Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
On arrival at Dublin airport, your airport transfer service leaves for your hotel. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
An orientation with your Local Expert will take you past the Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to gain insight into the establishment's impressive history.
Witness life behind the scenes of the National Stud Farm, where many legendary racehorses are bred. Then see the finest Japanese gardens in Europe, where the gardens portray the symbolism of life and trace the journey of a soul, designed by master horticulturists, Tassa and Minoru Eida. Continue on to Cork, Ireland's second most populous city, built on the River Lee. Travel along Grand Parade to see Cork's City Hall and Opera House.
Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.
Tour the superb seascapes, towering cliffs and spectacular mountains of the Ring of Kerry. Journey past lush lakelands and through delightful villages like Sneem. Cross the peat bogs of the Black Valley to Moll's Gap and admire Queen Victoria's Ladies View. Upon returning in the mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Begin the day with a short ferry ride across the Shannon estuary. Enjoy magnificent views of the Clare coast, as you journey to the Visitors' Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher.
Continue on to your hotel, located at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Join your Travel Director in Galway to see the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. Also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Tour the wild Connemara region, a scenic wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.
Cross into Northern Ireland to visit Londonderry. What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he walks with you inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This geological masterpiece was created by the cooling of lava which burst through the earth's crust millions of years ago. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, take a spectacular drive along the Antrim Coast to your hotel, overlooking the sea at the head of Ballygally Bay.
Cross the Irish Sea by ferry and journey to Ardgowan. Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle, set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Explore the history of the area and learn the Shaw Stewart family's conservation efforts to protect the land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, followed by delightful traditional Scottish tea and scones. Continue to Glasgow where your Travel Director will show you the city's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
In the morning, see the sights of Inverness, before traveling to the Culloden Moor Visitor Center, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally defeated. Then have a 'wee dram' during a visit to a local distillery, hear stories of the whisky smugglers as you delve into the fascinating world of the single malt.
A scenic drive takes you through the Grampian Mountains past the Duke of Atholl's Blair Castle. Drive down and cross the Tay to visit St. Andrews. As you arrive, pass the Old Course, the home of golf since its invention in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Why not wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton and Prince William began? Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Continue across the majestic Forth Road Bridge to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. In the evening, select departures attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
In the morning, join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. In the Old Town see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the Honours of Scotland. In the afternoon, you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish, or perhaps go shopping. Join your friends in the heart of Edinburgh at a Celebration Dinner of modern Scottish cuisine served with wine.
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast with transfers arriving at Edinburgh airport.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Irish Countryside & Glendalough (Available on Day 2)An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow - the garden of Ireland. With our Local Expert, we'll pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. Afterwards, we'll explore the monastic remains before returning to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Adult Price: €34 Dinner & Cabaret (Available on Day 2)Ireland conjures of images of hearty meals and toe-tapping entertainment. Indulge in a bit of both over an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. Get in the spirit joining in the show, elevated with a healthy dose of Irish humor. Enhance your evening sipping on an after-dinner Irish coffee.
Adult Price: €89 Cork Dinner (Available on Day 3)
Lively and fun loving, Cork city is justly celebrated for fine local produce and great restaurants. Tonight, take the opportunity to dine out and enjoy the great atmosphere and vibrant heart of Ireland's 'rebel' city. Three-course dinner with drinks.
Adult Price: €74 Evening of Irish Entertainment with Pub Supper (Available on Day 3)Tonight, we'll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers including a good hearty Pub Supper.
Adult Price: €60 A Tour of Cork's Inner City (Available on Day 3)Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" is one of Irelands Hidden Gems and dates back to the 7th century. This walking tour will encompass the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding & settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes.
View Shandon Steeple rich in history and folklore, walk the narrow laneways towards the city center. Cross the North Channel of the river Lee. In the heart of the city surrounded by this braided river, hear the the tales and history of this port city and of it's place in the world. And enjoy hearing the lilt of the lovely Cork accent!
Adult Price: €23 Queenstown Story (Available on Day 4)Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world's second-largest natural harbor. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral and the Queenstown Story to hear about the town's past and discover how it became the single most important Irish port of emigration.
Adult Price: €29 Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 4)The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out.
Adult Price: €37 Celtic Steps (Available on Day 4)Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig.
Adult Price: €43 An Irish Pub Experience (Available on Day 5)Enjoy an exclusive Irish 'session' in the oldest pub in town, perhaps even pull your own pint! A local musician joins us this afternoon for music, song and a glimpse into Ireland's past. Enjoy this unique experience whilst sipping on an Irish Coffee, Whiskey or local draft beer.
Adult Price: €32 Medieval City Walk With Pub Supper (Available on Day 6)Uncover more sights and insights of Galway joining your Local Expert for an informative stroll. Dine this in one of Galway's best-loved taverns where traditional pub favorites may include Irish salmon, seafood chowder, colcannon, shepherd’s pie and lamb stew. Sip on a pint on this up close and personal night out with West of Ireland traditional musicians.
Adult Price: €64 Glasgow Dinner (Available on Day 9)In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night.
Adult Price: £62 Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow (Available on Day 9)Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.
Adult Price: £73 An Evening with Nessie (Available on Day 11)Join us at the only pub on the shores of Loch Ness, overlooking Dores beach. Enjoy a drink whilst listening to the tales of our expert Steve, a man who has devoted over thirty years of his life to hunting for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. A unique evening, following the journey of the ultimate "Nessie Hunter"!
Adult Price: £24 Blair Castle (Available on Day 12)Journey into the fascinating past with a visit to the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Brimming with treasures inside and out, magnificent Blair Castle is set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. During your visit, see how the castle has been transformed through the ages and learn how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army.
Adult Price: £30 Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 12)Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.
Adult Price: £85 Royal Edinburgh (Available on Day 13)We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland. Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.
Adult Price: £44 Edinburgh - The Untold Story (Available on Day 13)
Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.
Adult Price: £29