Scott Dunn USA - Vicki & Gary Wolf explore the UK and Ireland

Sunday 9th March – Thursday 20th March 2025

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Overview

V4 – 10th Feb

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 9th March - Céad míle fáilte

Céad míle fáilte! One hundred thousand welcomes to Ireland’s ‘Wild West’, a region of immense beauty, ancient history, and Irish tradition. This morning, your guide will meet you at Shannon Airport and transfer you to the Burren – a rugged, limestone escarpment that comes alive in the spring and summer with wildflowers. Lunch will be held at a local tearoom with an option to visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Afterwards, it’s a short drive to your first hotel, Gregan’s Castle, a former retreat for poets and authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. You’ll be back in time for a cool pint of Guinness by the fire before dinner at its award-winning restaurant.

  • Meet your guide
  • Transfer to The Burren
  • Lunch & Perfumery Visit
  • Check in

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Monday 10th March - Golf at Lahinch & The Cliffs of Moher

This morning you journey to Lahinch Golf Club for a delightful coastal experience. The first game of golf was played at Lahinch on Good Friday 1892 between Lieutenant William McFarlane of the Black Watch Regiment and William F. McDonnell, a Limerick businessman. Feathers and sticks were used to mark out the course. Enjoy your morning here before you transfer around 30 minutes to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites. The area is teeming with wildlife, and 20 species of birds, including puffins, make it their home. Return to Gregans’ Castle via Black Head, a mesmerizing stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos en route. Later, head into the village of Ballyvaughan to join a local landlady with one of Ireland’s largest private whiskey collections for a unique tasting experience.

  • Golf at Lahinch
  • Transfer to the Cliffs of Moher
  • Return to hotel via scenic driving route
  • Private whiskey tasting

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 11th March - The Wilds of Connemara

This morning your guide will take you further North to County Galway, home to Connemara National Park along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Check in to Ballynahinch Castle, once owned by an Indian Raj, this traditional hunting lodge has seen presidents and dignitaries grace its halls and rooms for generations. Today, surrounded by thousands of acres of estate land and forests, Ballynahinch boasts fine dining, a traditional pub, on-site fly fishing and a remote escape in the wilds of Connemara.

  • Transfer to Ballynhainch Castle
  • Free time

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 12th March - Golf at Ashford Castle

Described by Oscar Wilde as a “savage beauty” Connemara is rich in wild mountainscapes and heather-clad valleys. This morning your guide will take you further North to County Mayo, home to the historic Ashford Castle. Once owned by the Guinness family, Ashford dates back to the 12th century and has earned its place in Ireland’s history books. Today, Ashford is one of Ireland’s premier hotels offering an unforgettable experience to all who enter its gates. We have booked a tee time for you here on their picturesque 9-hole, 2996-yard, par 35 parkland course.

  • Tee Time at Ashford Castle
  • Optional Hike with your guide

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 13th March - Ireland's Fair City

After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps one last walk around the estate this morning, your guide will drop you to Ireland’s Fair City and capital, Dublin! From here, they will say farewell but your adventure isn’t over yet! Arriving early afternoon there is time to check in and grab a bite to eat before your guided Trinity tour takes you around the campus, discovering some of the secrets and famous pupils who graced its halls and quads before making your way to the Old Library for an audio tour of the Book of Kells with its new immersive digital experience. Take a walk through the famous Temple Bar, the live trad. music spills out from many pubs and cafes along the cobbled stoned streets. Stop for a beverage or two, checking out some musicians and buskers as you go, making your way to the iconic Guinness Storehouse for an evening tour. Enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award-winning restaurants before departing tomorrow.

  • Transfer to Dublin
  • Guided Tour of Trinity College
  • Self Guided Tour of the Book of Kells
  • Evening Tour of the Guinness Storehouse

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Westbury King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Friday 14th March - To Scotland

Brief Description;

  • Private transfer to airport
  • Arrive in Scotland and meet your Driver Guide
  • Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting

This morning, a private transfer will meet you at your hotel at transfer you to the airport in time for your flight to Scotland for the next leg of your journey.

