Summer 2027
If you are intrigued by what you read about Mendelssohn’s Scottish journey and would like follow in his footsteps 198 years later, or if you love Mendelssohn’s music and particularly his Hebrides Overture or Scottish Symphony and want to learn more about what inspired him, or if you have a fascination with Scottish history including the life of Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century or the Jacobite up-risings of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, or if you simply want to enjoy some of the UK’s most beautiful sights and scenery, then drop us a line to express interest in joining the “In the Footsteps of Mendelssohn” holiday in the summer of 2027. The dates have yet to be confirmed but we will take a note of your interest and get back to you as soon as there is news on the dates.
About the Holiday
The "In the Footsteps of Mendelssohn" holiday will be led by Stephen Carpenter who has had a career in managing orchestras in Scotland and England since the 1980s. He has undertaken a close study of Mendelssohn, in particular the sketches and letters that throw such a vivid light on the composer's Scottish journey in 1829, and which form the inspiration for this holiday which will start and end in Edinburgh, and visit Abbotsford (the home of Sir Walter Scott), Melrose Abbey, Dunkeld, the Pass of Killiecrankie. To express interest in joining the holidays, contact Stephen Carpenter.
A summary of the holiday is given below and further details can be found here.
In the Footsteps of Mendelssohn - holiday summary
Day 1 – Edinburgh. Independent arrival and check-in at an Edinburgh Hotel from 3.00pm. Welcome dinner at the Hotel at 7.00pm
Day 2 – Holyrood Palace, Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens, and dinner under your own arrangements in Edinburgh
Day 3 – Depart Edinburgh for a visit to Abbotsford (the home of Sir Walter Scott) and Melrose before travelling on to the Dunkeld House Hotel.
Day 4 – The Falls of Braan at the Hermitage, Bruar Falls, Blair Castle and back to the Dunkeld House Hotel.
Day 5 – across the Highlands, past Loch Tay and Glencoe to Oban where we stay for 2 nights.
Day 6 – day trip to the islands of Mull and Staffa (with its majectic Fingal's Cave) and Iona.
Day 7 – return from Oban to Edinburgh a drop-off at Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Waverley Station for independent departure home.