Fisher Private Travel

Day 1 - Tuesday 10^th December - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, your private guides will be on hand to ferry you from the airport into the city to your 4-star hotel. Check-in may not be till 3 pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat.

Spend the rest of today settling into Ireland, meeting others as they arrive, catching up with news and some sleep before heading out tonight for a celebratory first-night dinner in Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | Leinster Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Wednesday 11^th December - Dublin To Clare, afternoon Cliffs of Moher

From the metropolis of Dublin to the vast west coast, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is calling with crashing Atlantic waves, sea cliffs, pristine beaches and green valleys.

As we cross the country’s interior we stop at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Today the ruins include a Cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs.

Later today we take advantage of a quiet evening to visit The Cliffs of Moher after the crowds of the day have departed. Standing over 800 feet tall, the cliffs are home to a myriad of seabirds and a hive of activity.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles and Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Thursday 12^th December - The Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guides will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands.
The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all found on this little group of islands.

Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today and best explored from the saddle of a locally rented bike.
The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff-top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles and Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Friday 13^th December - The Burren

The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – and today as you explore this other-worldly region, it’s easy to see why!
You will visit a farm where you’ll enjoy the opportunity to walk through this unique landscape, This tour will also include a walk to a prehistoric stone fort, with a worldly history which will be brought to life by the farm’s local guide and multisensory presentations.
Excavations from the site, ranging from Venetian glass and Baltic amber, serve to juxtapose the ancient settlement against its contemporary trading inhabitants.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles & Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Saturday 14^th December - Galway City

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.
A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

We return to Clare for our final night in Ireland with a toast to the days ahead.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles & Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Sunday 15^th December - Goodbye Ireland, Hello Scotland!

We say goodbye to the west coast of Ireland, making our way to Cork Airport this morning and touching down in Edinburgh, excited to kick of your Scottish adventure. The drive is about 3 hours and your guide will take you for lunch before you say goodbye.

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport you will be met by your two private Scottish guides and head north!. Approximately an hour’s drive will bring you to your welcoming hotel where you can sit down to dinner and settle in.

Please note that depending on flight times and serving times it may be necessary to stop for dinner before you head north to your hotel.

Overnight: Dunkeld | Dunkeld House Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles or Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Monday 16^th December - Highland Summit, Stories & Celebrations

Set out to conquer a Scottish summit with your guides this morning. Ben Vrackie is classified as a Corbett (Scottish mountain over 2500ft) and it offers a lovely varied hiking route. The fabulous views over the surrounding mountains and scenery mean that the work to get to the summit is definitely worth it.

Once back down in the village settle in at a traditional coaching inn near the foot of the mountain. Relax and enjoy a celebratory beverage as a local storyteller sweeps you away into tales of Scottish history and legends.

Then a special treat to finish your first day in the Scottish Highlands. A tasting of delectable and award-winning chocolate treats, led by a expert chocolatier. You will also get a wee box of them to take away. Your guides will then take you back to your hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Dunkeld | Dunkeld House Hotel
Room Type: Classic Doubles or Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Tuesday 17^th December - Clay Shooting & Transfer Into The Cairngorms National Park

This morning you will enjoy an exciting clay shooting experience in a lovely outdoor setting. Test your skills against different targets and improve your shot with instruction from a local expert.

This afternoon you transfer deep into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, your route taking up over the ‘snow roads’ and the Glenshee Pass. There are many superb options for hiking on route and you will be spoilt for choice with all the possible routes. Together with your guides you will decide on an option which suits your preferred level of challenge (and energy!), and the weather.

No matter what you pick, your guides will make the landscape come alive with stories and local insights before you head onwards to your hotel and dinner waiting for you.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic Doubles or Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Wednesday 18^th December - Royal Explorations

This morning you will explore the Balmoral Estate, which has been the Scottish home of the Royal family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Enjoy a hike in the beautiful estate and visit the castle, soaking in the quiet atmosphere and the years of history evident in your surroundings.

An option for this afternoon would be to attend the church service at Crathie Kirk, the church where the Royal Family attend when they are in residence here. Or you could choose to extend your hiking time, the choice is yours.

Then the perfect finish to your Highlands adventure, a private tour and tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which was issued a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1848. Raise a glass to toast your family adventures with the traditional Scottish toast ‘Slainte Mhath’, or ‘good health’.

Please note that occasionally Balmoral Castle & the Estate are closed to the public because the Royal Family are in residence. If this is the case then your guides will discuss other local alternatives for your morning.

Overnight: Ballater | The Balmoral Arms
Room Type: Classic Doubles or Twins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 - Thursday 19^th December - Transfer To Aberdeen & Depart

An early start will be needed to catch your morning flight from Aberdeen Airport this morning. Your guides will transfer you to the airport to catch your onward flight. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Please note that your early departure today may mean that your breakfast is boxed. Aberdeen Airport is approximately an hour’s drive away from the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast