GeoEx - Ireland and Scotland Explorations Final Information

Day 1 - Sunday 22^nd September - Welcome to Dublin

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 Deluxe King
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 23^rd September - Head West to Ashford Castle

This morning meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and together you will head off to the West of Ireland and your 800-year-old castle accommodation in the beautiful County 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. 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. Your guide will be on hand if you want to get out and explore the surrounding area and tonight they will join you for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Cong | Ashford Castle
Room Type: x1 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday 24^th September - Exploring Connemara

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

Day 4 - Wednesday 25^th September - Galway Food Tour & Gregan's Castle

It’s time to check out and make your way over 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 tantalize 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. Spend some time wandering around the city before continuing south, where the fascinating Burren landscape unfurls in front of you. This evening, settle into an 18th-century manor hotel, which has been managed by the same family since 1976.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 26^th September - The Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher

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 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 27^th September - Exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Leaving the west coast behind today you will head to Ireland’s green and rolling midlands. The gentle rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise from the central plains of Ireland, forming a natural link between the counties of Laois and Offaly. The area is picturesque, peaceful, gloriously multi-coloured, and one of the least explored in Ireland. Dotted around the mountains are quaint little villages, and to visit one is like stepping back in time to an era when life moved at a slower pace. You can explore the area with your guide today before you check in to Ballyfin Demesne, a place that has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. Situated on 614 acres it is a place of great natural beauty and tranquillity. You’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner tonight onsite.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Saturday 28^th September - Spending Time at Ballyfin

A perfect place to relax and enjoy your last day in the countryside, the 500-acre estate at Ballyfin is yours to explore. Surrounded by woodlands, lakes, grottos, follies, and walled gardens, along with an abundance of activities and bespoke experiences to choose from, you have plenty of choices as you spend time at Ballyfin today! Enjoy activities including fishing, tennis, walking, and biking or enjoy a good book by the fire in the library. We are happy to assist with pre-booking activities and spa treatments to avoid disappointment.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Sunday 29^th September - Vintage Tea in Dublin

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 Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Monday 30^th September - Welcome to Scotland

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 Hotel
Room Type: Executive Double
Meals Included: None

Day 10 - Tuesday 1^st October - Explore Edinburgh

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 Hotel
Room Type: Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Wednesday 2^nd October - Travel to the Highlands

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: Two Bed Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Thursday 3^rd October - The West Highlands and Over the Sea to Skye

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: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Cosy Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Friday 4^th October - The Fabled Isle

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: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Cosy Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Saturday 5^th October - Castle and Lochs

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. Travel by the picturesque lochs before reaching the Cairngorms National Park, to bask in the scenery. Your guide will then take you to your accommodation, before wishing you farewell and leaving you to relax and make the most of your final night at your castle retreat.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: Castle Signature Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Sunday 6^th October - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning to take you to Edinburgh Airport in time for your departing flight.

Please note it is approximately a 2 hour drive to Edinburgh airport. 

Meals Included: Breakfast