HIGHLIGHTS
- Dublin Grand Canal cruise with dinner
- Touring Dublin city highlights
- Visit The Guinness Storehouse
- Visit Blarney Castle
- Tour he Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula region
- Enjoy a local Irish pub lunch
- City walking orientation tours in Liverpool and Glasgow
- Tour the Beatles Musuem, Liverpool
- Stay in the beautiful Lake District of England
- Travel to and stay in the Scottish Highlands
- Discover some superb examples of old homes and castles including Muckross House, Stirling Castle, Iona Abbey and Edinburgh Castle
- Stand on the sights of the Battle of Bannockburn and Battle of Culloden battlefields
- A dazzling evening with tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Breakfast note; some hotels may serve continental breakfast only
DAY 1 - SUNDAY
Arrive Dublin | Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, founded by the Vikings and nowadays, a cosmopolitan and thriving city.
This evening, meet up with your fellow travellers and group guide, and float along Dublin’s Grand Canal with our welcome dinner cruise, enjoying the scenic summer views.
Meals: Welcome, Highlight Dinner
DAY 2 - MONDAY
City Sightseeing | Dublin
An easy paced morning discovery of the city of Dublin. Your group guide will introduce you to some of the famous sights including a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. And, in true Dublin style a Guinness Storehouse visit for a brewery tour. You have the afternoon at leisure to make your own discoveries.
Tonight, dinner together taking part in a Ceilidh evening featuring local specialties, a show of some traditional Irish dancing, and a sing a-long with renowned Irish melodies.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
DAY 3 - TUESDAY
Dublin to Cork | Cork
We leave the city of Dublin and along the way there’s a photo stop opportunity at Rock of Cashel, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, located in the heart of Tipperary. Next, a stop that can’t be missed – one of Ireland’s great treasures, Blarney Castle and of course, follow in the footsteps of visitors over the last 200 years - climb the stairs to kiss the Blarney Stone to be bestowed with the gift of eloquence. Travel onto Cork for an overnight stay.
A relaxed evening in house tonight with a group dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY
Local touring near Killarney | Killarney
From Cork we travel onto Killarney, for touring of the region of the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Today we visit Muckross House and Gardens including a guided tour*. This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, famed worldwide for their splendour and beauty.
We make a stop today at an Irish pub in the heart of Killarney, and we visit Dingle Peninsula including a stop at Inch Beach with some time for a stroll along the sandy beach.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
Muckross House tour is offered as a general tour to all visitors, and private tours are not on offer.
DAY 5 - THURSDAY
Dingle Peninsula & Ring of Kerry Excursion | Killarney
Today, a full day’s discovery of the Ring of Kerry. We head out to take in the breathtaking scenery with a drive along the Dingle Peninsula before we reach the Ring of Kerry.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 – FRIDAY
Killarney to Galway City | Galway
We depart Killarney for Galway City. On the way we stop at Clonmacnoise, an ancient site of a monastery in the years gone by. Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites.
Arriving to Galway City we set out on a traditional town crier tour and a visit to Claddagh Ring Visitor Centre. Enjoy a group dinner at our hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 - SATURDAY
From Ireland to (by air) England | Liverpool
We farewell Ireland today as we had to the United Kingdom, arriving to Liverpool. From Galway City we drive east, returning to Dublin and directly to the airport for a short flight from Ireland to Liverpool, England. An easy paced evening with dinner at our Liverpool hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SPECIAL NOTES
Nominated flight determined closer to time of travel. If a flight later in day this will permit some free time in Galway City before departure. If a flight earlier in the day this will provide some free time in the afternoon in Liverpool.
Checked luggage for flight Dublin to Liverpool is 1 bag, max 20kg.
One carry on small piece permitted (weight limit will apply; varies dependent on air carrier nominated closer to time of travel but expect 7-10kg maximum as a guide)
DAY 8 - SUNDAY
Liverpool to Lake District | Keswick
The home of the Beatles – Liverpool. We visit The Beatles Story, a museum that tells the story of four young lads from Liverpool, propelled to fame and fortune. Also, there’s an easy paced walking tour of Liverpool.
