Date/Time
Date(s) - 26/04/2023
12:00 am
Categories
Scotland and Ireland 2022
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO IRELAND
Arrive in Dublin after your overnight flight from Toronto. Meet your driver/ guide at Dublin airport. Transfer into Dublin city via the coastal route and enjoy a panoramic tour. This afternoon visit the world famous Book of Kells at Trinity College, and enjoy some free time in the bustling city centre. This evening, there will be a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.
Dinner/Overnight – Camden Court Hotel or similar
DAY 2 – DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY
This morning, first stop will be St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of two stunning cathedrals in the city centre. Then it is on to the famous Guinness Storehouse for a tour and tasting. This evening we will enjoy an entertainment evening and dinner at The Merry Ploughboy pub in the Dublin mountains.
Overnight – Camden Court Hotel or similar
DAY 3 – NEWGRANGE & SLIGO
Depart Dublin and head for Newgrange Megalithic Tomb. Older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids, this is one of the world’s most fascinating megalithic tombs. Continue west to Sligo and stop at Carrrowmore Megalithic Cemetery before an overnight stay in the town.
Overnight – Clayton Hotel, Sligo
DAY 4 – DEVENISH ISLAND & DONEGAL
This morning onwards Eniskillen and enjoy a cruise to Devenish Island. Continue onto Donegal town for an Irish coffee and Donegal tweed demonstration at Triona Design before having some free time to explore the many quaint shops in the town’s diamond. This evening you will stay in the centre of the famous town Diamond, and you explore the many wonderful bars & restaurants in this lovely wee town.
Overnight – Abbey Hotel, Donegal
DAY 5 – GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
This morning you travel east to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Enjoy a 2 course lunch at the Smuggler’s Inn before continuing onto the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Travel south through the 9 Glens of Antrim, and arrive into Belfast in late afternoon.
Overnight – Europe Hotel
DAY 6 – TITANIC & SCOTLAND
This morning visit Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience for a self-guided tour. Afterwards, head north to Larne for your ferry to Bonnie Scotland, just 22 miles across the Irish Sea. Travel north to Oban, home for the next 2 nights.
Dinner/ Overnight – Muthu Alexandra Hotel, Oban
Nestled between the lodgings of the Bishop of Argyll & the Isles and the Old Oban Baptist church, The Alexandra Hotel enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in Scotland. The views across Oban Bay to the island of Kerrera and beyond are an instant joy. Colourful sunsets, seabirds of all kinds and seals can be spotted most evenings. The interior of this impressive Victorian building was completely renovated, whilst still retaining many of its magnificent original features.
DAY 7 – IONA ABBEY & OBAN
This morning you take the ferry from Oban to Isle of Iona. First stop will be at Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites. The abbey was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. Afterwards, visit quaint towns & enjoy the splendid scenery of the island before returning by ferry to Oban.
Overnight – Muthu Alexandra Hotel, Oban
DAY 8 – SCOTCH & HIGHLANDS
This morning you will travel north to the highlands. First stop will be at one of the many Highland distilleries, where you can try the famous Scotch whisky. You will enjoy an informative tour, which describes the traditional whisky making process, from malting the barley to storing the final product in oak casks. You will also enjoy a taste of the final product!
Dinner/ Overnight – Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld
Originally built by the Duke of Atholl as a summer house for his wife, Dunkeld is a fabulous country house hotel. It is as elegant and comfortable as you would expect, with wood panelling, stone fireplaces and ornate furnishings. It is quite, quite special. Hilton Dunkeld House lies in 280 acres of stunning moor and forest estate.
DAY 9 – ST. ANDREW’S & EDINBURGH
This morning you travel south to the lovely village of St. Andrew’s. On a headland to the north of St Andrew’s stand the ruins of the St Andrew’s Castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrew’s – the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland. Today, a siege mine and counter-mine can be explored, and the ‘bottle dungeon’ viewed. St Andrews Cathedral dominated the history of the medieval church in Scotland from its construction in the 12th century until the Protestant Reformation in 1560. Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, the cathedral was the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops and occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here.
Overnight – Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket lies in the historical heart of the city, right next door to Haymarket station and a vast array of cafés, bars and restaurants. The hotel is home to 282 lavish and modern rooms. For breakfast, an abundant Scottish buffet awaits you, as well as a large continental selection.
DAY 10 – EDINBURGH CASTLE & FREE TIME
This morning visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the most famous castles in the world, housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. You can also visit the private apartments of Mary Stuart; St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city which dates back to the 11th century and the 15th century gun Mons Meg. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city followed by free time for shopping or exploring many of Edinburgh’s famous streets, museums or attractions.
Overnight – Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
DAY 11 – DEPART FOR CANADA
Coach Transfer from Edinburgh hotel to Glasgow airport
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
Transportation throughout by luxury touring coach with an experienced driver and local touring guide, all ferry transfers, porterage at hotels
8 Dinners
10 nights in 3 & 4 star accommodation in Ireland & Scotland, breakfast daily
3 three-course evening meals at hotels, 1 two-course lunch at the Smuggler’s Inn
Irish Entertainment evening & dinner at the Merry Ploughboy
Tour & tasting at the Guinness Storehouse
Tour & tasting of a Highland Distillery
Visit/ entrance to: Trinity College, The Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Newgrange Megalithic Tomb, Carrowmore Cemetery, The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Titanic Belfast, Iona Abbey, St. Andrew’s Castle & Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle