excellent
Review by who travelled 06-July-2018
No air conditioning in hotel room. Opening the window resulted in unbearable traffic noise. At the dinners, the food was quite good butthe wines were of poor quality and we were expected to pour it ourselves. It might be an idea not to include wine, let people buy their own and have it served correctly. Karin and Robin-our gudes-were excellent-very friendly and knowledgable.
Review by Wilkerson who travelled 06-July-2018
Despite the disappointment of not being able to see the Hill House, the alternative of the Willow Tea Room was excellent. The tour guides did their very best to make this an enjoyable and interesting experience. To be recommended.
Review by Stone who travelled 06-July-2018
Our tour manager and guide were both excellent and helped make this a memorable trip. The hotel rooms were well appointed but a little noisy, being on a main road, and sometimes hot and stuffy as they lacked air-conditioning. Opening the windows increased air-flow but also noise. Overall, though, the hotel and staff were good.
Review by Wilkerson who travelled 06-July-2018
The combined talents of husband and wife team Robin and Karen Cairns, who led the tour, made an obviously interesting weekend into a highly entertaining and enjoyable experience. Their knowledge, passion for their subject and storytelling skills vividly brought to life the world of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his circle as we visited some of the beautiful buildings and interiors designed by Charles and his wife Margaret. The hotel and meals were ok, too!
Review by Sturgeon who travelled 06-July-2018
Review by who travelled 06-July-2018
Excellent guides, with insider knowledge of Glasgow, and a fascinating incite into Rennie Mackintosh.Hotel good, and opposite the Botanic Gardens
Review by Cox who travelled 06-July-2018
This was a brilliant tour made so by Robin and Karen the tour managers. Robin's passion and knowledge of everything Rennie MacIntosh really made the difference. He was just a pleasure to listen to and with Karen's architectural and artistic and design knowledge and outgoing personalities we couldn't have asked for anything more. Also the little breaks such as the coffee and shortbread break at Hill House and lunch at one of Robin and Karen's favourite restuarants just added to the feel good factor.
Review by who travelled 27-October-2017
Our tour leaders Robin & Karen were experts in the subject & their presentation first class . A most enjoyable trip, with an interesting group of people. Thank You & 0f course Robin & Karen.
Review by Moylan who travelled 27-October-2017
The Dinner at the Arts Club is in our view a splendid highlight in the tour with so much for our excellent tour guide to explain after a superb meal
Review by Hill who travelled 27-October-2017
It was a thoroughly enjoyable tour. The guides were very helpful and informative. There was a lot scheduled each day. It might be worth considering extending the tour by one day whilst keeping the same visits thus allowing more time at each venue.
Review by Cobley who travelled 27-October-2017
Well planned and informative days and evenings in good company - an excellent tour
Review by Montgomery who travelled 27-October-2017
This was our first tour with Travel Editions and it certainly exceeded expectations. The weekend was very full but very well planned. Jenny and Dai were the best tour leaders imaginable - friendly, efficient, making sure everything everything worked well and above all with deep knowledge and love of Mackintosh. Our only gripe was that the hotel charged a supplement for a twin room: we are both individually used to paying extra as a single but hav never before come across a twin supplement and it did feel somewhat exploitative. In other respects the tour was good value
Review by Ms Heather Scott who travelled 28-October-2016
It was the last tour for our husband and wife managers. Very good atmosphere and a suitable farewell tour. We wish them well in their new venture.
Review by Mr Robert Penicud who travelled 28-October-2016
We were very privileged to have Di and Jenny Vaughan as our tour guides . They were outstandingly knowledgeable and very good company.. It was a wonderful weekend .
Review by Mr John Dixon who travelled 28-October-2016
Review by Mrs Dijana Warrender who travelled 28-October-2016
Dai & JennyVaughan were wonderful Guides
Review by Mr David Prest who travelled 28-October-2016
Dai and Jenny were excellent leaders - so glad we managed to be part of their last tour. Dinner at the Art Club was a real privilege. The hotel was very good - the staff particularly friendly and helpful. The coach driver too was safe and reliable. An action packed weekend but came back feeling I had had a tonic!
Review by Miss J Vernier who travelled 28-October-2016
Overall - excellent. Dai Vaughan the main guide is outstanding and it's a great loss that he and Jenny are retiring. The Hilton was generally what you'd expect, but we did have soiled towels in our room, the toilet flush was on its way out and the bottom of the door showed scruffy damp damage (room 217) - so below what we'd expect from an otherwise upmarket hotel. The staff were charming though, that helped. Glasgow School of Art - it said in the brochure that just the outside would be seen, but this turned out to be well after dark with scaffolding covering all of it, so all we could see was a weather vane - someone should have noticed the clocks went back during this holiday! Other venues like Hill House and House for an Art Lover were fantastic.
Review by Mrs Erica Middleton who travelled 28-October-2016
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your kind comments and glad to hear you enjoyed the trip.
Our congratulations to Dai & Jennie Vaughan on making this such an enjoyable tour.
Review by Mr Malcolm Stewart who travelled 28-October-2016
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Although seeing the College of Art covered in scaffolding was sad We were impressed with the scale (particularly the height). Hill House and the House for an Art Lover were amazing. Also the Kelvingrove Art gallery and Museum - well worth the 2 visits. Dai & Jenny were excellent guides, sources of endless information and sources of such detailed information and anecdotes.
Review by Mr Adrian Harrison who travelled 09-September-2016
Review by Dr Jennifer Somerville who travelled 09-September-2016
It would have been more helpful to emphasise staying an extra night as the last train from Glasgow on Sundays leaves at 5.30 pm. Thus cutting short the last building visit and then a rush to the station.
Review by Mrs Vicki Walton who travelled 09-September-2016
Very enjoyable with excellent presentations. Hotel rooms and service first class as one would expect.
Review by Mr David Soanes who travelled 09-September-2016
Really enjoyable tour and it was a privilege to be with Dai and Jenny Vaughan, their knowledge and enthusiasm with regard to Mackintosh is amazing. We learnt a lot in a weekend and saw some beautiful buildings.
Review by Mrs Bernice Hart who travelled 09-September-2016
Review by Mrs Marion Kumar who travelled 09-September-2016
Review by who travelled 09-September-2016
Review by Mr Gordon Fielding who travelled 09-September-2016
Well organised knowledgeable guide s good weather and company
Review by Dr Gwendolen Brown who travelled 09-September-2016
Tour managers very well-informed and humorous about the life and times of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, ensuring we saw as wide a variety of their work as was possible in the time. Goal attained, satisfied customers as a result.
Review by Mrs Isabel Stanton who travelled 29-July-2016
Excellent holiday, Tour Managers were truly excellent, husband and wife team certainly knew their stuff!
Review by Mrs Doreen Prosser who travelled 29-July-2016
Myfirst trip with Travel Editions and my first ever visit to Glasgow. I was very impressed with everything: Dai and Jenny Vaughan are inspirational! They conveyed their enthusiasm and knowledge of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in a very approachable manner. I feel privileged to have been able to discover Mackintosh's work through them.
Review by Mrs Anne Crowther who travelled 29-July-2016
We were glad to be able to see the Mackintosh house after all
Review by Ms Cressida Miles who travelled 29-July-2016
The tour guide Dai was excellent and very informative.
Review by Ms S Stevens who travelled 29-July-2016
Review by Mr D Room who travelled 29-July-2016
Very enjoyable weekend, packed programme, knowledgeable tour guides, experienced and thoughtful.Good value, and an excellent, thorough Mckintosh experience
Review by Mrs Linda Holt who travelled 29-July-2016
Not only were Jenny and Dai terrific tour guides, they were also great people. Very honoured to have met them. The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful, but my room was extremely noisy as it was almost on the corner of the hotel over a very busy crossroads, sleep was very difficult. Although the food was fine in the hotel, the meals in the other venues were not good.
Review by Mrs Patricia Onions who travelled 29-July-2016
I very much enjoyed the experience over all and thought Dai and Jenny Vaughan were excellent tour managers with their extensive knowledge of the subject and Glasgow and enthusiasm. I have taken a brochure home with me and expect to travel with Travel Editions again.
Review by Ms Sara Morris who travelled 29-July-2016
