Hayden Family Scotland & Ireland Adventure

Hayden

August 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

You will start your journey in Scotland, immersing yourself it’s rich romantic history, cultural heritage and rugged landscapes as you discover the breathtaking architecture of Edinburgh the capital city and the rugged coastlines of the Kingdom of Fife. Wander down winding alleys and cobbled streets, explore castles and monuments, sample delicious Scottish cuisine and explore coastlines and rugged beaches with your guide. Next stop is Ireland, enjoy picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes. Ireland is romantic, authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring Ireland’s famous and off the beaten track sites of natural, cultural and ancient interest.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arriving in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh, you will be met by your private transfer who will take you to your hotel. There will be ample time to settle into your room at the luxurious and historic Balmoral Hotel and take in the iconic views from your window. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out for a gentle walk and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Sample the very best of Scottish cuisine for your evening meal and rest up ready for your first day of exploration in this magnificent city with your dedicated and knowledgeable guide.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Exploring Historic Edinburgh & The Festival

This morning you will meet your private guide who will take you on a unique journey through the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh. You have come to Edinburgh at a very special time of year as the Fringe Creative Arts Festival will be in full swing. The streets will be buzzing with energy and you will pass street performers and entertainment on every corner as you explore, follow your curiosity and enjoy the vibrant ambience. There will be a huge variety of different shows and concerts to choose from if you wish to catch a performance. There is always the opportunity to explore at your own pace, pick up souvenirs, shop or relax as you prefer.

This evening you will enjoy a very special Festival experience, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an awe inspiring spectacle on the Castle Esplanade. You will take your seats in the Royal Gallery and enjoy a pre-show dining and excellent Scottish hospitality throughout the performance.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Balmoral
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Fife Coastline Adventure

Today you will depart Edinburgh with your private guide and head to the coast to explore the historic and world famous university town of St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. On your journey you will stop off to explore the charming and picturesque fishing villages along the Fife Coastal Trail. Take in a gentle walk along vast beaches and enjoy the unique coastal architecture. Lunch today will be the delicious traditional fare of local Fish & Chips, a real highlight of any trip to the coast.

On arrival in St Andrews, you will check into the luxurious Old Course Hotel. Relax and unwind by taking afternoon tea with a view over one of Scotland’s most historic golf courses and the beautiful coastline you explored earlier in the day. Take an early evening stroll with your guide to explore this historic university town and indulge in some delicious coastal cuisine.

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - St Andrews Explorations & Golf Club Lunch

Today you will join your private guide to explore the historic and world famous university town of St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Recently remembered as the place in which the Prince and Princess of Wales met during their time studying here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and today you will soak up the history of the great sport. After a morning of exploring the town, enjoy a long and decadent lunch at the famous Club House, with coastal and course views, you may even meet some of the local players.

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Arrival in Ireland & Galway Food Tour

This morning your private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh Airport to board your flight to Dublin and start the next chapter of your adventure.

On arrival in Dublin airport, you’ll be met by your lovely guide who will whisk you towards the wild and rugged west coast. En route, stop in the capital of Ireland’s west, Galway. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. What better way to spend an afternoon here than a delectable food tour? Stop off in the city and tantalise your taste buds with a delightful journey through Galway’s culinary scene. From artisanal cheeses, craft beers, to handcrafted chocolate, this will be a true feast for the senses. Continue on and check into the 800 – year old historic Ashford Castle, your home for the next four nights. Nestled between the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Cong is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history and its connection to pop culture. The surrounding area boasts a fascinating history that stretches back centuries, and there’s no better base to explore than Ashford Castle. Tonight your guide will join you for a welcome dinner and you can discuss the week to come.

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Corrib Lake View
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Connemara Shellfish

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning you will visit a family run shellfish farm where you can head out onto the fjord for an exclusive guided boat tour of the mussel farm. Lift a string of mussels for hauling and harvesting and understand the lifecycle of these delicious shellfish. Afterwards, enjoy a three course home cooked shellfish lunch with traditional brown bread. Bentley the lamb may also make an appearance!

  • Accommodations can be made for those who do not eat seafood.

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Corrib Lake View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - On Site at Ashford Castle

The 800-year-old Ashford Castle on the border of Galway and Mayo was once owned by the Guinness family. Ashford has a history dating back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books. Today, Ashford is one of Ireland’s premier hotels offering an unforgettable experience to all its visitors. There are estate walks to enjoy, fishing and boating, golf, shooting and cycling. Relax on site today – we are happy to book any experiences you require. You can also venture out to the village of Cong, renowned for its association with the iconic Oscar winning film “The Quiet Man”. Many of the film’s iconic scenes were shot in and around Cong.

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Corrib Lake View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Irish is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands. Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The first port of call is a goat farm, here meet a fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native who will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore. Tonight, your guide will join you for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Mayo | Ashford Castle
Room Type: Corrib Lake View
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Dublin City

After enjoying a relaxing morning at Ashford Castle, it is time to leave the west coast and head  to Dublin. Your guide will take you directly to your accommodation, The Merrion Hotel and you will say goodbye. This evening, we have organised a special private event at a little museum run by a dedicated team of locals who specialise in history, hospitality and humour. Browse the quirky artefacts that speak to the rich history of the city while enjoying a glass of wine and canapes. Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, their collection was created by public donation and a specialised guide will talk you through the history of a city that has undergone remarkable changes in the last 100 years, from the visit of Queen Victoria to the global success of U2.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Deluxe King Main House
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel and drop you at Dublin airport for your flight home. We do hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals as stated in the itinerary above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 4 in Scotland and Day 5 to Day 9 in Ireland.
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh,
    • includes entry to Edinburgh Castle and two other attractions as per interest.
  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
    • Includes pre-show champagne reception and exclusive 3-Course Dinner with Paired Wine in the Gatehouse.
  • Private Guided Walk Fife Coast with your Guide
  • Afternoon Tea at The Old Course Hotel
  • Private Guided Tour of St Andrews with your Guide
    • three entrance fees to attractions as per interest
  • Airport Transfer to Edinburgh on Day 4
  • Private Food Tour of Galway City
  • Private Mussel Farm Tour & Tasting
  • Return Ferry to Inis Mor
  • Goat Farm Tour & Tasting
  • Private Tour of The Little Museum of Dublin
  • Departure Airport Transfer
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.