Sunday 22nd September – Monday 7th October 2024
Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you to your 5-star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3 pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat.Head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide 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, 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.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior King
Meals Included: None
This morning meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and together you will head off to the West of Ireland, where the fascinating Burren landscape unfurls in front of you. This afternoon, you will pay a visit to a charming, locally-owned goat farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet and feed the tribe, visit the milking parlour, and learn about the history of goat farming in Ireland and the traditional methods used to care for them and produce award-winning goat cheese. You’ll witness the cheese-making process firsthand and enjoy a tasting of their full range of Irish cheeses, right there on the farm! This evening, settle into an 18th-century mansion hotel, which has been managed by the same family since 1976. Your guide will join you for a welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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 and you’ll explore on-foot with your guide. 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. Back on the mainland, you’ll visit one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites – The Cliffs of Moher. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The Burren National Park was designated a UNESCO site due to its unique other-worldly limestone landscape containing a fascinating mix of unusual flora, fauna, geology and ancient archeology alongside the thriving farming communities – and you are staying in the heart of it! Spend the day exploring some of the natural and historical sites found in the Burren region. Said to be inspiration for JRR Tolkein’s Middle Earth, this fascinating landscape is known for the variety of wildflowers that grow in the cracks and crevices of the limestone earth. Wind your way over the stark rocky terrain, past prehistoric tombs, and through wildflower grasslands.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
It’s time to check out and make your way north to the capital of Ireland’s west, Galway! Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts 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 Ashford Castle on the border of Galway and Mayo – once owned by the Guinness family. 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.
Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Located only a short drive from your accommodation is one of the most beautiful National Parks Ireland has to offer. The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding them, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning your guide will lead you along the shores of the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site. This evening, we recommend a dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you have time to spend onsite at Ashford Castle, enjoying all the estate has to offer. Ashford Castle boasts many outdoor activity pursuits for those wishing to try their hand at the life of the gentry. This afternoon we have arranged an exhilarating private falconry experience, at Ashford’s School of Falconry. Meet the hawks, owls, and Birds of Prey that call this castle home. Your guide will be on hand if you want to get out and explore the surrounding area.
Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will drop you off in Dublin City, it’s time to say farewell but your adventure isn’t over yet. After check-in, head out for some lunchtime fun! Take a step back in time with Vintage Tea Trips and experience Dublin in a unique way. Indulge in afternoon tea treats, and great conversation, and tap your feet along to some fabulous 1950s jazz while taking in the sights of the city. Board your vintage Routemaster bus in the historic Temple Bar. Soak up the nostalgia as your host gets the conversation started, the music begins, and a classic afternoon tea is served. Pass sights such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Wood Quay, O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, and the grand buildings of Georgian Dublin.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x1 SUperior King
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel this morning and drop you at Dublin airport. It’s time for your next adventure! Arriving into Edinburgh airport you will be met by your transfer driver and whisked to your luxury accommodation in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, choose to head out and explore the city or simply relax and refresh after your travels.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive Double
Meals Included: None
Spend the morning exploring the cobbled streets and alleyways of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with an expert local city guide who will take you on a private walking tour. Visit some of the famous historic attractions, wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and this tour will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city.
Your guide will depart at lunchtime, and this afternoon is free for you to continue your explorations at your own pace.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral
Room Type: Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the bright lights of the city this morning with your main driver guide as you head off on the next part of your adventure. Your first stop is the town of Stirling where you can spend some time exploring the castle and the famous Wallace Monument which is a tribute to one of Scotland’s most famous heroes!
After enjoying some lunch in the town, you will continue on your way to the jagged peaks of Glencoe where you could enjoy a short leg stretch before meeting up with a local storyteller at a traditional walkers tavern. Sit back with a wee dram and let the tales of days gone by wash over you as you immerse yourselves in the rich history of this ancient land before heading to your luxurious accommodation for the night.
Overnight: Glencoe | Glencoe House
Room Type: One Bed Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will provide you an insight into the history of the surrounding area as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct overhead. Spend time here before driving onwards to the coastal village of Mallaig. En route stop at the silver sand beaches, rain or shine this coastline provides something special, from the glistening waters reflecting the rays of the sun, to the atmospheric crash of the waves on the rugged rock formations. Later, board the ferry as you leave to Skye.
There may be an option to travel on the famous ‘Harry Potter’ train to Mallaig instead of driving but currently there are no tickets available. We will keep monitoring this situation and let you know if anything changes.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Seaview Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will be on hand today to take you to visit the many wonders of Skye, and there is much here to choose from. Your guide will be able to discuss options to suit you, whether you would prefer to hike the dramatic and geologically varied landscapes, or perhaps explore Skye’s cultural heritage, discovering hidden traces that remain from its rich and turbulent past. Whatever you chose, your guide will make sure you get away from the hustle and bustle and off the beaten path so you can experience Skye at it’s best.
Overnight: Isle of Skye | Duisdale House Hotel
Room Type: Seaview Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to explore and enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens. On arrival at Loch Ness set out onto the deep secretive waters and enjoy a scenic but thrilling private zodiac ride, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. Then continue to a warm welcome at your accommodation in Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Meet your guide and head out to hike in the UKs largest national park and uncover many of its hidden gems. Today’s hike will be carefully tailored to suit the group and the weather conditions. Options here include summiting some of the Cairngorm’s highest peaks or enjoying a low level hike through ancient Caledonian pine forests to scenic lochs. Later, travel to the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end in 1746. Walk around the exact spot Britain’s last pitched battle was fought and see the mass clan graves where those who fell were laid to rest. Your guide will then take you to your accommodation, before wishing you farewell and leaving you to refresh and relax before dinner.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Please note it is a 3.5 hour drive to Edinburgh airport so please book flights that depart after 3pm to allow for traffic and check in times.
Meals Included: Breakfast
IRELAND INCLUSIONS
SCOTLAND INCLUSIONS
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation Contribution
This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.
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Please see our booking terms here.
Sunday 22nd September – Monday 7th October 2024