Taste of Scotland & Ireland (10 Nights)
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The luscious, lovely landscapes of Ireland and Scotland are calling out for you with this tour. Kick off your journey in Glasgow city, working down through Loch Ness, St. Andrews and eventually Edinburgh. Throughout your stay in Scotland you’ll be immersed in the culture and history of the country, learning more about its magnificent castles, lakes and residents.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 1: Glasgow Highlights” open=”true” el_id=”1481294811068-8247cac6-5a29″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502115807124{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]You’ll begin your Scottish adventure at 2:30PM on the day of your arrival, when you meet your tour director at your hotel in Glasgow. Afterwards, you’ll undertake a walking tour of Glasgow city, a place which thrived in the Victorian era due to international trade and the shipbuilding industry. You can drive around George Square and take in the opulent City Chambers, before visiting Provand’s Lordship which was built in 1471 and is Glasgow’s oldest house. It was initially part of a hospital and has been restored and re-furnished since. Before dinner in the evening time, you can join your other travellers, your tour director and your guide for a quick welcome drink.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 2: Loch Lomond & Loch Ness Cruise” el_id=”1481294914988-110e88bc-f3e1″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114404655{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Today, you’ll drive alongside Loch Lomond, a famous lake known for its stunning beauty before driving through Glen Coe. Glen Coe is considered one of the most breathtakingly stunning places in Scotland. You’ll travel through Fort William before stopping at a woolen mill for refreshments and shopping. Then on to Fort Augustus where you’ll depart on a boat-trip over Loch Ness. Make sure to pack some binoculars, you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most famous resident… Afterwards, you’ll continue your travels north to Nairn, before settling in to your hotel for the night.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 3: Whisky Tasting & St Andrews” el_id=”1481295025824-bfd4a751-085c” el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114449313{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]On day 3, you’ll take a trip to Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry; here you can observe the distillation process of whiskey and partake in a tipple or two before continuing south to St. Andrews. St. Andrews is known internationally as the “Home of Golf”, and is also home to the University where Prince William and Princess Catherine first met one another. After exploring St. Andrews, you’ll travel towards Edinburgh and your next hotel – a fabulous manor house set on 1000 acres of grounds, with 2 golf courses and spa facilities available for use. You can attend a Scottish Evening, where you’ll dine on some traditional Scottish food while watching a lively show of Highland dancing, bagpipes and kilts.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 4: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour” el_id=”1481295381462-32271178-d0f6″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114517941{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Your fourth day starts out with a sightseeing tour of central Edinburgh. Take a drive down the busy Princes Street, through the glorious streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. You’ll walk along some of the Royal Mile before visiting Edinburgh Castle. The Castle is the city’s biggest attraction, and is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city in your own way. (For August 1st to 22nd departures, seats are reserved for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.)a[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 6: Dublin Sightseeing & Canal Dinner Cruise” el_id=”1481295697445-2a7f31ca-0d87″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114616732{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Today you’ll tour Dublin City, taking in the hustle and bustle of Ireland’s largest city. You’ll view beautiful Georgian squares, pass the GPO(General Post Office) where the 1916 Easter Rising took place, and view the fashion-forward retail areas of Grafton Street and Nassau Street. Afterwards, a trip to Trinity College is in order to view the Book of Kells, an 8th century manuscript scribed by monks. In the evening a canal dinner cruise is on the menu, with traditional Irish music aboard a former Guinness barge sailing through central Dublin.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 7: Farmhouse Tea & Blarney Castle” el_id=”1481295990760-6dcd4362-95d3″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114651331{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]On day 7 you’ll drive through Ireland’s Midlands region, stopping for pictures at the famed Rock of Cashel. You’ll pay a visit to a traditional farmhouse for tea and scones while watching clever sheepdogs herd sheep skilfully. Continuing south, you’ll stop at Blarney Castle to plant a smooch on the famous “Stone of Eloquence”, before visiting the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop around for quality Irish goods. Then onto Killarney, Co. Kerry which is set in a vista of lakes and mountains. Here, you can check into your next hotel and take a breather before dinner. That evening is free for you to explore Killarney’s traditional “singing pubs”.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 8: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience” el_id=”1481296142215-0b52c45b-a731″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114951438{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Day 8 is dedicated to Kerry – one of Ireland’s most beautiful and interesting areas. Take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, viewing Ross Castle which is set on the picturesque Lough Leane. Afterwards you’ll embark on the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding, hilly route with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Then you’ll drive through the villages of Killorglin and Caherciveen to cross the bridge for Vale ntia Island. You’ll visit the Skellig Experience, an exhibition dedicated to the lives of early Christian hermits dwelling on Skellig Michael. Skellig Michael is an offshore island covered in the preserved remains of hermit society. It also featured in the Star Wars VII movie. Partake in a casual lunch before stopping in Sneem, a quaint little village. On the way back to Killarney, pause at Moll’s Gap to take in the stunning panorama of mountains before returning back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore Killarney once more.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_toggle title=”Day 9: Cliffs of Moher & Castle Banquet” el_id=”1481296256919-0a103b45-ee71″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1502114989136{padding-top:
