A Celtic Odyssey

Day 1 - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your boutique hotel in the city centre.

Today is yours to relax and settle in after your overnight flights to Ireland. We have some fantastic recommendations and suggestions should you feel the urge to delve into Irish culture or simply take a walk in the neighbourhood around your hotel, enjoying the sights and sounds of Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | Leinster Hotel
Room Type: The Corner
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Historical Walking Tour

Start the day with a walking tour with a local private guide exploring 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, Fitzwilliam Square, and 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.

This afternoon, you have many additional options for tours and experiences including a visit to Trinity College and The Book of Kells, 14 Henrietta Street of Kilmainham Gaol.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | Leinster Hotel
Room Type: The Corner
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Galway City and Connemara

Your private guide/ driver will meet you in Dublin today and together you will leave the city and the east coast behind as you travel west, to Ireland’s famed Wild Atlantic Way.

En route, we take the opportunity to stop in Galway City, a charming Medieval-era city with a thriving arts and food scene. Joining a couple of local food aficionados, you’ll sample some of Galway’s hidden foodie gems from scones and jam to oysters, cheeses to homemade breads and jams.
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.

Your accommodation this evening, Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest hotels, set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Day 4 - Connemara National Park with Sheep Dog Demo

We take a drive through the windswept Twelve Bens Mountain Range to Killary, Ireland’s only fjord where we visit a local sheep farm for a private sheepdog demo in this wild and remote landscape. watch the magnificent and intelligent collies work the sheep from mountainside to pen with only the calls and commands of its owner to follow.

Enjoy some tea and cake with Tom the farmer and chat about rural life in Ireland. Later this afternoon, we walk an abandoned famine route along the southern shoreline of the fjord and your guide helps you understand the life of locals during this time, why emigration was the only option to survival and just how cut off communities were.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Inishlacken Island

This morning you’ll make your way to Roundstone Harbour to meet local man Damien, a fourth-generation fisherman who has been around the sea all his life. As you explore Roundstone Bay by boat, look out for the resident seals, dolphins & Basking sharks!

You’ll pass by the stunning beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen & Dog’s Bay as you make your way to the deserted Island of Inishlacken. With its panoramic views, picturesque unspoilt beaches & pristine waters, this deserted island is the perfect place to stop off for a bespoke picnic lunch!

Inishlaken has long been a centre point for writers, poets & artists because of its unique setting. A once largely populated island with its own schoolhouse & lots of quaint cottages, the population dwindled & the last of the island’s residents left for the mainland. But where man has left, nature has flourished and the island is now home to a large variety of insects & birds, rabbits, resident goats, sheep & donkeys.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dublin to Scotland. Meet Your Scottish Guide & Head North.

We return to Dublin today for your flights to Scotland and your adventure continues. Although brief, we hope your time in Ireland has inspired you to return once again, for more exploration of these ancient lands.

On arrival in Glasgow Airport you will be met by your private Scottish guide, who will also act as your driver for your time together. Straight away the Highlands are calling and you will make your way North through the beautiful scenery of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

Depending on your arrival time you may have a chance to stop for a scenic leg stretch when you reach infamous Glencoe. These dramatic mountains and ridges have featured as the backdrop in many films and once you are looking up at these summits it is easy to see why! Your guide will share the history of this atmospheric location as you go. Then continue onwards towards the welcome of your unique and opulent hotel.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - The 'Road To The Isles'

Today you will enjoy superb views as you drive west along the stunning Road to the Isles, all the way to the small fishing town of Mallaig. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history.

You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and admire the graceful arches of the viaduct (made even more famous by the Harry Potter movies. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles and over the sea to the Isle of Skye. At the end of the day your guide will take you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Loch Ness Legends

The ‘Great Glen’ is easily identifiable on a map of Scotland. A huge line of waterways creating a sharp slash across the country, made up of lochs and rivers. It also includes the Caledonian Canal, which features a dramatic flight of 8 locks known at ‘Neptune’s Staircase’.

At the northern end of this geological feature are the secretive waters of Loch Ness. These waters never completely freeze because they are so deep and dark, a perfect hiding place for Nessie! Maybe take a short scenic cruise on the loch for a different perspective. Or discover a fascinating project which is rewilding ancient royal hunting grounds, and offers some lovely scenic strolls.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Transfer To Edinburgh

This morning you wave farewell to the Highlands and make your way to Edinburgh with your guide. Stop to visit Stirling Castle on the way, one of the grandest castles in Scotland with a turbulent history. This is where the World’s Oldest Football was discovered, thought to be hidden by Mary Queen of Scots behind wood paneling to keep it safe from witchcraft. Once your guide sees you safe into your Edinburgh hotel they will depart, leaving you to enjoy your first evening exploring Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Exploring Edinburgh

Today 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 personalise your explorations to your interests and make sure that you take in the highlights of the city.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Welcome to London

This morning, board the train in Edinburgh for a scenic journey South to alight in England’s capital city of London. Your private transfer will be waiting to take you to your centrally located hotel. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks.

With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 1x Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Life of a Royal

In the quiet stillness of the early morning, step into the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, where every corner resonates with centuries of British history. The solemn beauty of this place will leave you in awe, as you explore the final resting place of kings, queens, poets, and statesmen.

After, step into the Tower of London, led by your private guide who unlocks a hidden world before the day’s crowds arrive. The ancient stones seem to hold their breath as you approach the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels wait in shimmering splendour. Your guide shares stories and secrets behind each piece—the history, the rituals, the intrigue—adding layers to the dazzling display of crowns, scepters, and ceremonial swords. Moving through the gleaming vault, you feel the immense weight of royal heritage and power, undistracted by others, as though the priceless jewels were on display just for you.

Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 1x Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Foodie Delights

Start your morning at the Churchill War Rooms, where you’ll step behind the glass into the underground bunker that served as the nerve centre for Britain’s war efforts during World War II. Explore the meticulously preserved rooms and exhibits that reveal the tense atmosphere of wartime strategy, including Winston Churchill’s private office and the map room, all while learning about the pivotal decisions made during one of history’s most turbulent times.

The afternoon brings you to the vibrant Borough Market, where your private foodie guide awaits, ready to unveil London’s culinary treasures. Together, you wander through bustling stalls filled with rich aromas, sampling cuisine such as artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and perfectly crafted pastries, each bite telling a story of local craft. Your guide introduces you to friendly vendors, who eagerly share the passion behind their products, be it the origins of their cured meats or the best ways to savour seasonal fruits. From tasting decadent chocolates to savoury street food, each stop is an experience in itself, making the market feel both a feast and a warm community gathering.

Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 1x Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a morning of leisure at your own pace.

Enjoying afternoon tea at The Savoy is an opulent experience, blending timeless elegance with indulgent treats. Seated in the magnificent Thames Foyer beneath a stunning glass dome, savour delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and exquisite pastries, all paired with an extensive selection of fine teas. The soothing ambiance, live piano music and impeccable service create a moment of pure refinement and relaxation.

Please note: Afternoon Tea is included

Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 1x Luxury Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the 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