Final Information Trufflepig- Firestone

Day 1 - Monday 14^th October - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5 star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat.

The rest of today is at your leisure to rest, relax or start to explore the city on foot. Why not visit Dublin’s EPIC Centre for a fascinating dive into Ireland’s history of immigration and the impact it had both on Ireland and the world? If you prefer a more unique experience, The Leprechaun ( yes they are real!) museum is a lot of fun and definitely not for children, or simply stroll the pedestrian street, stopping and exploring where you wish and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar.

Dinner is booked for you this evening at The Pig’s Ear, a short ten minute walk from your hotel.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 15^th October - Explore Dublin

This morning you get to explore some of Dublin’s highlights and hidden gems with an engaging and enjoyable walking tour of Dublin with a local private guide. Explore this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian-style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

If you would like to continue your exploration of Dublin and its history and culture this afternoon We recommend joining a public tour of Trinity College and The Book of Kells. Or for the quintessential ‘ Dublin Experience’ make your way to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour of Ireland’s most famous export and a pint with the best view in Dublin.

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

Day 3 - Wednesday 16^th October - Dublin to Galway

Leaving the city of Dublin behind you this morning a private transfer will take you to the station where you will board a train to take you cross country, westwards,  to the town and county of Galway. At the train station, you will be met by John, your guide who also serves as your driver, and who will join you for the rest of your trip.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the streets of Galway this afternoon before you head out of the city to the wilds of Connemara and to your 4-star hotel Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Built as a traditional hunting lodge and owned by the landed gentry Ballynahinch has acres of forestry and woodlands surrounding it giving it, immersing you in nature.

Dinner is on-site this evening.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 17^th October - Connemara National Park

With the expanse of park to explore today, we can offer no better introduction to the Irish landscape than a morning walk up Diamond Hill. Pick a route with John to suit your time and energy levels and marvel at the quintessential Irish views that greet you at the top. Every direction you look is remarkable with Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul Lough and the Twelve Bens stretching out before you. It’s remote, desolate and hauntingly beautiful.

After your walk spend a little time in the nearby village of Clifden where you have the opportunity to browse the craft shops perhaps picking up a memento or two for home. On route back to your hotel, be sure to stop at the stunning Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1800s as a dedication to his wife by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, today Kylemore is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since the 1920s.
Tour the house and walled gardens and be sure to stop by the cafe and gift shop, the homemade chocolates, made onsite are a delicious treat to take away.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 18^th October - The Cliffs of Moher & Whiskey Tasting

Leaving Galway, we make our way south, into the county of Clare home to one of Ireland’s most enduring visitor attractions, The Cliffs of Moher.
Towering over the Atlantic Sea on the rugged west coast, the cliffs are not only dramatic but home to thousands of seabirds during the spring and summer months. On a clear day, the views are tremendous, with the Aran Islands etched on the waters of Galway Bay.
Explore the visitor’s centre and take a walk along the pathways and viewing points for some of the most breathtaking scenery you will experience in Ireland.

This evening join John at a local traditional pub where Margaret, the landlady will bring you on a fascinating whiskey-tasting journey through some of her extensive collection before your dinner at Monk’s Restaurant.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 19^th October - The Burren National Park

Heading inland today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of The Burren. As you enter the Burren landscape, you’ll quickly notice its otherworldly attributes. With endless lines of karst limestone rock dominating fields and covering hillsides, the area is said to have been an inspiration for JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Today you visit a working family-run farm in the Burren and learn a little of the traditional farming methods that help shape and conserve this unique landscape. Explore the original farmhouse and see how the Irish people used to live, survey the pre-famine settlement where inhabitants lived on rockier ground and visit an ancient ring fort designed for defensive purposes enabling the Chieftain to guard his sheep. 

Your guide will leave you this evening to enjoy dinner onsite at your hotel and the rest of your trip unguided.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 20^th October - Free Day at Gregans

Enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel, surrounded by the beauty of the Burren. Sip tea in the lovingly attended garden, visit the resident donkeys, browse the local papers in the library or take a relaxing walk in the surrounds.
There are house bikes available to guests should you wish to peddle farther afield or activities such as hikes and tours that can be arranged through the hotel.

For dinner this evening, we recommend staying onsite at Gregans award winning restaurant.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 21^st October - Ireland to Scotland

Departing from Gregans Castle Hotel this morning your private transfer will take you to Shannon Airport in time for your flights to Edinburgh.

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you will be met by a private transfer driver.  You will leave the city behind and head into the beautiful Perthshire countryside to your iconic hotel for the next few nights.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Braid House Estate Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 22^nd October - A Free Day at Gleneagles

Today is free for you to enjoy the world class facilities at Gleneagles.  Along with the hotels excellent spa facilities, there are championship golf courses to challenge yourself on along with some country pursuit activities. These include (but are not limited to) Fishing, Off-Road Driving, Clay Shooting, Falconry, Gun Dog Experiences, Horse Riding, Cycling,Racquet & Lawn games, Archery, Afternoon Tea, and walking.

We are happy to make activity reservations for you.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Braid House Estate Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 23^rd October - Transfer to the Cairngorms & Whisky tasting

Today you will meet your Scotland guide who also serves as your driver and make your way to the spectacular Cairngorm National Park in the heart of the Highlands.  On the way you will stop at the famous Glenturret Distillery for a unique tour and whisky tasting experience.  Step behind the scenes of the oldest distillery in Scotland to see how the golden elixir is made before feeling the warmth of the liquid slide down your throat as you enjoy tasting a few of their award winning whiskies.

As you continue on your journey you will notice the scenery change from the ancient pine forests to the rugged mountains of the Cairngorms.  Arrive at your incredible hotel to refresh and relax for the evening.

Whiskey Experience time: Approx: 10:3/11am 

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 24^th October - Unique Foodie & Whisky Workshop

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast (including local ingredients foraged from the surrounding hills) while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating.

Experience is approx: 4 hours with an hour each way transfer to and from hotel 

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Friday 25^th October - Hiking in Balmoral and a Free Afternoon

This morning, head out with your guide for a stunning hike in the beautiful Balmoral Estate. A Highland residence of the Royal Family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852, walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forests, listening out for the white-water rush of a river and the bright sing-song call of a blackbird.

The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring the area or relax at your luxurious accommodation.

The hike today is completely flexible to suit you. Your guide will always personalise the hiking to you and will discuss the best options to suit your energy levels, sense of challenge and the weather on the day. Typically the full cairn hike is approx 3 hours, but this can be shortened.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Scottish Culture
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Saturday 26^th October - Transfer to Edinburgh

Today you will make your way to the beautiful city of Edinburgh.  On the way there are plenty of options to stop and stretch your legs, perhaps enjoy a hike to the Falls of Bruar, admiring the rushing waters and maybe enjoy a wee treat at the famous House of Bruar.  Or perhaps stop in the quaint town of Pitlochry and explore its many cafe’s and shops.

Continue your journey to the City of Edinburgh, this evening is free to settle in and enjoy your luxurious accommodation or head out to explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Sunday 27^th October - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.  Why not end your time in Scotland enjoying a sunset view over the city while sipping on a wee dram.

The private morning walking tour is approx 4 hours, normally 9am to 1pm. Route and distance covered are flexible and would be personalised to your interests.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Monday 28^th October - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast