SCOTLAND AND IRELAND – CELTIC CONNECTIONS – 15 DAY TOUR

DAY -1/ WELCOME TO  EDINBURGH Discover Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland, with a panoramic city tour. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the larges avenues of New Town, explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Along its main thoroughfare, Princes Street, you will witness the most unique sight of Edinburgh Castle, majestically dominating both Old and New Town. See Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the "Athens...

DAY -1/ WELCOME TO  EDINBURGH

Discover Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland, with a panoramic city tour. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the larges avenues of New Town, explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Along its main thoroughfare, Princes Street, you will witness the most unique sight of Edinburgh Castle, majestically dominating both Old and New Town. See Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the "Athens of the North".

Visit Edinburgh Castle.
No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to the iconic landmark that dominated Edinburgh’s skyline. Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. Captivating visitors with its ancient buildings and marvellous views, it continues to spellbind with its wonderful story. Continue to your hotel and check in.

Overnight: B&B, at your hotel in the Edinburgh area.

DAY -2/ EDINBURGH TO PERTHSHIRE

This morning, depart Edinburgh and journey to Perthshire. Visit St Andrews Castle - On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews - the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland. Today, a siege mine and counter-mine can be explored, and the ‘bottle dungeon’ viewed.

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events, which determined the course of Scottish history. Some of the key moments leading up to the Scottish Reformation in 1560 were played out within its precinct. Enjoy afternoon tea.

Visit Perth Museum. This world-class cultural and heritage attraction highlights the fascinating objects and stories that put Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland’s story. At its heart sits the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, one of Scotland and the UK’s most significant historical objects. Returning to Perthshire for the first time in over 700 years, the Stone is the centrepiece of this new Museum and is free for all to view. Continue to Perth and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Perthshire area.

DAY -3/  PERTHSHIRE TO INVERNESS

This morning, depart Perthshire and journey to Inverness. Enjoy a whisky distillery visit. (subject to availability)

Visit Culloden Battlefield, Scene of the 1746 Battle of Culloden between the Jacobite and the British armies.As the last battle being fought on British soil, Culloden marks the beginning of the dismantlement of the structures of Highland society.In the aftermath of the battle, kilts and tartans were banned. It was here that the Jacobite army fought for a Stuart king in order to reclaim the throne of Britain from the Hanoverians.

Today, 250 years on, Culloden is still a site that connects us intimately with Britain's past. Find out why this battle lasted only one hour but still changed the course of Scotland's history.Listen to accounts from genuine characters who were involved in the Battle, experience the battle in a 360 degrees theatre, get a bird's eye view of the forces and tactics at play. Continue to Inverness and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: at your hotel in the Inverness area.

DAY -4/ INVERNESS TO OBAN

Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle. For the finest way to see Loch Ness, nothing compares to a cruise. Your Cruise Boat provides indoor and outdoor viewing in comfort. The boat offers light snacks and refreshments and has a fully licensed bar. There is sonar on board so that passengers can also keep an eye out for any mysterious activity beneath the dark waters.

Visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Nestled just eight miles from Loch Ness, the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre offers access to the expansive 10,000-acre Dundreggan estate. Since 2008, Trees for Life has led rewilding efforts here, nurturing over 4,000 species of rare flora and fauna.

Dundreggan is a hub of natural and cultural heritage, where the revival of Scotland’s Caledonian forest unfolds. Visitors can explore ancient pinewood and juniper forests, delve into Gaelic history, and witness rewilding in action. Guided tours, hands-on activities, workshops, and footpath exploration offer immersive experiences in this unique sanctuary. Continue to Oban and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Oban area

DAY -5/ OBAN TO GLASGOW

Discover Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, with a walking tour. From the magnificent St Mungo Cathedral to the People's Palace and Glasgow Green, explore Glasgow rich past as a religious centre and one of the most important industrial cities in Britain. The Victorian architecture of the centre evoques a bygone era, celebrating the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Carry on to the Clyde banks and George's Square, the heart of this vibrant city.

Visit National Pipping Centre.The National Piping Centre serves as the centre for excellence for the Great Highland Bagpipe and its music. The Centre is host to The Museum of Piping, The Highland Library, and The School of Piping, teaching many varieties of pipes and drumming.

See and Hear the Great Highland Bagpipe, Scotland's national instrument, and learn about its colourful history. Amongst this stunning collection is the Iain Dall MacKay Chanter - the oldest piece of bagpipe in the world, as well as a piping relic that belonged to Robert Burns.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Glasgow area.

DAY -6/ GLASGOW

Spend today at leisure in Glasgow.

OPTIONAL: Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular museums. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8,000 objects, the extensive collections are wide-ranging and internationally significant.

The Exhibition Gallery and the community exhibition space both have a running program of temporary exhibitions and displays. Please note that some temporary exhibitions are subject to an entry fee.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Glasgow area.

