15 Day Scots Irish & More Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Edinburgh & Stirling
Castle
Your trip starts in Edinburgh Airport with a group transfer
to your hotel, 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 : Extra Day in
Dublin
Today enjoy a full day at leisure and use your independent
Dublin open-top bus tour pass (valid for 48 hours) with a visit to Guinness
Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery to sample a pint or a shot.
(B)
Day 15 : Depart for
Home
Today take a taxi transfer to Dublin Airport, using the
company specified in your final documents and the taxi voucher.
(B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner