The Scots and the Irish
from Edinburgh
Highlights: Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, Britannia, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Armadale Castle, Loch Lomond, Robert Burns Country, Ferry to Ireland, Belfast, Titanic Exhibition, Glens of Antrim, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Donegal, Glenveagh Castle, Belleek Pottery, Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle.
On this fascinating tour we’ll discover the very best of these close neighbours. Explore the great cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Derry then enjoy relaxed touring through the Scottish Highlands and Ireland’s scenic west coast.
Stirling Castle & Edinburgh (2 nights)
Your tour starts at Edinburgh Airport with a hotel transfer. In the afternoon visit the mighty Stirling Castle. Enjoy a welcome drink and a pub dinner, followed by a ghost walking tour.
Overnight: Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)
Day Two
Edinburgh City Tour & Britannia
See the principal sights of Edinburgh, including Princes Street, New Town and the Royal Mile. Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, former floating home of The Queen. The balance of the day is free. During the Edinburgh Festival enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
Day Three
Edinburgh to Inverness
Drive into the Highlands to visit Leault Farm where trained dogs herd sheep and ducks. Continue through the Cairngorm National Park to reach Culloden Moor to walk around the battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated. At your hotel enjoy a ceilidh with traditional Scottish music.
Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Day Four
Isle of Skye
Travel through rugged Highland scenery to cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Drive past the majestic Cuillin Mountains to Armadale Castle to visit the Clan Donald Centre and return to the mainland by ferry. Return to our hotel along the "Road to the Isles", passing the famed Glenfinnan Monument.
Overnight: Isles of Glencoe or Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar)
Day Five
The Highlands to Belfast
Drive south past Loch Lomond to Alloway to visit the Burns National Heritage Park and learn about Scotland’s favourite poet. Take a ferry to Larne and drive to your hotel in Belfast.
Overnight: Europa Hotel, Belfast (or similar)
Day Six
Belfast Tour & Mount Stewart
Tour Belfast’s Victorian buildings and visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the famous liner’s origins. Visit Mount Stewart House with its many treasures and walk through the lovely gardens.
Day Seven
Giant’s Causeway & Derry’s Walls
Drive along the scenic "Nine Glens of Antrim” to visit the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Take a walking tour of Derry’s medieval walls and city centre.
Overnight: Station House Hotel, Letterkenny (or similar)
Day Eight
Glenveagh Castle & Ulster Folk Park
Tour Glenveagh Castle, a charming estate in a lakeside setting. Visit the Ulster American Folk Park to see traditional cottages and learn about emigration to the United States. Continue to Kilronan Castle for a 2-night stay.
Overnight: Kilronan Castle Hotel, Ballyfarnon (or similar)
Day Nine
Innisfree Boat Ride & Belleek
Visit the historic 17th century Parke’s Castle, set on the shores of Lough Gill followed by a boat ride on the scenic lake. View the tiny island of Innisfree, which inspired many works of the poet, W. B. Yeats. View his grave in Drumcliffe before visiting the Belleek Pottery Factory to see the creation of delicate china.
Day Ten
Strokestown & Cliffs of Moher
Tour Strokestown Park House to view antique furnishings and memorabilia and also view the Famine Museum and huge walled gardens. Drive to the Cliffs of Moher, magnificent walls of rock towering over the Atlantic Ocean. In Bunratty Castle enjoy a medieval feast with entertainment.
Overnight: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis (or similar)
Day Eleven
Tour Ends at Shannon
Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time for your flight home.
Tour Strokestown Park House to view antique furnishings and memorabilia and also view the Famine Museum and huge walled gardens. Drive to the Cliffs of Moher, magnificent walls of rock towering over the Atlantic Ocean. In Bunratty Castle enjoy a medieval feast with entertainment.
Overnight: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis (or similar)
Day Eleven
Tour Ends at Shannon
Transfer to Shannon Airport in good time for your flight home.