14 Day
Scots Irish & More Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Edinburgh & Stirling
Castleel, departing
at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. At 2:00 pm depart your hotel for a short
drive to visit the massive Stirling Castle, associated with “Braveheart” William
Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Return to Edinburgh for a welcome drink and
dinner at the Three Sisters Pub, followed by a ghost walking tour.
(D)
Day 2 :
Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia
This
morning tour Edinburgh to compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant
mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and
medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile. In Leith tour the Royal Yacht
Britannia, floating home of The Queen on many of her travels around the world.
The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining.
On August 4 to 18 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at
Edinburgh Castle.
(B)
Day 3 :
Whisky Tasting & Ceilidh
Travel north to Pitlochry to visit Blair Athol
Distillery to see how whisky is made and enjoy a “wee dram.” Continue through
majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm where dogs herd sheep through various
obstacles. Drive to Inverness, a major town in the Highlands and check in to
your hotel beside the River Ness in the center of the town. After dinner, take
part in a ceilidh, a musical evening. (B, D)
Day 4 : Isle of Skye &
Clan Donald Centre
Drive alongside Loch Ness and through wild Highland
scenery, pausing for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle and cross to
the Isle of Skye by bridge. Drive through part of the island and visit the Clan
Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to discover the history of the powerful Lords
of the Isles. Return to the mainland by ferry and take the “Road to the Isles”
through some of Scotland's loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the
Glenfinnan Monument. (B, D)
Day 5 : Glen Coe & Rabbie Burns
This
morning enjoy final views of the magnificent Highlands as you drive south
through Glen Coe and alongside the lovely shores of Loch Lomond. Stop briefly
in Alloway to visit the Burns National Heritage Park to see famous landmarks
from Burns' poetry. Travel along the coast to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride
to Larne and arrive in your hotel in Belfast in time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 : Titanic Belfast & Mount Stewart
This morning a Belfast guide will
show you Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and the
shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn
about this famous liner through state-of-the-art displays. In the afternoon tour
Mount Stewart House and Gardens to see antiques and world-famous paintings. Take
a walk through the extensive gardens before returning to Belfast. (B, D)
Day 7 : Giant's Causeway & Derry's Walls
Drive along the scenic route of
the “Nine Glens of Antrim,” for views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Stop
at the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity
60 million years ago which have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn
McCool. In Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the
defensive walls of the compact city before driving to Letterkenny. (B, D)
Day 8 : Glenveagh Castle & Ulster Folk Park
Travel into the heart of
Donegal to Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair evicted 225 tenants to
build Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Learn about the history of the mansion, owners
and guests as you tour the rooms and walk around the extensive gardens. Visit
the Ulster American Folk Park to see traditional cottages. Continue to Kilronan
Castle for a 2-night stay. (B, D)
Day 9 : Rose of Innisfree Boat Ride
& Belleek
Visit the historic 17th century Parke's Castle, set on the
shores of Lough Gill followed by a boat ride on the scenic lake. View the tiny
island of Innisfree, which inspired many works of W. B. Yeats, the Nobel
prize-winning poet. View his grave in Drumcliffe and visit the Belleek Pottery
Factory to see the creation of delicate china. Return to Kilronan Castle Hotel
for leisure time before dinner. (B, D)
Day 10 : Galway Bay & Cliffs
of Moher
Travel south to Galway city for a panoramic drive around the main
sights and take some free time to browse around. Drive through the Burren to
view the Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic wall of rock that plunges to the Atlantic
Ocean. Check in to your hotel in Ennis and in the evening head to 15th century
Bunratty Castle for a fun medieval-style banquet. (B, D)
Day 11 :
Dingle Peninsula & Brewery
Today discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula,
made famous by two movies,“Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away.” Drive to Slea
Head at the westernmost tip to experience wonderful views. Stop in the town of
Dingle to visit the Dingle Brewing Company and sample the local brew. Then head
to Killarney, famous for its glorious setting near Ireland's highest mountains.
(B, D)
Day 12 : Killarney & Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional
horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane,
Killarney's largest lake. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare where
brightly-painted buildings are enhanced with flowers. Enjoy spectacular mountain
scenery at Moll's Gap and travel part of the Ring of Kerry, pausing at Ladies'
View. Return to Killarney to relax or go shopping before dinner. (B, D)
Day 13 : Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Drive through County Cork to climb
Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone. Also shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills
for quality Irish-made products. Pause for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel
as you drive north to Dublin. A short drive will bring you to the popular Abbey
Tavern for a farewell dinner and entertaining traditional Irish songs and
step-dancing.(B, D)
Day 14 : Depart for Home
Take a group transfer to
Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon.(B)
B: Breakfast;
D: Dinner
