Scotland and Ireland Explorations - Final Information

Day 1 - Wednesday 15^th May - Arrival in Ireland

Flying into Cork today, Fionnuala will be at the airport to meet you and together you will travel west to the Wild Atlantic Coast and to the little town of Bantry.

On route, you will stop at a local farm for a tour and cheese tasting experience. Meet John the farmer for a tour of the farm, herd and facilities before joining Dorothy to sample the velvet Buffalo Mozzarella made onsite with a special picnic.

Overnight: Cork | Seaview House
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Thursday 16^th May - Rib Experience and Outdoor Mussel Boil

Bantry Bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Head out into the bay today viewing this stunning part of the Wild Atlantic Way from the water. Explore the stunning seascape to learn about the different types of fishing industries in the Bay, the local seafood culture and a little maritime history of Bantry Bay. Watch out for wildlife and numerous birds that frequent the area, visit the lobster pots, and check the mussel lines before heading to an island for a delicious mussel bake and bottle of beer.

Overnight: Cork | Seaview House
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Friday 17^th May - Explore Schull & Three Castle’s Head

Today Fionnuala will lead you on a hike along a rugged path that winds its way through lush green meadows, overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking the Three Castle’s Head trail in Schull is like stepping into a world of untouched beauty and captivating history. The ruins of three ancient castles, which lend the trail its name, stand proudly against the backdrop of this awe-inspiring scenery.

Overnight: Cork | Seaview House
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Saturday 18^th May - The Rock of Cashel

Leaving the west coast, today we make our way to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Enroute, stop at the imposing Rock of Cashel. Featuring an impressive mediaeval castle atop a limestone outcrop, the site is known for its rich history and architectural beauty.

The site’s origins date back to the 4th or 5th century, and it has served as a fortress, a royal residence, and a religious centre throughout its long history.

The Rock of Cashel is a symbol of Ireland’s heritage and a testament to the country’s ancient past.

This afternoon check into The 5 star Merrion Hotel in the heart of leafy Georgian Dublin. Fionnuala will say Sláinte here and leave you to enjoy Dublin in unguided.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Sunday 19^th May - Walking Tour of Dublin

Meet your local historian and walking guide at your hotel this morning and enjoy a walking tour through 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, site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

For the remainder of your day, make the most of your time in Dublin, perhaps checking out Trinity College and The Book of Kells, or taking a tour of the Jameson Distillery. If shopping is on the cards, the pedestrian Grafton Street with high end and high street shops is the place to go or simply grab a coffee or glass of wine and do a spot of people watching at one of the outdoor pubs and cafes.

This evening, why not take yourself to a local pub for a Sunday night trad session after dinner. A pint and some live Irish music is the perfect way to end your time in Ireland.

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

Day 6 - Monday 20^th May - Welcome To Scotland & Explore Speyside Whisky

This morning you fly from Dublin to Edinburgh. Your airport transfer will meet you in the lobby of The Merrion and take you the short distance to Dublin Airport for your flights to Edinburgh.

Your Private Guide will meet you on arrival and you’ll head north into the very heart of Scottish whisky country. Beautiful Speyside is known all over the world for producing unique whisky flavours due to the soft peaty waters of the river Spey.

Take a special tour of the UK’s only working cooperage, hear about the history where oak casks are created or repaired using traditional methods. You will see the fruits of their labour in distillery warehouses all over Scotland, but here you can see the processes in action at incredible speed.

In the afternoon you will visit one of Scotland’s best known distilleries where you can enjoy a tour and a wee dram of “Uisge Beatha” or “water of life”. This is the ancient celtic name given to the traditional fiery amber nectar that we now call Scottish whisky. Your guide will then transfer you to your welcoming hotel to settle in before dinner.

Overnight: Contin | Coul House Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior Large Double
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 21^st May - Ferry to Lewis & Visit Callanish Stones

Today you head to Ullapool with your guide to board the ferry to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the wild beautiful islands who live with the sea and the weather influencing every day. Visit the atmospheric site of the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones. This unique cross-shaped formation is older than Stonehenge and was an important ritual site for over 2000 years.

Then you transfer to your welcoming accommodation on the island of Harris, enjoying the varied scenery as you go. Arriving in time to settle in before dinner.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby at around 08:30 in order to get to the ferry in time.

Travel time to Ullapool is around 1 hour without stops

Drive time from Stornoway to Tarbert is around 1 hour without stops

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 1 x 2 bedroom Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Wednesday 22^nd May - Hiking on Harris

Stretch your legs exploring the spectacular coastline of Harris today. Discover gorgeous Luskentyre Beach with pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters which have inspired so many artists. Keep your eyes open for the local wildlife; which includes eagles, seals, deer, and otters. Visit the charming St Clement’s Church in Rodel, built in a fabulous scenic position for the chiefs of the MacLeods of Harris.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before 

Your luggage will be moved into the additional suite today while you are out for the day.

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 2 x Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 23^rd May - Continued Explorations of Harris & Lewis

Today you have another full day with your guide to continue your explorations of these unique islands. Maybe visit a local Harris Tweed Weaver (the only fabric in the world to be protected by an Act of Parliament), duck into a traditional blackhouse, or take a tour of the unique Harris Gin Distillery. There are many fabulous hikes to discover too, so you can discuss with your guide what will suit the day best for you.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before 

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Room Type: 2 x Kirklea Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 24^th May - Lewis Explorations and Flight to Edinburgh

You’ll leave the hills of Harris this morning and head north to the Isle of Lewis where you can stop for some explorations.  Arriving in Stornoway, you can enjoy some lunch and perhaps some final souvenir shopping before your guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your afternoon flight. On arrival a private driver will transfer you to your city centre hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city as you wish.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Saturday 25^th May - Private Walking Tour & Tartan Kilts

Spend the morning exploring the tales of the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide. You will visit some of the famous sights as well as discovering some lesser known gems. Early afternoon enjoy a special visit to a local kilt maker or a tartan merchant to learn more about the traditional Scottish garment and the fabric which is instantly recognisable around the world. The rest of the day is yours to use as you wish, follow your curiosity as you explore, learn or shop.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 26^th May - Free Day to Explore Edinburgh

Today is free to visit some of Edinburgh’s wonderful attractions independently; walk the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, discover the Georgian opulence of the New Town or go aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.  Or you may want to take a captivating journey beneath Edinburgh’s streets, revealing the secrets of a hidden historical close dating back to the 17th century.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Monday 27^th May - Depart

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

Overnight: None
Meals Included: Breakfast