On arrival in Scotland, you will be met by your experienced guide who will also be your driver for your time in Scotland and you will head off into the Highlands to start your adventure.  Depending on your time of arrival, there may be options to stop off to explore some of the stunning scenery as you pass through the the sparkling waters of Loch Lomond and the jagged peaks of the Trossachs as you make your way to the West Coast and the pretty town of Oban.

For your first afternoon in Scotland, you will head to your favourite whisky distillery for a tour and tasting of the famous Usige Beatha – see where the magic happens to create the golden elixir and enjoy a wee dram from their collection before settling into your hotel for the night.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Saturday 15th March - Explore the Land and Sea

Brief Description;

  • Private guided Sea Kayaking Session
  • Afternoon Hike with your Driver Guide

Set off on a guided sea kayaking adventure from the Isle of Eriska, paddling through scenic bays and tidal channels while spotting seals, seabirds, and other wildlife.

After a morning on the water, explore on foot with an optional afternoon hike, discovering coastal trails and breathtaking views of Scotland’s rugged landscape.

Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 16th March - Transfer to the the Home of Golf

Brief Description;

  • Travel to Perthshire
  • Visit Scone Palace
  • Afternoon hike
  • Travel to St Andrews

Leave the west coast this morning and start your journey south towards the sacred Home of Golf, St Andrews. On the way, stop to explore Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish Kings and Queens. Wander through its impressive rooms, admire stunning artwork, and imagine royal life in centuries past.

Before continuing, stretch your legs with a scenic hike in Perthshire, perhaps a climb up Kinnoull Hill for panoramic views over the River Tay.

Arriving in St Andrews in the late afternoon, you will have time to wander along the seafront to shake off the journey and perhaps eye up your course for tomorrow!

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: 1 x Woodland Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Monday 17th March - Golfing at St Andrews

Brief Description;

  • Round of Golf St Andrews
  • Tour of St Andrews
  • Champange Afternoon Tea

Step onto the hallowed greens of one of the famous St Andrews courses today as you enjoy tee off at the Home of Golf.  Feel the sea breeze ripple through your hair as you train your gaze on the next fairway. Enjoy time together playing a sport you love before heading to the club house for a well deserved drink.

Later on, should time allow, take a wander through the town with your guide and learn more about its history and what is is famous for (apart from Golf and The Prince and Princess of Wales of course)

You will end your time in St Andrews with a decadent afternoon tea complete with a glass of bubbly to raise a glass to your Scottish adventure.

Please note that golf tee times are subject to availability at the time of booking.  Should you wish to enter the public ballot to play the old course your guide can assist with this but this does not guarantee a tee time.

Overnight: St Andrews | Rufflets
Room Type: 1 x Woodland Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Tuesday 18th March - Transfer to Edinburgh

Brief Description;

  • Morning in St Andrews
  • Transfer to Edinburgh
  • Guide will depart and you have an afternoon at leisure

After a leisurely morning, perhaps browsing in the golf shop or taking a walk along the famous Old Course, it is time to depart to the bright lights of the Capital City.

On arrival at your iconic city centre hotel, your guide will drop you off and bid you farewell. The rest of the day is free to head out to explore the city or perhaps enjoy a spa treatment or some time in the sauna after a busy few days.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Wednesday 19th March - Exploring Edinburgh

Brief Description;

  • Meet your guide for a private Edinburgh city tour
  • Edinburgh Castle visit
  • Afternoon at leisure

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.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Thursday 20th March - Depart

Brief Description;

  • Private transfer to the airport and 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

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 13 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 10 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Tee Time at Lahinch
    • Golf Tee Time at Ashford Castle (includes buggy and club rental)
    • Entry to Trinity College (guided) & The Book of Kells (self-guided)
    • Tour and Tasting at a local distillery
    • Private Sea Kayaking experience
    • Entry to Scone Palace
    • Golf Tee Time at St Andrews Links – Castle Course or similar (includes buggy & club rental)
    • Afternoon Tea, including a glass of champagne
    • Private walking tour of Edinburgh with an expert guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

The Ireland Pricing for this itinerary is €7,065 per person based on 2.

The Scotland pricing for this itinerary is £6,640 GBP per person based on 2 pax

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.