Wednesday 14th August – Wednesday 28th August 2024
An incredible adventure exploring Ireland and Scotland, hiking, biking, kayaking and zip lining through stunning scenery. We’ll meet the locals, try out the best pubs and restaurants and immerse ourselves in nature, hosted by your expert B&R guide.
Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred into The Burren on the West Coast of Ireland. This takes roughly 1 hour.
Please note, hotel check in is 3:00pm.
This afternoon, after a briefing over lunch followed by bike fitting, you will cycle off into the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Burren National Park. The route starts inland near Poulnabrone Dolmen (a Neolithic tomb) and ends at the Flaggy Shore, a favourite spot of Irish poets before making your way to your accommodation this evening, Gregans Castle Hotel.
Dinner can be taken in the hotel’s wonderful dining room or in the nearby coastal village of Ballyvaughan.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 1x classic double, 1x premiere suite double, 1x premier suite triple
Meals Included: Lunch
Ride Details: 32 km / 20 miles
After breakfast, we’ll cycle from the hotel to the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way—a breathtaking 2,500 km (1,550 mi.) coastal route flanked by crashing waves, white sand beaches, rugged cliffs and charming seaside villages. Our morning cycle starts takes us through the Burren, via Poulnabrone, stopping at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora.
For lunch, you’ll have the option to choose from several classic pubs and a characterful cafe, which serves up some of the region’s best fish n’ chips.
This afternoon, it’s a short pedal to the famous Cliffs of Moher, which are well worth the hype! You’ll have plenty of time to admire the geographic wonder before you cycle or hitch a ride back to the hotel.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: 1x classic double, 1x premiere suite double, 1x premier suite triple
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 45 km / 28 miles
After check out, it’s a 90-minute drive to the village of Cong, the backdrop of the Oscar-winning movie, The Quiet Man. Our day begins at the oldest falconry school in Ireland, where we will be joined by an expert to learn about this fascinating Medieval sport and then see the birds of prey in action.
After lunch, take a short drive to Maam, where we’ll pedal through the Maam Valley to the North Atlantic Coast and bogs of Connemara. The ride ends at our final hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, which is located on a wooded, 700-acre estate.
This afternoon, enjoy some downtime back at Ballynahinch Castle with the option to dine in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: 3x superior rooms (1 is triple)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride Details: 47 km / 29 miles
Today, we set off on a looped ride through Connemara, a region rich in Gaelic history and culture. We’ll start through the interior through a lunar bog scenery set against the Twelve Bens Mountain Range. When we reach the coast, you have the option to ride an extra loop around Sky Road or continue directly to the fishing village of Roundstone for lunch. Music lovers may want to make a stop at the bodhran workshop, known for its traditional Irish drums.
This afternoon, join a local archaeologist and longtime friend of B&R for an easygoing walk on Inishnee Island in Roundstone Bay. It’s a short bike ride back from there to the hotel.
Tonight, you’ll have the chance to do a bit of exploring and dinner on your own in the town of Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara.
Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: 3x superior rooms (1 is triple)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today we transfer you from Connemara to one of Ireland most spectacular hotels, Ballyfin. This drive takes around 3 hours.
Ballyfin is one of Ireland’s finest country houses and underwent a meticulous 9-year restoration, a period longer than its original construction in the 1820s. The spectacular house and its estate is now a 5-star hotel set in 614 acres of parkland, with stables, clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry.
After lunch, the afternoon is free to relax or take advantage of the many activities available on the estate.
For dinner, choose between the hotel’s main dining room or more casual Cellar Bar
Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Room Type: 1x classic; 2x deluxe 1x stateroom
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today, we will transfer you to Dublin, which takes roughly 90 minutes.
The Merrion is a B&R favourite: this 142-bedroom hotel is as welcoming as it is stylish. An impeccable restoration of four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion is a marriage of comfort, relaxed elegance and excellent guest facilities, including an 18m pool, spa and gym.
In the afternoon, you will be collected from your hotel by a local expert guide for a historical walking tour of Dublin, including Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 2x deluxe king 1x junior suite (with extra bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is free for you to shop, relax or visit one of Dublin’s many great museums – we recommend EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the Little Museum of Dublin along with the well known National Gallery.
In the late afternoon, we include a visit to the Guinness Storehouse to learn the story of The Black Stuff!
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 2x deluxe king 1x junior suite (with extra bed)
Meals Included: Breakfast
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Drop your bags safely at your hotel and then a private driver will transfer you to a special Afternoon Tea experience, a lovely welcome to this unique city. The rest of the evening is free for you to spend as you wish.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 4 x Executive Room (2 x Dbl, 1 x Twin & 1 x Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local city guide today. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city, and hear the tales of the winding streets as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.
Finish your day with a private tour of the atmospheric underground streets of Mary King’s Close, where a warren of 17th-century streets was walled up and forgotten about. Hear about the chilling crimes committed by dark inhabitants of old Edinburgh, or the everyday lives of the people who used to live here. The rest of the evening is free to relax as you wish.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 4 x Executive Room (2 x Dbl, 1 x Twin & 1 x Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head north towards the Highlands. Stop to visit the splendours of elegant Scone Palace, once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Stroll the beautiful gardens and explore the unique Murray Star Maze before you continue North. There are many options for gentle strolls taking in the beautiful scenery, which your guide will bring to life for you as you travel. So maybe take a leg stretch to discover a special beauty spot, or save some time to explore the charming village of Braemar before settling into your unique Highland hotel.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2 x Scottish Culture (1 Dbl & 1 Twin) and 2 x Nature & Poetry (2 x Dbl, 1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Set off to explore on 2 wheels this morning, with a little assistance from your e-bikes! You will be joined by a qualified bike guide for your ride, and can choose if you want a full day or a half day on these quiet roads. Finish the day with the perfect celebratory activity, a private distillery tour and tasting at the Royally approved Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 2 x Scottish Culture (1 Dbl & 1 Twin) and 2 x Nature & Poetry (2 x Dbl, 1 for solo occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Transfer West today, enjoying the views and stopping at a couple of special locations on route. Discover the delights created by an award-winning Scottish Chocolatier with a private tasting guided by a chocolate master.
Travel on through the glens to reach a spectacular turreted castle, dating from the 16th Century. Here you will have a private tour and time to explore all the nooks and crannies of this restored castle which is the seat of the Clan Menzies.
Then continue towards the rugged west coast, and your hotel on its own private island.
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 3 x Garden Suite (2 Dbl, 1 Twin) & 1 x Tower Deluxe Dbl
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
OPTIONS
1 – Private Sea Kayaking Experience – Note that this would be local to OBAN, not Arisaig
2 – Private RIB Boat for the day – Options to explore the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, Mull, and many more fascinating areas
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 3 x Garden Suite (2 Dbl, 1 Twin) & 1 x Tower Deluxe Dbl
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
The dramatic mountains and ridges of Glencoe have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Today you will explore this famous valley with your guide, there are plenty of options to suit every level of energy and challenge. After your hike settle down with a celebratory beverage in a traditional climbers pub before you head south to your luxurious lochside hotel.
Option: You could choose to hike in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park nearer your hotel if you prefer. This day is flexible.
Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: 4 x Loch View (2 Dbl, 1 Twin & 1 x Solo Occ)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Glasgow airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 7 clients rooming as per the itinerary, 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.
Wednesday 14th August – Wednesday 28th August 2024