V7 - TCS - The Ijju Family trip to the UK and Ireland

Day 1 - Saturday 6^th July - Welcome to London

On arrival at the airport you will be met by the VIP team and whisked through security to your private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: 1 x Hyde Park Suite for the Grandparents, 1 x Mandarin Junior Suite for the parents and 1 x Superior Room as a twin for the children
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 7^th July - Exploring the Capital

Your local expert guide and driver will meet you at your hotel this morning as you set off to explore the capital city.  Taking in the iconic sites such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London as well as stopping off to explore some of the lesser known places, your expert guide will make sure you see all of the highlights before leaving you to explore at your own pace for the afternoon.

Later on, you will enjoy a wonderful treat as you head to the London Eye and board a private pod to see London from a different angle.  Look down at the sites you saw from the ground as well as seeing just how far the suburbs stretch before being taken back to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: 1 x Hyde Park Suite for the Grandparents, 1 x Mandarin Junior Suite for the parents and 1 x Superior Room as a twin for the children
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 8^th July - Foodie Tour

Today is all about food as you head off to meet up with a local food expert to take a journey through the senses and let your taste buds tingle with delight at the smorgasbord of flavours that London is known for.  From traditional fare to the more eclectic dishes, fill up on some of the local delicacies as you meander along.

After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to do as you please and your driver will be on hand to take you anywhere you wish to go before dropping you off at the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: 1 x Hyde Park Suite for the Grandparents, 1 x Mandarin Junior Suite for the parents and 1 x Superior Room as a twin for the children
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 9^th July - Day trip to Bath

It is an early start this morning as your driver collects you from your hotel and you head west to the beautiful city of Bath.  Here you will meet a local guide who will show you the highlights of the city – including the famous Roman Baths and the stunning Bath Abbey.  Hear stories of the city and venture off the beaten path before heading back to London in the late afternoon.

On route back, you will stop off at Stonehenge to meet an expert guide who will take you round a tour of these incredible stones and regale you with the myths and legends linked to them that are woven into the very fabric of folklore in England.  A great way to end the day.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: 1 x Hyde Park Suite for the Grandparents, 1 x Mandarin Junior Suite for the parents and 1 x Superior Room as a twin for the children
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 10^th July - London Explorations

For your final day in London your guide and driver will be on hand to take you wherever you wish to go.  You may want to venture to some of the lesser known places such as Shoreditch and Greenwich to see some of the street art or the observatory.  Perhaps you might wish to just take some time wandering through the various royal parks or maybe even visit one of the many museums.  The choice is yours!

For the grandparents, a private transfer will take you to the airport this morning in time for your flight home, taking with you some precious memories of the last few days spent with the family.

Overnight: London | Mandarin Oriental
Room Type: 1 x Mandarin Junior Suite for the parents and 1 x Superior Room as a twin for the children
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 11^th July - To Scotland

For one part of the family, it is time to leave the bright lights of the city and head north to the ancient Scottish Highlands.  Your private transfer will take you to the airport to meet up with the VIP team who will make the transition through the airport seamless.  On arrival at Inverness airport, your Scottish guide will be waiting to meet you and you’ll head off to visit Culloden Battlefield, one of the most emotive sites in Scotland.  Here, you will meet an expert guide who will regale you with the sad tales of the Jacobite uprising and the effect that this event had on Scottish history.

In the late afternoon, you will head south along the shores of Loch Ness to your boutique accommodation on the very shore of the loch and will rest your heads to the sound of the water gently lapping against the shoreline.

Overnight: Fort Augustus | The Lovat Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Master Rooms - 1 as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 12^th July - Exploring Loch Ness

Waking up to the sunlight glinting off the shimmering waters of the mysterious loch that your hotel overlooks this morning – enticing you to set forth on her mysterious waters to see what legends lie beneath.  Boarding a scenic cruise of the loch, keep your eyes peeled for the tell tale swish of a tale as the elusive monster dives down into the deep, dark depths of the loch.

Back on dry land you can head north along the shoreline to the most besieged castle in the country and let your guide bring this landscape to life with tales of the Jacobites.  Learn how this uprising changed the course of Scottish history and the sad tales that are still felt by many descendants to this day.

Overnight: Fort Augustus | The Lovat Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Master Rooms - 1 as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 13^th July - To Edinburgh

Leaving the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands this morning you will set off towards the capital city and your final stop on your Scottish adventure.  On the way you will stop off at Scone Palace which was the crowning place of the Kings and Queens of Scotland and has a fascinating history.  Take a tour of the gardens before heading onto Edinburgh where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Tonight, you will head to the foot of the Royal Mile and enjoy a private tour of the Kings official residence in the city.  Follow in the footsteps of royalty as you step behind the ropes and explore parts of the palace that are not usually open to the public.  What a fantastic way to start your time in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Castle View Rooms - 1 as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 14^th July - Exploring Edinburgh

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 from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish.

