Explorateur - Dooner & Campbell

Day 1 - Friday 24^th January - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a 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: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x2 Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Saturday 25^th January - 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.  Why not end your time in Scotland enjoying a sunset view over the city while sipping on a wee dram.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: x2 Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sunday 26^th January - Into the Heart of Perthshire

This morning you will meet your private guide (also acting as your driver) who will be with you throughout your trip through Scotland and together, you will set off for Perthshire. Stop en route at Stirling Castle, where you’ll wander through the royal apartments and learn of pivotal battles that shaped Scotland’s history.  Arriving at Fonab Castle Hotel, nestled by Loch Faskally and surrounded by rolling hills, the castle’s ivy-clad stone walls exude charm and elegance – a perfect home to explore the local area.  You can choose to settle in and relax for the evening or explore the grounds of this lovely location.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x2 Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Monday 27^th January - Historic Castles & Whisky tasting

Soak in the incredible history of this place as you visit Blair Castle.  This castle has been home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and has been home to politicians, soldiers, and agriculturalists.  The family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture.

This afternoon you will visit a Distillery that stands as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, in picturesque Pitlochry.  Enjoy an in-depth distillery tour and tasting, where you will get a real insight into the inner workings of this historic distillery.  At the end of the tour, you will have the chance to sample some of the finest Scottish whiskies.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x2 Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tuesday 28^th January - Transfer to the Cairngorms & Exploring

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape.  There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view or take a short hike with your guide.

Arriving in the charming Highland town of Ballater, you can unwind and embrace a tranquil evening, perhaps enjoying a warming dram surrounded by the serene beauty and warm hospitality of your cosy accommodation.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: x2 Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Wednesday 29^th January - Unique Foodie & Whisky Workshop

Set out into the whisky hills to a private remote kitchen this morning and spend a fascinating day in the home and kitchen of the charismatic writer, broadcaster and ‘food anthropologist’ Ghillie Basan. Set in an idyllic location you will discover a colourful and well stocked kitchen with inspiring views over the local hills. Ghillie will guide you in cooking a delicious feast while you share stories and learn about the dishes you are creating. 

*Subject to availability at time of booking*

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: x2 Feature Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Thursday 30^th January - Scotland to Dublin

Leaving Scotland this morning, your guide will take you to the Airport in time to catch your flight.  Taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5-star central hotel. Check-in is at 3 pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat before heading out to explore the city.

The rest of today is free for you to enjoy as you wish. We have some great recommendations for experiences and restaurants for you or simply enjoy your hotel and its amenities including its dining options.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | Leinster Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Friday 31^st January - Explore Dublin

Today you get to explore some of Dublin’s highlights and hidden gems. We recommend starting with a fantastic 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.

Finish your tour near Trinity College and The Book of Kells where you can join a campus group tour and self-guided audio Book of Kells Experience. After a little lunch, we highly recommend going the short distance to the Little Museum of Dublin for a private tour. The quaint little cafe right next door is the perfect spot for coffee and cake and of course, some people watching.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | Leinster Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Saturday 1^st February - Dublin to Galway - Glass Cutting

This morning your private tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you cross country to the town and county of Galway. Galway is a bohemian town, full of art and artisans, crafters and performers. Just outside the city, you will stop at a family-run crystal factory. Glass cutting in Ireland is part of a vibrant artistic tradition and you will have the chance today to meet the master glass cutter as they craft a personalised item for you. With its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the West Coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. You’ll have lunch in one of our favourite restaurants in the city centre before heading to your final destination, the stunning Ballynahinch Castle in the heart of Connemara. Built as a traditional hunting lodge and owned by the landed gentry Ballynahinch has acres of forestry and woodlands surrounding it giving it, immersing you in nature.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Sunday 2^nd February - Connemara National park

This morning it’s a 45-minute drive through the windswept Twelve Bens Mountain Range to Killary, Ireland’s only fjord. Start the day with a sheep-herding demonstration at a local farm, and you’ll have the opportunity to cut peat from the bogs – a method that’s been used to harvest fuel in these parts for aeons. Take a stroll along the abandoned Famine Trail and hear stories of the people who emigrated en mass due to the harsh conditions they found themselves in.

After your walk spend a little time in the nearby village of Clifden where you have the opportunity to browse the craft shops perhaps picking up a memento or two for home. On route back to your hotel, be sure to stop at the stunning Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1800’s as a dedication to his wife by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, today Kylemore is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since the 1920’s.
Tour the house and walled gardens and be sure to stop by the cafe and gift shop, the homemade chocolates, made onsite are a delicious treat to take away.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Monday 3^rd February - The Cliffs of Moher

Leaving Galway, we make our way south, into the county of Clare home to one of Ireland’s most enduring visitor attractions, The Cliffs of Moher.
Towering over the Atlantic Sea on the rugged west coast, the cliffs are not only dramatic but home to thousands of seabirds during the spring and summer months. On a clear day, the views are tremendous, with the Aran Islands etched on the waters of Galway Bay.
Explore the visitor’s centre and take a walk along the pathways and viewing points for some of the most breathtaking scenery you will experience in Ireland. There are options to visit a local microbrewery this afternoon and meet the master brewer.

This evening join your guide at a local traditional pub where Margaret, the landlady will bring you on a fascinating whiskey-tasting journey through some of her extensive collection.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Tuesday 4^th February - The Aran Islands

We hope the weather gods are on our side today as we head out to visit one of the remote islands that dot the Irish coastline. Inis Mor (Inishmore) is the largest of the three Aran Islands and our destination this morning. Explore the island with the aid of some off road adventure vehicles as your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus bring you to all the off the beaten track spots on the islands that only their 4×4’s can reach. Learn of the Gaelic language spoken on the islands, the unique Irish culture and traditions of the local people, the flora and fauna that inhabit the islands and of course the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film!

For dinner this evening, after a day on the islands, we recommend staying onsite at Gregans award winning restaurant.

Overnight: Clare | Gregans Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Wednesday 5^th February - Ireland to London

Departing from Gregans Castle Hotel this morning your guide will take you to Dublin Airport in time for your flights to London.

On arrival at London Airport, you will be met by a private transfer driver who will whisk you to your hotel in the centre of Knightsbridge.  You are free to settle in and relax or head out to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight: London | Knightsbridge Hotel - Firmdale - London
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Thursday 6^th February - A Free day in London

Today you have a full free day to spend as you wish. Take in some of the iconic sites from The Houses Parliament, Buckingham Palace to the iconic London Eye.  Maybe make the most of the shopping opportunities, or head to one of the world-class galleries or museums. The choice is yours!

Overnight: London | Knightsbridge Hotel - Firmdale - London
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Friday 7^th February - A Free day in London

Enjoy another day entirely at your own pace, why not explore London’s world-renowned museums and uncover its rich tapestry of history, art, and culture. Perhaps choose to wander through the towering halls of the Natural History Museum to marvel at dinosaur skeletons and precious gemstones, or dive into the extensive collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where art and design from across centuries await. You might choose the Museum of London to step back in time, or lose yourself in the galleries of Tate Britain and the National Gallery, each home to masterworks from British classics to Renaissance icons.

The city is yours to explore as you wish, curating your own journey through its vibrant past and artistic treasures.

Overnight: London | Knightsbridge Hotel - Firmdale - London
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 16 - Saturday 8^th February - 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