DAY -7/ GLASGOW TO BELFAST

This morning, depart Glasgow and journey to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal for the Irish leg of your journey.

Visit Titanic Belfast. Depending on your time of arrival spend the day exploring the city of Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in a new iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction.

Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience.

As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Belfast area

DAY -8/ BELFAST TO GALWAY

Depart Belfast for Galway this morning. Visit Kilbeggan Distillery en route, the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery.

Explore the Distillery’s museum and learn how Whiskey has been produced here since it was founded in 1757.Start your tour in 1757 and discover how Irish whiskey was made in the time of the Lockes ownership of the distillery on one side of the courtyard and then follow on to see how Kilbeggan Irish whiskey is now being made in the traditional manner which includes a 180 year old pot still.

Today the distillery hosts a museum and since 2007 when distillation commenced again in Kilbeggan, visitors can experience a real working distillery run by a team of young enthusiastic craftspeople (and a few wise old heads too), skilled in the traditional ways of making Irish whiskey. Continue to Galway and spend your evening in the city.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Galway area

DAY -9/ THE CONNEMARA TOUR

Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by Rhododendron, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey.

Visit Kylemore Abbey. Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, and see its most famous feature the miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns since 1920. Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House after having spent his honeymoon in the area.

The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church.Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey international School. The school eventually closed in 2010.

Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Gothic church is available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in. Connemara National Park. This impressive park is situated at the foot of the Diamond Mountain, which is 727 metres high. The park includes 1,500 hectares of forest, swamp, highland moors and heaths.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Galway area

DAY -10/ GALWAY TO KERRY VIA THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

The Burren landscape covers over 150 square kilometres and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. The region is visually similar to a moonscape, yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites which have attracted visitors for centuries.Man came here over 6000 years ago, cleared the forests and set in motion soil erosion. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems.

For millennia man has left his mark, megalithic tombs and cooking sites litter the pavements, while medieval tower houses and churches guard the valleys.Today man is absent from most of the upland, leaving behind ancient field systems, routeways and placenames.

Visitors to the Burren will find Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together.

The Cliffs of Moher. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.

The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible.The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ' Nine Gorgeous Cliff  Views That Rival The Grand Canyon'.

At this spot, is the "Atlantic Edge", the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher, which is built into the natural landscape. The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. Continue to Killarney for overnight

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Killarney area

DAY -11/ THE RING OF KERRY TOUR

The Ring of Kerry is the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. It is a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts.En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as you travel along the coast road.

Pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you’ll pass the birthplace of our National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.

Molls’ Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour. The visitor is presented with a magnificent view of Black Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains.

Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.Popular points include Muckross House (near Killarney), Staigue stone fort and Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell.Just south of Killarney, Ross Castle, Lough Leane, and Ladies View (a panoramic viewpoint), all located within Killarney National Park, are major attractions located along the Ring.

Quiet valleys and idyllic spots await along the way. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape on the peninsula will delight you.The mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream accounts for luscious growth of surprising flora such as subtropical Palm trees.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel the Killarney area

DAY -12/ KILLARNEY TO KILKENNY VIA THE ROCK OF CASHEL

Leave Killarney and travel eastward. En route visit the Rock of Cashel. Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel towers over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, St. Patrick visited the rock in 450 AD, while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the tenth century.

Spend your afternoon in Kilkenny and Visit the Smithwick’s Experience. The Victorian brewing building of Smithwick’s has been transformed into a visitor centre that will immerse you in Ireland’s oldest beer, teach you about the craft of brewing and ultimately allow you to taste the perfect Smithwick’s pint.

Wicklow, On your way to Dublin visit the monastic settlement of Glendalough, in the Wicklow Mountains.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Kilkenny area

DAY -13/ WICKLOW & GLENDALOUGH

On your way to Dublin visit the monastic settlement of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains

The English name Glendalough originated from the Irish “Gleann Dá Locha”, which translates as "The valley of the two lakes". It was here that St. Kevin, son of the king of Leinster, founded a monastery in the 6th century. From a simple beginning the site grew to become famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe.

Standing for 600 years it was destroyed in 1398. Much of what is to be seen today dates from the 10 to 12th century. One of the most attractive features is the fine 34m high round tower. A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived albeit as ruins. Beautifully scenic walking trails take visitors on a circular route by the lakes from the Car park.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Dublin area

DAY -14/ DUBLIN CITY

Discover all Dublin has to offer. You will notice that Dublin is split in half. The northern side is a lively area with lots of attractions such as the General Post Office on Dublin’s main street, O’Connell Street.The southern side on the other hand has a more refined feel with its Georgian squares, the famous coloured front doors and the fashionable shopping district of Grafton Street with its upmarket shops.

Visit Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells this morning before a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in the afternoon. The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse.Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story.

Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness.

Overnight: B&B at your hotel in the Dublin area

Day -15/ FAREWELL 

Transfer to Dublin Airport and take your flight back home