Exploring Scotland & Ireland

From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Your tour opens in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Tonight, experience how traditional Scottish ingredients are getting a modern twist during a welcome dinner at one of the city’s popular restaurants.

This morning, it’s your choice! Get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic tour; explore both Old Town and New Town before visiting the Palace at Holyroodhouse,* the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots -OR- for a different perspective, join a local expert for an in-depth walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town; meander the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways before descending into the city’s underground vaults to uncover a world unchanged since the 18th century. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf – see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Dunkeld, a charming town that has played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly the first Jacobite Rising. Continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

This morning, take a scenic cruise on Loch Ness before disembarking at the base of famed Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of this historic stronghold where acts of chivalry and defiance exhibit more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Stop just north of Fort William to take in the historic Caledonian Canal and its famous Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks and an incredible feat of engineering. Continue south through Scotland’s stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel.

Begin your day in the scenic valley of Glencoe. Join a local ranger for a guided walk through one of Scotland’s most historic and breathtaking glens. Continue on to the charming seaside town of Oban. Enjoy time at leisure to sample some Scotland’s best seafood before visiting one of the country’s oldest distilleries, Oban. Take in a tour and tasting of this nearly 230-year-old distillery and experience for yourself why Highland whisky is considered the world’s finest.

This morning bid farewell to the highlands as you travel south to the Scottish Lowlands. Visit the farm of Janet and Neale McQuistin to learn about their move toward sustainable farming practices and to meet their herds of highland coos and ewes. Enjoy a farmhouse lunch before traveling along the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the famed Irish Sea as you head for Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Learn about the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the massive cranes of the Belfast shipyard. Complete today’s tour with a visit to the award-winning Titanic Experience museum. Later, you are invited to a traditional Irish Céilí. This experience takes you back to the cobblestoned streets and Irish fare of turn-of-the-century Ulster. Enjoy a hot toddy or a glass of Guinness as you lose yourself in the rousing music. Then it’s time to dance!

Venture along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route, stopping at the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO). Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Then, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful railway** journeys along the Causeway Coast. Soak up the incredible scenery before arriving in the walled city of Derry. Set out on a walking tour featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. Perhaps you will discover why Derry is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets during an optional evening of storytelling and traditional music at one of the city’s best farm-to-table restaurants.

Today’s journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Visit spectacular Glenveagh National Park, a natural wonderland with 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes and woodland. Enjoy a guided visit to stately Glenveagh Castle, set amidst the colorful splendor of one of the finest gardens in Ireland. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Derry’s great restaurants.

Depart on a journey through the scenic countryside of Northern Ireland, stopping in Armagh to view the twin cathedrals dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint. The two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, one Catholic and one Protestant, symbolize the two souls of Ireland. Then, visit a family-run cider farm. Meet the family and explore the orchards before sampling their award-winning Irish ciders. Continue on to the Republic of Ireland. Your day concludes in Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city.

A locally guided tour of Dublin highlights the world-renowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city’s magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. Spend the rest of your day at leisure as you delve further into Dublin's cultural treasures. This evening, toast the end of an incredible adventure during a farewell dinner at one of the city’s most popular local restaurants.

Your tour comes to a close.