Best of Ireland and Scotland Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive Dublin (2 Nights)

Explore the Celtic heritage and hospitality of Ireland and Scotland on this grand adventure through beautiful landscapes and enchanting cities. Our first day sees us delve into the charm and whimsy of the Irish capital, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception at a traditional Irish pub to kick start your unforgettable holiday. Welcome Reception

Day 2: Dublin Sightseeing

Drive through the quaint streets of Dublin, joining your Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour past the stately Georgian Square and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure soaking up the charm of this vibrant city. Stop in for a pint of "the Black Stuff" in Temple Bar, admire the colourful performers on Grafton Street. Consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to tap your feet to the lively sounds of Irish music at an Irish cabaret. Full Breakfast

Day 3: Dublin – Kildare – Waterford

Ireland's strong tradition of breeding world-class thoroughbreds is explored this morning during a Cultural Insight at the Irish National Stud Farm. Enjoy a guided walk admiring the powerful steeds that have made racing history and stroll around the tranquil Japanese gardens. We travel to the House of Waterford Crystal this afternoon for a Cultural Insight into this delicate craft where we'll see talented master craftsmen at work in their workshop and admire the beautiful results in the showroom. Full Breakfast

Day 4: Waterford – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights)

Bend over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to the lakeside town of Killarney, our home for the next two nights. We journey to 1930s Ireland this evening, visiting the working farms of Muckross where we'll learn about traditional farming and meet the families who ply the land. A traditional Be My Guest dinner will see us enjoy delicious local flavours in the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney. Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Excursion

The astounding beauty of Iveragh Peninsula accompanies us on this breathtaking coastal drive around the 'Ring of Kerry' - a dramatic landscape of mountains, loughs and lakes that have inspired writers and poets for centuries. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with the picturesque Macgillycuddy's Reeks peaks in the distance. Full Breakfast

Day 6: Killarney – Galway – Enniscrone

Drive through quaint Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, known for its picturesque thatched cottages. The imposing stone Cathedral built on the site of an old prison and Eyre Square take centre stage on our next stop in Galway where we'll enjoy some free time to explore the city before continuing our journey northward. This evening we dine in our hotel. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Enniscrone – Donegal – Londonderry/Derry

Head north to the quaint town of Donegal with its 'Diamond' centre before travelling to Londonderry to stroll along its 17th century walls with a Local Specialist. See the "Troubles" neighbourhood of Bogside and see its murals depicting the battles of that time before continuing to Londonderry on the River Foyle where we'll spend the night. Full Breakfast

Day 8: Londonderry/Derry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast

Tread in the footsteps of Finn Mac Cool and along the other-worldly Giant's Causeway 'steps' that descend into the sea, admiring one of Ireland's most iconic natural wonders. We arrive in Belfast later and visit the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre for a Cultural Insight into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. The rest of the evening is ours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the capital of Northern Ireland. Full Breakfast

Day 9: Belfast – Glasgow (2 Nights)

Join your Local Specialist this morning for an included city tour which will take us to Queen's University and the Baroque Revival-style City Hall. We board our ferry at Larne and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland, driving through the picturesque Ayrshire countryside en route to Glasgow, our home for the next two nights. Full Breakfast

Day 10: Glasgow Orientation

Embrace fascinating Scottish culture in its cultural capital, Glasgow, meander through the Toon to admire views of George Square and the River Clyde, which was once the heart of Scotland's shipbuilding industry. We head to whisky country next, visiting the beautiful Glengoyne whisky distillery for a Cultural Insight into making Scotland's favourite honey-coloured drink and a chance to sample a wee dram. Our hearts warmed, we return to Glasgow for some free time to explore the city on our own terms. Full Breakfast

Day 11: Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle of Skye

Journey along the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the tragic site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds at the 'Glen of Weeping' before continuing to Fort William, at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. At Glenfinnan, we see the viaduct along which Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express journeys to his school of magic and the monument to the final Jacobite Rising. Cross by ferry to the breathtaking Isle of Skye where we'll spend this evening dining in our hotel. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Isle of Skye – Loch Ness – Culloden – Scottish Highlands

We leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the picturesque site where three lochs meet. View Eilean Donan Castle before travelling along the banks of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster that bears its name. The bloody battlefield of Culloden is our next stop where we spend some time reflecting on the many men who lost their lives in the brief but brutal battle between the Redcoats and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites. This evening we spend the evening dining at our hotel in the Scottish Highlands. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Scottish Highlands – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Meandering through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, we pass the picturesque village of Pitlochry before arriving in the historic town of St. Andrews and its famous golf course on which golfing greats have clamoured to play for centuries. We cross the scenic Firth of Forth to enchanting Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Take to the beguiling streets of the Scottish capital this evening soaking up its warmth and conviviality with an evening of traditional dance, music and Scottish fare. During the month of August, certain departures include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. Full Breakfast

Day 14: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Spend the morning exploring this charming cityscape. Join your Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city from its imposing Castle Rock vantage point. See the Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyrood in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish Parliament building. As our memorable holiday comes to an end, we meet our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce over shared experiences. Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 15: Depart Edinburgh

For now it's time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and our newfound friends, at the end of an unforgettable Celtic sojourn. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Full Breakfast