Exploring Scotland & Ireland

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

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. With no planned activities today, you can take your time to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this lively capital. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, and enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s new town and an insightful walking tour up the Royal Mile to the castle. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city further at your leisure. Tonight, you might like to join the optional private tour to Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings, brought to life by The Da Vinci Code.

Depart Edinburgh and travel on 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. 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, home to acts of chivalry and defiance for more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Return to Inverness and have time to explore the city or take a riverside walk. This evening, enjoy a Highland gathering (ceilidh) filled with storytelling, singing, and Scottish dancing.

Depart Inverness and visit one of the oldest licensed whisky distilleries in Scotland. After a tour and a tasting, continue to the scenic valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most historic and breathtaking glens. Your day ends in Glasgow.

This morning, explore Glasgow with a local guide. Highlights include a visit to George Square; passing by Glasgow Cathedral and Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city; and discovering the rich industrial heritage of the area. Travel to the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the 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. Then, it’s your choice! Visit the award-winning Titanic Experience Museum -OR- visit Ulster Museum, Northern Ireland’s treasure house of the past and present. The afternoon is yours to further explore this fascinating city before joining your fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant.

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 at the walled city of Derry. Set out on a walking tour featuring the medieval walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. Perhaps you’ll discover why Derry is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets during an optional evening at a pub serving traditional food and featuring a local singer playing Irish music.

Today’s journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Start your day with a visit to Donegal Castle, a restored 15th-century castle with a unique history. Enjoy some free time to explore Donegal Town, a picturesque village at the mouth of the River Eske. Return to Derry, where 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 at Glenshane Country Farm to meet the working dogs and see them in action. With lunch included at the farm, you can enjoy the relaxed and leisurely pace of the countryside. 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, Phoenix Park, and the city’s magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. You may choose to join an optional tour with lunch at a local pub, followed by a visit to the Guinness Storehouse Museum. 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.