Fisher Private Travel - Final Information

Day 1 - Saturday 17^th May - Welcome to Ireland, afternoon Cliffs of Moher

From the metropolis of Dublin, you’ll meet your private guide this morning to journey to the vast west coast. Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is calling with crashing Atlantic waves, sea cliffs, pristine beaches and green valleys. As we cross the country’s interior we stop at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs. Later today we take advantage of a quiet evening to visit The Cliffs of Moher after the crowds of the day have departed. Standing over 800 feet tall, the cliffs are home to a myriad of seabirds and a hive of activity.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles, x1 twin
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Sunday 18^th May - 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 guides 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 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, Gabriel, a fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native, 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.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles, x1 twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 19^th May - Galway City

Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’, the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. You will attend Mass here at Galway Cathedral and receive a blessing from the priest. After lunch, a local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.  Return to Clare, where your guide will say farewell and enjoy your final night on the West Coast with a toast to the days ahead.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles, x1 twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 20^th May - The Burren

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and today, as you explore this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why!
You will visit a farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape, This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multisensory presentations. Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles, x1 twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 21^st May - Ireland's Fair City

Enjoy breakfast this morning before a private transfer takes you to Dublin City. After check-in, Dublin is yours to explore. Often described as the “city with the village feel”, Dublin is best explored on foot or by using the Luas, our light rail system. We’ll give you our favourite recommendations on how to spend your last night in Ireland, finishing in a cosy pub, of course!

Booking ref: 22541184, 22541185

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x3 doubles, x1 twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 22^nd May - Goodbye Ireland, Hello Scotland!

Take a taxi to Dublin Airport this morning to touch down in Aberdeen, excited to kick off your Scottish adventure.

On arrival at Aberdeen Airport you will be met by your Scottish guide who will also be your driver and whisked out of the city into the depths of the Highlands for the next part of your trip.  Depending on the time of arrival there may be time to stop off for a leg stretch underneath the towering Scots pines where you can breathe in the crisp, clean air and feel grounded in the country.

Travelling through the mountains, you will arrive at the small village of Ballater in the heart of the National Park and your boutique accommodation base for the next 4 nights

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite, 2 x Classic Double & 1 x Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 23^rd May - Highland Hikes

Set out today with your guide to get into the wilderness of the largest National Park in the UK.  There are lots of options to choose from and your guide will discuss them all with you to make sure you have the best day.  From a circular walk around Loch Muick, which lies in the shadow of the famous peak of Lochnagar, to a hike to the Devil’s Punchbowl which offers incredible views of some of the highest peaks of the Cairngorms you will be spoilt for choice with the beauty and wildlife that is abundant in Royal Deeside.

After getting out into the wilderness, you will head back to the hotel where you will meet a local storyteller who will weave tales of myths and legends that have been passed down from generations and are woven into the very fabric of life here in the heart of Scotland.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite, 2 x Classic Double & 1 x Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 24^th May - Wild Swimming and Sauna

A unique and wonderful experience awaits you today as you head off with your guide into the woods to a secluded spot to meet your expert swimming instructor.  The benefits of wild swimming are well known and Annie will make sure you are well prepared before you dip your toes into the fresh, mountain water.  Feel your body tingle as you submerge and allow yourselves to drift downstream a bit with just the sound of the lapping water and the wildlife in the trees for company.  Back on dry land you will pop into the stunning sauna for a warm up and then perhaps out again into the river for the ultimate refreshing dip! Once you are done, you can sit on the riverbank wrapped up with a wee dram to warm up.

There is one last special experience this afternoon, a 3pm blessing at the historic St. Nathalan’s Catholic Church in Ballater. Your guide will ensure you are there with time to appreciate the setting.

The rest of the day is flexible – you can head out to a local nature reserve for another hike to warm the muscles up or head back to the hotel and enjoy a wee stroll around the village, perhaps picking up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite, 2 x Classic Double & 1 x Classic Twinn
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 25^th May - Royal Explorations

One option for this morning would be to attend the church service at Crathie Kirk, the church where the Royal Family attend when they are in residence here. Or you could choose to visit the Kirk this afternoon after you hike just to soak in the atmospher and take a moment of tranquility after a busy few days.

If you choose to hike this morning then you will explore the Balmoral Estate, which has been the Scottish home of the Royal family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Enjoy a hike in the beautiful estate and visit the castle, soaking in the quiet atmosphere and the years of history evident in your surroundings.

Then the perfect finish to your Highlands adventure, a private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Raise a glass to toast your family adventures with the traditional Scottish toast ‘Slainte Mhath’, or ‘good health’.

Please note that occasionally Balmoral Castle & the Estate are closed to the public because the Royal Family are in residence. If this is the case then your guides will discuss other local alternatives for your morning.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite, 2 x Classic Double & 1 x Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Monday 26^th May - Transfer To Edinburgh Airport & Depart

Your guide will transfer you to Edinburgh Airport this morning in time to check in to catch your onward flight at midday. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Please note that an early departure today may mean that your breakfast is boxed. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 2 hrs & 45 mins drive away from the hotel and travel time will be traffic dependant.

Your guide will agree a meeting time the day prior.

Meals Included: Breakfast