From Liverpool, this afternoon we travel onto the Lake District for a relaxing two night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 - MONDAY
Lake District Excursion | Keswick
Today we focus on Lake Windermere, and the quaint villages around the region and enjoy the majestic scenery across the lake. Today’s outing will include some free time to enjoy a few of the local villages. The evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - TUESDAY
Lake District to Glasgow | Glasgow
As we make our way north to Glasgow we visit Gretna Green ‘The Gateway to Scotland’; famous in history as a haven for eloping couples to marry without the legalities of English law. There’s free time to wander Gretna village and take a morning tea break.
From Gretna Green to Glasgow, where there’s an orientation tour of Glasgow’s main highlights and an easy paced walking tour around the area of George Square with your group guide. We check into our hotel later this afternoon for our next two nights, and join together tonight for dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 - WEDNESDAY
Stirling Castle and Bannockburn Excursion | Glasgow
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles and this morning you’ll visit the castle with a guided tour. A highlight of your visit is exploring the Royal Palace of King James V, one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the United Kingdom. From the castle, to the historic location of The Battle of Bannockburn, that marks the bloody history of Scotland, renowned for the famous battle between King Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II of England.
This evening why night make your own local discoveries for a dinner spot.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12 - THURSDAY
Glasgow to Scottish Highlands | Oban
We make our way further north in Scotland to the highlands.
Departing Glasgow this morning our journey is highlighted with the scenic pass via Loch Lomond. Along the way today we make a visit to Old Leckie Farm, a small family run farm. We continue onto Dalmally and visit Saint Conan’s Kirk before arriving to our hotel in for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13 - FRIDAY
Highlands Touring | Oban
Today it’s an island excursion to the Isle of Mull and the island of Iona, which lie off the west coast of Scotland.
From Oban we take a ferry across to Craignure on the Isle of Mull to enjoy the beautiful scenery travelling to Fionnphort. From here, we take a short ferry crossing to the tiny island of Iona, one of Scotland’s most sacred sites. We visit Iona Abbey and Nunnery, dating back to the 13th century. Now a days the abbey is restored and is an active place of worship.
By the day’s end we return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
The ferry from Fionnpport to Isle of Iona is a foot ferry (our vehicle does not join the ferry)
Visits to the Islands are weather permitting.
DAY 14 - SATURDAY
Oban to Inverness | Inverness
We make our way further north while enjoying awe inspiring scenery and passing by Glencoe.
Continuing north, no trip to Scotland would be complete without a stop to seek out the infamous Loch Ness Monster. It’s here also that we stop for a guided tour of Urquhart Castle
From Loch Ness, we pay a visit to the battle site of the Scots and English, Battle of Culloden, where the Scots defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army in 1746, and featuring in the novel and TV series, ‘Outlander’.
Arriving to our Highlands hotel by the day end, dinner tonight is inhouse together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15 - SUNDAY
Inverness to the South | Pitlochry
Our journey through Scotland now takes us south, through the rugged Cairngorm Mountains. We visit a Scottish distillery; a not to be missed experience for any visit to Scotland. See whisky being made first hand amidst sights, sounds, smells and most importantly the exquisite tastes you will always remember. Arriving to your wonderful hotel for the next two nights of stay, and a group dinner together tonight in house.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16 - MONDAY
Pitlochry Excursions | Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a pretty village. You can enjoy having some time to make your own local discoveries. Today we also visit local farm and sample some of the local fare.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17 - TUESDAY
Pitlochry to Edinburgh
We will set off first thing from Pitlochry for Edinburgh and showcase the highlights of Edinburgh.
Tour Edinburgh Castle and also the beautiful Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, see the Royal Mile, the new Scottish Parliament building, the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and hear the tales of ancient Edinburgh of The Old Town. There will be some free time this afternoon and this evening join together for our special highlight.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
You are in Edinburgh at the time of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, your visit will include tickets to the dazzling Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Meals: Breakfast (Continental)
DAY 18 - WEDNESDAY
Edinburgh Sightseeing
Edinburgh is a delightful city to enjoy at your own pace and the day is set aside to take your fancy of visits and sightseeing.
Tonight, a celebration of our roving journey from Ireland to Scotland with a farewell highlight evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing with delicious food and wine. And if you’re keen the chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Meals: Breakfast (Continental), Highlight Dinner
DAY 19 - THURSDAY
Depart Edinburgh
Our memorable tour comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast (Continental)
Breakfasts vary between continental, English breakfast or buffet style.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance, we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
