Day 1 : Scotland Bound

We begin with an overnight flight across the pond to Scotland.

Day 2 : Glasgow

This morning we arrive in Glasgow to enjoy a city tour of Scotland’s largest and most colorful city. Later, get to know our fellow traveling companions over a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia

We depart for Edinburgh and enjoy a guided tour featuring the history of Georgian New Town, medieval Old Town, and The Royal Yacht Britannia. Serving as the Royal Family’s vacation home for more than 40 years, the Britannia has sailed over one million miles around the world! Later, we discover iconic Edinburgh Castle with a guided tour. Towering above the city on a hillside, this historic fortress was one of the most important military strongholds in all of Scottish history.

Day 4 : Inveraray Castle & Loch Lomond

Today we leave the bustle of Glasgow for the scenic splendor of Inveraray. Our sightseeing begins with Inveraray Castle, seat of the Campbell Clan. This sprawling fortress overlooks beautiful Loch Fyne and is nestled among majestic gardens. After lunch at The George Hotel, we cruise the country’s most picturesque waterway, Loch Lomond, and enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Highlands.

Day 5 : Ferry to Belfast

We bid goodbye to Scotland this morning and board the impressive Cairnryan Superferry for a pleasant trip to Northern Ireland. Take in scenic views of the North Sea as we cross the Irish Sea to Belfast. Upon arrival, we check in to our centrally located hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city and uncover its many treasures.

Day 6 : Titanic Belfast

Northern Ireland’s largest city comes alive on a guided tour today. Belfast is a city rich with history, culture, and lively Irish craic. We see the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Queens University, and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. In the afternoon we explore Titanic Belfast, a museum commemorating the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship. Built to resemble the doomed vessel, it extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at one of Belfast’s oldest and largest pubs, Robinsons Bar & Bistro.

Day 7 : Giant’s Causeway

We receive our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning and discover the beauty of Giant’s Causeway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique geological wonder, it offers unrivaled landscapes and surreal views. This afternoon, we arrive in the walled city of Derry. Learn about the area’s rich history during a walking tour of the city walls, including views of its iconic Guildhall. We overnight in Letterkenny, also known as “the Cathedral Town,” a charming metro in the northern region of Ireland that started as a market town in the 17th century.

Day 8 : Glenveagh National Park & Donegal

Our morning begins with a drive to Glenveagh National Park, perfectly located among the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. Enjoy exploring one of Ireland’s most beautiful vistas as you stroll through the castle gardens along Lough Veagh, a serene lake, and watch various birds soar up above. Next, we stop at the Crolly Distillery in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland where Gaelic is spoken. Here, we learn how whiskey is made and have an opportunity to taste “the water of life!” Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us back to our accommodations in Donegal for a wonderful dinner.

Day 9 : Belleek Pottery

Today we observe skilled craftsmanship at work during our guided tour of Belleek Pottery. Watch as they demonstrate how to delicately sculpt and hand paint the world-renowned pottery, then take time to explore the visitor center. This evening, we check in to our hotel in the Dublin area before experiencing Irish Night at Taylors Three Rock Dinner and Show, complete with delicious food, great music, and award-winning dancing.

Day 10 : Dublin

Discover Dublin’s best attractions this morning on a guided tour. View Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, Ha’penny Bridge, and visit the National Museum of Ireland. This afternoon, we’re free to explore Dublin on our own. Enjoy one more wonderful meal with new friends tonight, then it’s off to Dunboyne Castle Hotel, where the second half of your grand adventure begins.

Day 11 : Clonmacnoise

We travel west this morning to Clonmacnoise, a ruined monastery nestled along the banks of the River Shannon. This ancient site, with its remains of nine churches, a round tower, and high Celtic Crosses, was long a major center of religion and education, attracting scholars from all over Europe. Later, experience authentic Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm, where we watch sheep graze the fields as the fragrance of home-baked goods and a peat fire fill the air. We visit with our hosts in their charming, thatched cottage while sampling freshly baked scones and a pot of Irish tea. Our accommodations for the next two evenings are in Galway.

Day 12 : Kylemore Abbey

We begin the day at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory in Pollacappul, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystal. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through the dramatic canvas of Connemara, dense with gleaming rivers and lakes, stunning coastal views, and rugged rock formations. We arrive at Kylemore Abbey, home to a Benedictine Community of Nuns since World War I. Take time to explore this expansive historic site including the castle, Victorian walled gardens, a neo-gothic church, traditional home-cooked dining, beautiful trails, and a shop with handmade Irish goods. Back in Galway this evening, appreciate the local culture by stepping into the city’s lively entertainment scene.

Day 13 : Cliffs of Moher

Soak up otherworldly beauty on our morning drive through the Burren in County Clare, famous for its archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and glacial-age limestone that has eroded over the ages to form moonscape patterns. Next, we stop at the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mighty coastal wall and geological marvel, extending five miles along the coast and plunging 700 feet to the sea, once gave assurance to World War II pilots that they had reached European shores. Later, we explore Ireland’s heritage at the folk park of Bunratty. Life in old Ireland comes alive during this evening’s merrymaking at a Medieval Castle Banquet! Our hotel tonight is in Limerick.

Day 14 : Killarney

Today begins in Adare, a traditional Irish village known for its thatched cottages and beautiful stone buildings. Our journey continues to Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by incredibly beautiful countryside and our home for the next two nights. We enjoy a traditional jaunting cart tour of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park. Tonight, our cultural experience continues with authentic Irish cuisine, folk music, and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment.

Day 15 : Ring of Kerry

We spend today relaxing on one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Ring of Kerry. Keep cameras ready to capture the undulating hills, rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, emerald valleys, and dramatic seascapes. We return to Killarney and relax in our accommodations or spend the evening exploring the city and its incredible music scene on our own.

Day 16 : Blarney Stone

Our morning begins with a tour of Blarney Castle, including an opportunity to kiss the fabled stone and be rewarded with the gift of gab. We also have time to shop for some treasured gifts among the array of Waterford Crystal, Irish Sweaters, and other locally made items at Blarney Woollen Mills Store. Then, we travel to the stunning Rock of Cashel to learn about the rise of this majestic fortress, once an assembly place for kings, and later, an important religious center.

Day 17 : Kilkenny

We start our day with a tour of medieval Kilkenny Castle. This palace was built in the 12th century to guard against crossings of the River Nore and you can still see three of its original four towers today. Afterwards, explore the medieval city’s narrow winding streets at leisure, then visit the National Design & Craft Center or enjoy lunch at a local pub. We return to Dublin for a special Farewell Dinner this evening to celebrate our spectacular journey and new friendships.

Day 18 : Fly Home

We fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of our grand adventures in Scotland and the Emerald Isle.