Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

Visit Europe

Day 1

Hello Dublin

You’re in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland’s whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the 'Emerald Isle' and Scotland.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s effervescence on your own. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic  in one of the many colourful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous.

Day 2

Journey to Harbourside Galway

Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for all this and more as you’ll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s iconic sights, tumultuous history and even a few hidden gems.

Follow the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, James Joyce and Bono over the cobbled pavements in search of Dublin's many stories. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbour city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'.

Day 3

Admire Stunning Connemara Dive Into Culture

Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde.

Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made.

Day 4

Onwards to Donegal Connect with Locals

Explore the quintessential Irish village of Cong and see firsthand why its rugged beauty was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'.

Meet the locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family’s efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions. Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Day 5

Venture to Derry/Londonderry and Belfast Make Travel Matter

Start your day with a visit to Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city.

Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.

Day 6

Discover Colourful Belfast Dive Into Culture

Today, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Northern Ireland’s trendy capital.

Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. Then, at the Titantic Distillery enjoy a whiskey tasting and learn how Ireland's golden goodness is made. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast’s oldest traditional pub or visit St. George’s Market for some shopping or consider joining a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi.

Day 7

Cross the Irish Sea to Glasgow

Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland.

Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon.

Day 8

Uncover Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore.

Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 9

Continue to Elegant Edinburgh

Continue to the home of golfing gods, St.

Andrews. You’ll view its famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 10

Explore Edinburgh

Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities.

Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades. See the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before joining your travel companions for a rousing dinner to toast your memorable journey together.

Day 11

Journey Home

Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end.

Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home.

Dining Summary

10 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

2 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Cong: Uncover centuries of Irish heritage as you explore Catherine and Jim Power’s Glen Keen Farm. Marvel at collies herding sheep, and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam.

Dive Into Culture

Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.  

Belfast: Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.

Belfast: Warm your heart with a little Irish whiskey at a the Titanic Distillery. 

Iconic Experience

Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.

Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. 

Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.

Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Fort William: Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh

Discover Galway, Glasgow and Cong

Visit Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, Donegal, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, a whisky distillery, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Pitlochry and Edinburgh Castle

View Glencoe and the 18th hole at St. Andrews

See Ailsa Craig

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

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