16 Day Scottish & Irish Gold

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Tour Includes:

Day 1: Glasgow City Tour

Your Scottish trip starts at 2:30 pm when you meet your tour director at your Glasgow hotel and set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow. See the main attractions including parks and squares and view extensive art collections at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Chat with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel.
(D)

Day 2: Loch Lomond & Inveraray Castle

Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate views of Highland peaks. Drive to Inveraray and browse around the town before touring Inveraray Castle, home of the Campbells and used as a location for the Downton Abbey series. Drive through Glen Coe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places, and on to the coast to your hotel in Ballachulish.
(B, D)

Day 3: Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Centre

Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye and visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. Drive through the island and return to the mainland by the bridge, stopping for photos at the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Then drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a manor house property set in spacious grounds near the North Sea.
(B, D)

Day 4: Culloden Battlefield & Sheepdogs

A short distance from Nairn is the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre. Learn about the battle which took place on 16th April 1746 when British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The Visitor Centre explains how events led to the conflict and was the end of the clan system in Scotland. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm where dogs herd sheep. Drive past the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.
(B, D)

Day 5: Blair Castle & Whisky Tasting

Your first stop today is Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to 1269, the castle has been transformed through the ages, from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle in the baronial style. You will learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and the Atholl Highlanders. Visit Blair Athol Distillery to learn about whiskey making and sample a “wee dram”. Spend the afternoon at leisure on exploring the hotel gardens, museum and facilities or browsing around the town of Pitlochry.
(B, D)

Day 6: Glamis Castle, St Andrews & Scottish Evening in Edinburgh

Visit Glamis Castle, legendary setting of Macbeth and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course on a panoramic drive. If you prefer, browse through the medieval town with its ruined cathedral and castle. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and enjoy a Scottish Evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes and kilts.
(B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle and admire splendid views. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. On July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
(B)

Day 8: Titanic Belfast & Vibrant Dublin

Depart Edinburgh early this morning and drive south through Ayrshire and along the coast. At Cairnryan take a ferry ride to Belfast and enjoy lunch on board. Close to the Belfast ferry terminal in the heart of the docks, visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this famous liner through state-of-the-art displays. Drive south to Dublin where you are free to dine independently.
(B, L)

Day 9: Clonmacnoise & Galway

Leave Dublin and visit Clonmacnoise Monastic site, founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran on the banks of the River Shannon. See elaborate high crosses as well as many church ruins and round towers. Drive to Galway for a gentle walking tour before checking in to your hotel, located near specialty stores, cafés and pubs. Enjoy free time before dining in your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 10: Cliffs of Moher & Irish Night

Drive through the heart of Connemara to Leenane to embark on a short cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord. Enjoy views of hills where traces of “lazy beds” of potato ridges from the 19th century can still be seen. Stop for a casual lunch and tour Kylemore Abbey, an impressive mansion that is set in a lovely location by a lake. Return to Galway where the evening is free.
(B, L)

Day 11: Dingle Peninsula & Killarney

Travel south around Galway Bay to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Watch trained working dogs herd sheep and take a ferry across the River Shannon. Drive to Killarney and take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle to view the wonderful scenery. This evening head out to enjoy an Irish Night featuring a lively show and dinner.
(B, D)

Day 12: Ring of Kerry Tour & Muckross House

Travel around the famous Ring of Kerry route. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the rocky offshore islands and savor a casual lunch. Stop at Moll’s Gap for great views and tour Muckross House to see period furnishings. Enjoy free time to browse around Killarney.
(B, L)

Day 13: Blarney Castle & Waterford Crystal

Drive to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Stop in Dungarvan at the Marine Bar for a creamy Irish coffee and an informal traditional music session. Check into your historic Waterford hotel. At the House of Waterford Crystal, watch glass blowing and cutting by master craftspeople and see intricate trophies.
(B, D)

Day 14: Waterford Walk & Dublin Restaurant

Start your day with a fun walking tour to discover Waterford’s long history. Then visit the Medieval Museum, which incorporates a 13th-century Choristers’ Hall. Stop in Kilkenny for a look around the city center before heading to your hotel in Dublin and savor an elegant farewell dinner at O’Connell’s Restaurant.
(B, D)

Day 15: Independent Bus Tour

Spend an additional day in Dublin so that you may use your vouchers for an independent open-top bus tour around the city and a visit to one attraction.
(B)

Day 16: Depart Dublin for Home

Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)