Get a taste of two spectacular countries. This short-and-sweet combination Ireland and Scotland tour visits all the top highlights, mixing in historic cities with iconic sights.
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Day 1 Dublin Arrival | Dalkey Castle | Dalkey Village
Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Visit Dalkey Castle, built in 1390, where 500 years of history are brought to life with costumed actors in a fun and interactive tour. Your leisurely stroll in this heritage town will follow in the footsteps of international best-selling writer Maeve Binchy to the Memorial Garden in her honor and past the favourite pub of U2’s Bono, a local resident. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group at your Castle Hotel and enjoy some free time for dining independently.
Day 2 Dublin Tour | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Take a panoramic tour of central Dublin to see rows of stately Georgian houses lining elegant squares. Pass Trinity College and then Leinster House, where both houses of the government convene. In the afternoon enjoy some free time in Dublin to explore as you wish. In the evening, head to Taylors Three Rock for an Irish night with a traditional dinner and lively show. (B, D)
Day 3 Brú Na Bóinne | Belfast Panoramic Tour | Hillsborough Castle
Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre to learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, followed by a visit to one of these ancient tombs, constructed over 5,000 years ago. Embark on a panoramic tour of Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built. Visit the stately Hillsborough Castle, the home of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Northern Ireland. (B, D)
Day 4 Nine Glens of Antrim | Giant’s Causeway | Crosskeys Inn
Travel along part of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a scenic region with lovely views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. Discover the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava that has given rise to many legends. Enjoy lunch with your group in Ireland’s oldest thatched roof pub, the Crosskeys Inn. (B, L)
Day 5 Ferry to Scotland | Pollok House | Pitlochry
Take a ferry ride to Scotland and head to the outskirts of Glasgow. Enjoy a visit to Pollok House, a grand country house that gives a real flavor of life in the 1930s. Continue northwards into the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands to your historic hotel in Pitlochry. The hotel still retains many original features, with unique guest rooms and spacious grounds. (B, D)
Day 6 Whiskey Tasting | St. Andrews
Tour Blair Athol Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample a “wee dram.” Continue to St Andrews on the east coast. This town is renowned as the “Home of Golf” and for Scotland’s oldest university. Take a short walking tour and spend some time exploring on your own. August 2-16 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)
Day 7 Edinburgh City Tour | Edinburgh Castle | Scottish Evening*
Take a panormic tour of Edinburgh. See the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200 year old Georgian New Town and walk along the Royal Mile where you will see the closely clustered medieval houses. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle where the Crown Jewels of Scotland are housed. Spend some free time exploring independently before enjoying a traditional Scottish dinner with lively entertainment. Enjoy a free evening for independent dining on August 2-16 departures. (B, D*)
Day 8 Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
What’s Included
- Full daily breakfast and many meals*
- Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
- Welcome drinks with your group
- Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
- Comprehensive travel itinerary and documents
Trip Highlights:
- Blair Athol Distiller
- St. Andrews
- Edinburgh Castle
- Giant’s Causeway
- Pollok House
- Scenic Nine Glens of Antrim
Hotels:
- Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin
- Maldron Hotel Belfast City, Belfast (2 night)
- Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry (1 night)
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh
