Exploring Scotland & Ireland

From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Your tour opens in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. Today dinner will be included.

This morning, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. Then it's your choice! Get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided tour of the city via motorcoach -OR- join a local expert and explore the Old Town and Royal Mile on foot.* Today breakfast will be included.

*During your choice activity, the walking tour of Edinburgh will take approximately 3 hours. If you opt for this choice, please wear comfortable walking shoes. There will be some hills and inclined walkways, cobblestoned streets, small alleys and stairs to ascend/descend.

Depart Edinburgh and visit a whisky distillery built on an old monastery, where you may enjoy a whisky tasting tour. Then travel onto St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf – see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, take a scenic cruise on Loch Ness before disembarking at the base of the famed Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of this historic stronghold where acts of chivalry and defiance exhibit more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Return to Inverness and have time to explore the city or join a riverside walk. This evening, enjoy a Highland evening filled with storytelling, singing and Scottish dancing! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Depart Inverness and stop just north of Fort William to take in the historic Caledonian Canal and its famous Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks and an incredible feat of engineering. Continue to the scenic valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland's most historic and breathtaking glens. Your day ends in Glasgow. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, explore Glasgow with a local guide. Highlights include a visit to George Square, and passing by Glasgow Cathedral, Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in the city, and Glasgow Green, discovering the rich industrial heritage of the city. Travel to the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the famed Irish Sea as you head for Northern Ireland's capital city of Belfast. Today breakfast will be included.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city. Learn about the struggles in this great city's history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. See "Samson" and "Goliath," the massive cranes of the Belfast shipyard. Complete today's tour with a visit to the award-winning Titanic Experience museum. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Venture along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route, stopping at the Giant's Causeway (UNESCO). Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old, cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Then, embark on one of the world's most beautiful railway** journeys along the Causeway Coast. Soak up the incredible scenery before arriving in the walled city of Derry. Set out on a walking tour featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. Perhaps you will discover why Derry is one of Ireland's best-kept secrets during an optional evening of storytelling and traditional music at a pub serving traditional pub-style food. Today breakfast will be included.

**Trains from Coleraine to Derry are subject to scheduling changes, maintenance and cancellation.

Today's journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Start your day with a visit to Donegal Castle, a restored 15th-century castle with a unique history. Enjoy some free time to explore Donegal Town, a picturesque village at the mouth of the River Eske. Return to Derry, where tonight, it's Diner's Choice... choose the perfect spot from a "menu" of Derry's great restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Depart on a journey through the scenic countryside of Northern Ireland, stopping in Armagh to view the twin cathedrals dedicated to Ireland's Patron Saint. The two St. Patrick's Cathedrals, one Catholic and one Protestant, symbolize the two souls of Ireland. Then, visit a family-run cider farm. Meet the family and explore the orchards before sampling their award-winning Irish ciders. Continue on to the Republic of Ireland. Your day concludes in Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital city. Today breakfast will be included.

A locally guided tour of Dublin highlights the world-renowned St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city's magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. You may choose to join an optional tour with lunch at a local pub followed by a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Spend the rest of your day at leisure as you delve further into Dublin's cultural treasures. This evening, toast the end of an incredible adventure during a farewell dinner at one of the city's most popular local restaurants. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour comes to a close. Today breakfast will be included.