You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

For your final night in the city, you will head to a local cookery school where you will learn tricks of the trade as you assemble a delicious dinner for you all to enjoy before raising a glass to the next part of your adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe Castle View Rooms - 1 as a twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Monday 15^th July - To Ireland- Kinsale Co Cork

A private transfer will take you to the airport this morning in time for your onwards connection to Ireland and the next part of your adventure.

On arrival at Cork airport, your Ireland guide will be on hand ready to take you to your city central hotel and start your Ireland exploration.  This afternoon we recommend a visit to The English Market in Cork city. One of Europe’s oldest indoor markets it’s the perfect place to discover fresh, local delicacies, from farmhouse cheeses and fresh seafood for which West Cork is world-famous, to locally-made artisanal craft items and art, and everything in between.

This evening check into the 5 star Hayfield Manor Hotel in central Cork where your guide will join you for dinner to toast your first night in Ireland.

Drive time from Fonab Castle to Edinburgh airport is approximately 1hr 30 mins without stops

In Ireland, drive time from the airport to your activity is about 10 minutes and the same back to your hotel that evening.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor Hotel
Room Type: 2x superior king; 1x manor twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - Tuesday 16^th July - Food Tour Kinsale

Today you accompany you guide the short distance to Kinsale, a colourful seaside town where local fishing and pleasure vessels bob about in the sheltered idillic bay.
Kinsale has firmly established its place as a foodies mecca and with so many glorious venues on your doorstep, tourists and locals alike flock to Kinsale for their wonderful food. For a foodie fanatic, your walking tour today will take you to a selection of different eateries, meeting locals and sampling sweet and savoury treats as you go, not to mention some liquid fortification! During the tour, hear stories about the food and meet some of the fascinating characters who make it too.
If time allows we recommend you explore the nearby Charles Fort, a well preserved, striking star shaped military fort of the late seventeenth century built during King Charles 11 reign to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale from attack.

Drive time to Kinsale is 30 minutes each way. 

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: 2x superior king; 1x manor twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Wednesday 17^th July - Adare Manor

You will depart Cork this morning and head west to check in at Adare Manor.When the 2^nd Earl of Dunraven built Adare Manor in 1832 carriages were a familiar part of their everyday life. Today a carriage tour is still the best way to experience all the magic of the Adare Manor Estate the way it was meant to be seen. Settle into a beautifully appointed carriage for a meandering 45 minute exploration of this enchanting 840 acre estate. Take in the sweeping views of the lush Irish countryside, fascinating historic sites, and memorable points of interest along the tour route as your personal guide shares engaging tales of Adare’s long history: the Norman invasions of the 12th century, the rebellions and uprisings which shaped the land and its families, the establishment of the quaint village with its picturesque thatch cottages, and stories of life in the Manor, from the days of the Dunravens up to today.

Drive time today is approx. 1.5 hours

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor Hotel
Room Type: 3x deluxe rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 - Thursday 18^th July - Cliffs of Moher

Waking up like lords and ladies of the manor enjoy your castle breakfast in style before your venture to the coast to visit one of Ireland iconic natural wonders, The Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way and for good reason. The cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and are consistently one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions due to their dramatic beauty and rugged nature. You may even have seen them before in films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and also The Princess Bride. Pop into the visitor centre before you venture along the cliffs and breathe in the fresh, sea air while taking in the impressive views. We know a lovely little cottage where you can stop for a coffee and some homemade fudge.

Adare Manor Castle to Cliffs of Moher is about 1.5 hours

Overnight: Adare | Adare Manor Hotel
Room Type: 3x deluxe rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Friday 19^th July - Welcome to Dublin

After a leisurely breakfast we will make our way back east towards Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. There are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and you will arrive in Dublin in time for lunch.

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.

Drive time from Adare to Dublin is 2.5 hours

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 1x garden wing suite; 1x superior twin, 1x main house deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Saturday 20^th July - Private Tour of the Guinness Storehouse

Indulge your senses in the world of Guinness with our exclusive private experience at the Guinness Storehouse. For the discerning connoisseur, this tour delves deep into the history and origins of the iconic stout. From the moment you step inside this historic establishment, you’ll be immersed in the rich heritage of Guinness, tracing its roots back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Your expert guide will walk you through the intricate brewing process, sharing the secrets and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Finish the tour by tasting a variety of Guinness brews and savouring their unique flavours.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: 1x garden wing suite; 1x superior twin, 1x main house deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Sunday 21^st July - Belfast City

As your journey north, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Irish countryside. On arrival in Belfast we will head out on foot to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s cultural heart. Here you will take a leisurely stroll to St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. Browse through a variety of stalls offering artisanal goods, local produce, and unique crafts. Next take an unforgettable Black Cab Tour, guided by a knowledgeable local driver. This personalised tour will take you through Belfast’s key historical sites, offering unique insights into the city’s past and present. Hear firsthand stories and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Drive time to Belfast from Dublin is 2 hours

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: 1x Victorian Suite; 1x Deluxe Twin Art Deco
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 17 - Monday 22^nd July - Depart Ireland

After an early breakfast,  its time to depart Ireland today for your flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast