Saturday 29th June – Thursday 11th July 2024
Arriving into Shannon Airport (preferred) or Dublin Airport this morning, your private driver/ guide will greet you at the airport and take you across the mighty River Shannon to Kerry, fondly known as The Kingdom by locals, Kerry is Ireland’s most westerly county. With miles of rugged coastline, mountain peaks, sweeping valleys and lush forests to explore, Kerry offers visitors a wealth of activity and experience.
Depending on your energy levels this afternoon, you can choose to relax at your 5 star hotel in Kenmare of explore the surrounds with your guide. For those wishing to explore we have some fantastic local walks and more challenging hikes to recommend introducing you to the Beara Peninsula.
This evening, your guide will take you all to dinner to celebrate your first night in Ireland.
Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Estate Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
This morning your guide will drive some of you to the southern shores of the Iveragh peninsula where you will meet one of our favourite local characters. A fisherman, foraging expert, storyteller and a true Irish gent, John will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s west coast all the while regaling you with tales of characters from the region. Together, learn how seaweed earned its reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping. Afterwards, your guide will take you to some of the best-known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes. See the highlights but also the hidden gems that make this scenic route truly unforgettable.
Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: Estate Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Leaving Kenmare, we make our way east, leaving the county of Kerry and entering Cork crossing green fields and rolling farming landscapes.
On route, we stop and step inside a magical edible paradise, The Garden of Re-Imagination & taste rare edible delights from bubblegum berries to Dahlia tubers & giant celery. After a bespoke garden tour we then take a seat at the feasting table for a three course lunch freshly prepared for using using seasonal botanicals from the gardens. Truly your chance to eat the garden!
Continuing into Cork there re options to stop at Blarney Castle and Gardens, or Corks famed English Market, the oldest covered market in Europe before check in this evening.
Overnight: Cork | The Imperial Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Kingsize Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Our quick stop in Cork ends this morning as we head to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city for the night. On route we recommended a stop in the medieval town of Kilkenny, one of our best-kept secrets.
An artsy, colourful town, Kilkenny is home to local artists such as ceramics and other hand-made crafts found in the craft village. Probably the most impressive sight in town is Kilkenny Castle. One of the most fascinating castles in Ireland, enjoy a tour to learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore the castle to its former glory.
After a delicious local lunch we get back on the road to an make our way to Dublin for a later afternoon walking tour of the city with a local historian.
Be sure to check out some of the local pubs this evening for a pint and some traditional music.
Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Davenport Hotel
Room Type: Classic King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A whistle stop night in Dublin and we are off to our final destination, Belfast where you will enjoy two nights before heading to Scotland.
Our first stop this morning is not far outside the city, the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe.
Later this afternoon, we roll into Belfast. Belfast is intrinsically linked to the story of the Titanic as her birthplace and you have the option to tour the Titanic Museum, the Harland and Wolff Slipway and the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel in the world later today. Immerse yourself in Titanic history and her ill fated maiden voyage.
If time allows we recommend exploring Belfast with your guide, the political murals of the Falls and the Shankill areas of Belfast tell their own graphic story of what has been called “The Troubles” in Ireland’s recent history. See the infamous Peace Wall, built to keep Nationalists and Loyalists apart and in the process divided the two communities.
Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Art Deco or Victorian Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, tackle one of the most dramatic hikes in Europe, the Gobbins Path. Originally opened in 1902, it was later abandoned in the 1960s until it’s rebirth in 2015. The Gobbins Path experience takes you along a narrow path hugging the dramatic cliff face, across spectacular bridges amid the swirling waves of the North Channel. Traverse hidden tunnels under the Irish Sea, climb rugged staircases carved into the cliff face and duck into caves once home to smugglers and privateers. Afterwards, follow a stunning coastal route – the “secret” way to visit the Giant’s Causeway! Admire castle ruins, dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches and picturesque harbours and even visit a few places that inspired and appeared on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The grand finale is at the spectacular Giant’s Causeway – octagonal columns of rocks created by feuding giants or volcanic activity – myth or science, you decide!
A fantastic day touring deserves a final night celebratory dinner, enjoy one of Belfast hotspots and toast the end to your time in Ireland.
Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Art Deco ro Victorian Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A final morning in Belfast and you depart from the local airport to Edinburgh, for the next leg of your Ireland and Scotland adventure.
Arriving into Edinburgh from Ireland, you will meet your private transfer to your city centre hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and perhaps take a leisurely stroll around the historic city centre to get acquainted with your surroundings.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, including a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.
After exploring the castle’s rich history, head to Dovecot Studios to enjoy their current exhibition showcasing art, design, and textiles. The combination of history and contemporary art will give you a well-rounded experience of this beautiful city’s culture.
You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will meet your private expert guide who will also be your driver throughout the next part of your adventure.
Making your way to the National Portrait Gallery, you will embark on a curator-led tour where you’ll delve into Scotland’s artistic heritage.
In the afternoon, your guide will drive you to Rosslyn Chapel just outside of the city, famed for its intricate carvings and mysterious history, enjoy a guided tour of this enchanting site before making your way back to the city for your final evening in Edinburgh.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Executive Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning you will meet your guide and depart Edinburgh and drive to St Andrews, stopping en route at Falkland Palace and it’s grounds, a beautiful Renaissance palace featuring expansive formal gardens and one of the oldest tennis courts in Britain.
Continuing along the scenic coastal route to St Andrews, enjoy breathtaking views and charming coastal villages as you make your way to St Andrews.
On arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening together.
Overnight: St Andrews | Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will take a day trip with your guide to Dundee to visit the impressive V&A Museum, renowned for its design exhibitions. Afterward, head to the nearby coastal cliffs for a refreshing hike, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and the North Sea, perfect for spotting wildlife.
Arriving back in St Andrews, enjoy an afternoon exploring at your own pace.
Overnight: St Andrews | Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will explore the historic and world famous university town of St Andrews with your guide. Recently remembered as the place in which the Prince and Princess of Wales met during their time studying here. However St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’.
Visit the famous St Andrews Cathedral and the historic university grounds, stroll along the beautiful West Sands Beach and perhaps indulge in some local seafood in one of the many beautiful restaurants in the town.
This evening, enjoy a final meal together reflecting on your amazing adventures in Ireland and Scotland.
Overnight: St Andrews | Hotel Du Vin, St Andrews
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Bidding farewell to Scotland, but taking with you the wonderful memories you made together.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Saturday 29th June – Thursday 11th July 2024