Scottish & Irish Gold (14 Nights)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Truly a journey of discovery and knowledge, the Scottish and Irish Gold Tour is jam-packed with every must-see stop and spot on the grid. Take fourteen days to investigate the history, culture and landscape of these magnificent countries – though they may be small, they’re certainly mighty. From Glasgow to Dublin, we’ve drawn up an itinerary that fits in every famous landmark as well as some of Ireland and Scotland’s hidden gems, with time to explore and investigate each one. You’ll be stopping in Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Belfast, the Ring of Kerry, Dublin and a huge list of other places throughout the two weeks, taking in different ways of life and indulging in an ever-present backdrop of stunning scenery. Surrounded by vistas on every side, this tour is as beautiful as it is busy. This trip is the vacation of a lifetime – if you’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and Scotland, the Scottish and Irish Gold Tour is the right way to do it. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner el_class=”cus-accordion”][vc_column_inner][vc_toggle title=”Day 1: Glasgow City Tour” open=”true” el_id=”1481284785068-0a56e380-6d8a” el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543399227762{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Your Scottish adventure begins at 2:30PM, when you arrive at your hotel in Glasgow and meet your tour director. You’ll set out on an introductory tour of Glasgow, viewing its most famous attractions such as parks, squares and museums. At Kelvingrove Museum, you’ll view awe-inspiring art collections. That evening you can enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow travellers.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 2: Loch Lomond & Inveraray Castle” el_id=”1481284929309-d0f74874-32c1″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543399264874{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Today you’ll take a short cruise of Loch Lomond, admiring the gorgeous views of the Highlands before travelling to Inveraray. Here, you’ll explore the town before taking a tour of Inveraray Castle, home to the Campbells and also used as a filming location for internationally-acclaimed TV drama “Downton Abbey”. Then you’ll journey through Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas, before travelling down the coast to your next hotel in Ballachulish.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=” Day 3: Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Centre” el_id=”1481285548040-babac2a1-a363″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543400694357{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Journey down the idyllic “Road to the Isles”, pausing for some photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Then travel on a ferry to the Isle of Skye, visiting the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. You can drive through the island and return to the mainland via bridge, pausing for pictures at Eilean Donan Castle before continuing on your journey. Travel along the gorgeous shoes of the famous Loch Ness, where the mysterious Loch Ness monster is said to reside. Keep your binoculars at the ready! Finish up your day at your hotel in Nairn, a manor house sitting on fabulous grounds near the North Sea.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 4: Culloden Battlefield & Sheepdogs” el_id=”1481285703203-62e275e9-e936″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543400771475{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, just a stone’s throw distance from Nairn, is your first destination today. Here, you can learn about the battle that took place on 16th April 1746, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart and his army were defeated by the British Government forces. Take a walk around the moorland to discover monuments commemorating the troops involved in the battle. Then, you’ll continue through the Highlands, taking in the wonderful scenery, before arriving at Leault Farm where sheepdogs herd sheep.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 5: Blair Castle & Whisky Tasting” el_id=”1481285820812-0fef0ebd-0fcb” el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543401159288{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Start off your fifth day with a tour of Blair Castle, home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle dates back to 1259 and has undergone many renovations through the ages, transforming from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle. Here you’ll learn the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and the Atholl Highlanders. After, you’ll visit Blair Athol Distillery and observe how whiskey is made, maybe indulging in a wee tipple before you depart. The afternoon is free to explore the hotel gardens and facilities, or to have a root around the town of Pitlochry.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 6: Glamis Castle, St Andrews & Scottish Evening in Edinburgh” el_id=”1481285978520-1d723b8b-ef55″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543401203131{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Today take a trip to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and the legendary backdrop of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Travel across the Tay Bridge to visit St. Andrews, the world-famous “Home of Golf” where you can view the Old Course and the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse while on a scenic drive. If golfing isn’t for you, you can explore the town instead, learning about the ruined cathedral and castle. Then you’ll drive south to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, and enjoy a traditional Scottish Evening with a dinner of haggis and a bagpipe show.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour” el_id=”1481286065694-156d1172-cf51″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543401698807{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Start your last day in Scotland off with a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh; wander through the wide streets and elegant mansions of New Town, a 200-year-old Georgian town. Walk part of the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle. The castle is Edinburgh’s most famous attraction and offers some simply stunning views of the city. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy. (On July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.)[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Day 8: Titanic Belfast & Vibrant Dublin” el_id=”1481286164041-26f7243e-9569″ el_class=”tour-content-p” css=”.vc_custom_1543401787696{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #6dab3c !important;}”]Today you’ll say farewell to Edinburgh, driving south along the coast to Ayrshire. You’ll take a ferry to Belfast from Cairnryan, eating a light lunch while sailing. After arriving in Belfast, you’ll travel to the Titanic Belfast exhibition to learn more about the ill-fated cruise liner and the people who built it. Then it’s on to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. You’ll check in
