16 Day Scotland and Ireland

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Scotland
Depart for Scotland

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's regal capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at 5 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Edinburgh City Tour
This morning, join a local guide for a city tour of historic Edinburgh. The route will take you past the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace, the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street. Also included is a visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you can see the Crown Room, Royal Palace, and St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, don't miss the optional evening of traditional A Taste of Scotland
Optional: A Taste of Scotland (PM)
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - St. Andrews, Scone Palace, Whisky Tasting
The day begins with a drive to St. Andrews where Prince William attended the University -- a place of history, learning and culture, a wonderful coastal resort and the world's home of golf. Then, visit stately Scone Palace*, the family home of the Earls of Mansfield, the ancient residence of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. The palace also houses an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artifacts. After time to stroll in the colorful gardens, you're off to a whisky distillery to learn more about the art of Scotch whisky making and savor tastings of the different varieties. Afterward, travel through mountainous Cairngorms National Park to Aviemore, a resort surrounded by magnificent scenery
*Available for Apr-Oct only.
Overnight: Aviemore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Isle of Skye, Loch Ness
Stunning landscapes surround you as you journey further into the highlands. Visit Lochcarron, and later cross over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, a 50-mile long fusion of velvety moors and angular mountains. Pass the romantic 13th century Eilean Donan Castle perched at the center of three Scottish Lochs and the striking Invermoriston Falls. The panorama of Loch Ness unfolds before you - one of the most storied sites in all of Scotland, home of the fabled Loch Ness monster. Return via Inverness to Aviemore
Overnight: Aviemore
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday - Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Head south this morning to a region steeped in legend, folklore, and history. The journey takes you past Ben Nevis, Scotland's mighty mountain and the Glencoe area with its glimmering lakes and sheltered forests. Arrive on the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, immortalized in song, the largest freshwater lake in the United Kingdom. A delightful cruise around the lake offers vistas of pretty villages, tranquil scenery and the Trossachs, Scotland's first National Park, an area commemorated in the writings of poet Sir Walter Scott. In late afternoon, travel to the sophisticated city of Glasgow. Evening is at leisure
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday - Glasgow City Tour
The exploration of Glasgow begins at George Square, named after King George III, boasting an impressive collection of statues and monuments, including those dedicated to Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. On to imposing Glasgow Cathedral, a splendid example of 12th century Gothic architecture, dedicated to St. Mungo, the patron saint of the city. On your drive, view fine Victorian buildings, made with local red sandstone, and the regenerated area around The Clyde, which is famous for its shipbuilding industry, birthplace of the Queen Mary and countless other ocean liners. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or join the optional Stirling Castle and the Bannockburn Monument. Visit historic Stirling Castle. Next continue south of Stirling to the site of the Battle of Bannockburn
Optional: Historic Stirling Castle with Bannockburn Monument (PM)
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Monday - Ferry to the "Emerald Isle," Belfast, Titanic Experience Museum
Heading south, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle, arriving in Belfast, one of Europe's true renaissance cities. You'll see beautifully restored historic buildings, European-style cafes, and streets lined with vibrant murals. Its location on calm waters has made it ideal for shipbuilding. The most famous vessel christened here was the Titanic. Tour the Titanic Experience, a fascinating nine gallery museum with multiple dimensional displays, special effects, reconstructions and interactive features that explores the tale of the ill-fated ship. Then, drive by a neighborhood in West Belfast where buildings are still scarred from the days of "The Troubles," which ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and continue past the university district, the Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Time to rest before dinner
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Giant's Causeway, Derry
Local legend and romantic lore make visiting Ireland especially unique. At Giant's Causeway, you hear the "tale" of Finn McCool, the giant said to have created this geological wonder so he could walk to Scotland to confront another giant. Today, a massive floor of 38,000 hexagonal basalt columns stretches into the sea. Continue on a scenic drive of the Antrim coast stopping in the pretty city of Derry (also known as Londonderry) with its rich history and compelling glimpses of Northern Ireland's past and present. Travel around the medieval walls, among the best-preserved fortifications in the Western world, view the Guildhall, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and St. Columb's Cathedral. Later, view the Bogside district and the symbolic Peace Bridge before settling in at your hotel in Derry. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Derry
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Sligo, Knock, Galway
This morning, depart for Sligo, with its inspirational natural beauty, home to a young William Butler Yeats. Continue to the town of Knock in County Mayo where it is believed that the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared in 1879. Visit the Shrine in this tiny village that hosts over a million pilgrims each year. Finally, arrive in Galway, a seafaring town that now has become one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Check into the hotel in time for dinner
Overnight: Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Connemara Excursion
Today's excursion transports you to the verdant green Irish countryside. Traveling west, stop in the picturesque town of Clifden, en route to Connemara National Park, a wonderland of scenic mountains, with expanses of lush grasslands and woodlands, part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate. Here, visit the lakeside abbey, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Once a castle, Kylemore is steeped in history and is now home to Ireland's only community of Benedictine nuns. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the abbey's restored rooms and, time permitting, stroll through the magical Victorian walled garden. The Tea House is a perfect place to relax and admire the views over Connemara National Park. Return to Galway* for an evening at leisure
*For Jul 21 departure, there will be a brief stop in Galway before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Galway
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Friday - Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Killarney
The day begins with a drive from Galway Bay through the Irish countryside, passing rolling green fields, stone walls, and peaceful farms along the way. View the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of rock towering 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean. It's surely one of the most spectacular meetings of land and water you're likely to see! Next, visit Bunratty Castle, the most authentic medieval fortress in Ireland, restored to its former splendor. Drive through the picturesque village of Adare with its thatched roof houses to scenic Killarney in County Kerry, with its soaring mountain ranges, beautiful valleys, crystal lakes and spectacular rugged coastline. Tonight, experience the optional Gaelic Roots Live Show,* an exciting Irish show which brings together all that is great about the culture and traditions of Ireland
*Available for Apr-mid Oct departures only.
Optional: Gaelic Roots Live Show (PM)
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Saturday - Ring of Kerry Tour*
A breathtaking day of magnificent vistas awaits you as you drive through Killarney National Park and the renowned "Ring of Kerry" around the island's southwestern tip. View sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Sneem, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and breathtaking panoramas of the Lakes of Killarney. Return to Killarney in the afternoon for leisure time. Perhaps later, choose the optional fun-filled horse-drawn Jaunting Car Ride (pony and open carriage) through the national park within the traditional fashion as the jarvey (driver) takes you through parts of the peaceful green countryside. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel
* In the event of road closures along the Ring of Kerry, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.
Optional: Jaunting Cars (PM)
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - County Cork, Blarney Castle, Dublin
A morning drive takes you through the scenic south of Ireland into enchanting County Cork for a visit to storied 15th century Blarney Castle. You'll have an opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, promising you the "gift of gab." Free time for shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills before driving to energetic Dublin, one of the friendliest cities in Europe. Upon arrival, see the city's contrasting architecture from modern "Celtic Tiger" hi-tech business districts to grand neoclassical facades, accented by lovely views of the River Liffey. Tonight, get acquainted with this friendly city on your own. Stroll leisurely along Temple Bar with its charming narrow cobbled streets, fabulous restaurants and cozy pubs
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Monday - Dublin City Tour
A full day to discover spirited Dublin with its thousand year history, immortalized by James Joyce. Visit Phoenix Park, one of Europe's largest walled city parks, home to the official residence of the President and the Dublin Zoo. Next visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, the National Cathedral of Ireland founded in 1191. On O'Connell Street, admire the handsome buildings that line the city's main thoroughfare. During your afternoon at leisure, spend time independently discovering famous sites throughout the city, including Dublin Castle, the National Gallery, or visit Trinity College to see the celebrated Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created in the year 800 by Celtic monks. Be sure to stop for a pint in a local pub where you can meet some of the friendliest people in Europe! It's your last day on the Emerald Isle! Tonight, bid a fond farewell to Dublin and your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Tuesday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast