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PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

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Discover the best Ireland & Scotland on this beautifully guided journey. You'll enjoy private-guided walking tours of Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Dublin. You’ll learn about the long history of Edinburgh. You'll experience Scotland and Ireland’s must-see historical sites, and spectacular scenery along the way. In Ireland, enjoy Gaelic tunes in the music filled bars of Dingle and gourmet dinners at hand-picked restaurants. Tour the Slea Head Drive along the Dingle Peninsula, lean into the wind on the very edge of Europe at the Cliffs of Moher and visit the Guinness Storehouse, home to Ireland’s most famous beer. In Scotland, tour the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising, the Culloden Battlefield. You’ll cruise Loch Ness and visit the Isle of Skye and fortify yourself with a wee dram at a well-known Scottish Distillery. Discover Ireland & Scotland!​

 

Day 1) Arrive Dublin | Continue to the West Coast of Ireland
Arrive Dublin Airport where you will be greeted by your Irish driver/guide. Depart to Doolin, County Clare, on the West Coast of Ireland. Your hotel is strikingly situated with magnificent views of the Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Take some free time to relax and settle into your accommodation prior to a gourmet welcome dinner. 

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Day 2) Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher 
This morning, you’ll board a ferry at Doolin Harbor bound for the stark beauty of Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. On arrival, enjoy a pony and trap (cart) tour of the island. On your return to the mainland, admire the Cliffs of Moher in the most spectacular way, from the sea. This afternoon, head to the tops of the Cliffs of Moher where you will find yourself leaning into the wind on the very edge of Europe, more than 600 feet above the waters of the North Atlantic. Gourmet dinner included this evening.

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Day 3) Limerick & Conor Pass
Today, depart Doolin for Limerick where you will enjoy a private-guided walking tour of one of Ireland's oldest cities. You will learn about the history of Limerick—from its Viking past to the present. See St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. From Limerick, continue to Dingle along the Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass, to the quintessentially Irish harbor town of Dingle for a two-night stay. Dingle is a lively Gaeltacht town of seafaring heritage where instrumental music and song have a long tradition. You will explore the town, enjoy an opportunity to soak up Gaelic tunes in one of the local bars and dine at one of several excellent pubs, all within walking distance of your hotel. 

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Day 4) Falconry Experience & Slea Head Drive
Today, discover the Dingle Peninsula along the Slea Head, one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. Your day will include a private Falconry Experience, where you will learn how to hold a hawk, as they fly along the beach between you. Explore the magnificent coastal scenery, visit the Blasket Island Heritage Center, a fascinating museum, honoring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until, and Gallarus Oratory, a small 6th century Christian chapel which has survived successive invaders. Tonight, explore more of Dingle’s delights.

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Day 5) Killarney National Park
Today, enjoy a scenic drive of the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. You will view Molls Gap, Ladies View and Torc Waterfall. You will visit Muckross House & Gardens, a 19th century Tudor style mansion, where Queen Victoria stayed in 1861, and Muckross Abbey, one of the best preserved and evocative of Ireland's friaries.  You will also experience a jaunting car ride (horse carriage ride) in the National Park. Next, arrive in quaint Kenmare with its rows of vividly painted shop fronts and a go-for-a-stroll atmosphere. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in Kenmare, included this evening.

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Day 6) Cahir Castle & Rock of Cashel 
Depart Kenmare for Cahir Castle, one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval castles, and the Rock of Cashel, a major historic landmark in Ireland. Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found here are a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House. According to legend, St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Arrive in Dublin for a two-night stay. Your hotel is nestled in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant creative quarter. This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, and Temple Bar are just moments away.

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Day 7) Dublin 
This morning, enjoy a private-guided walking tour of Dublin learning about its often-calamitous history from the days of Viking raids to the hard centuries of British occupation to its remarkable literary legacy to the modern city of today. Visit the stunning Old Library, Trinity College, for an illuminating look at the remarkable Book of Kells. This afternoon, take some free time to explore Dublin on your own before a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, home to Ireland’s most famous beer. You may also choose to visit the Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery, an award-winning small batch Irish whiskey distillery located in Dublin's historic Liberties, just a short stroll from the Guinness Storehouse.

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Day 8) Fly from Dublin to Edinburgh
Depart Dublin by air for Edinburgh where you will be met by your Scottish kilt-wearing guide and driver who will be your guide for all of your days in Scotland. Depart for a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former yacht of the Royal family. From the elegant State Apartments to the gleaming Engine Room, see where the Royal family spent their summer holidays. You may enjoy refreshments or a light lunch at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Next, arrive at your hotel in the heart of Edinburgh for a two-night stay. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at local restaurant with whisky tastings.

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Day 9) Edinburgh
Today, enjoy a whole-day tour of Edinburgh. Learn all about Edinburgh’s long history—see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile contrast with the fine Georgian architecture of the 200-year-old New Town and learn about the many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors, and writers for whom Edinburgh is famous. Tour the Old Town with visits to The Palace of Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle. 

 

Day 10) St. Andrews & Scottish Highlands
This morning, depart Edinburgh and cross the Firth of Forth estuary for the beautiful medieval city of St. Andrews, set on the stunning north coast of the Kingdom of Fife. Enjoy a walking tour of the town of St. Andrews. Visits will include the university (founded in 1413), the ruins of the 12th-century cathedral and castle, and the quaint town —packed with history and charm.  For golfing enthusiasts, take a photo opportunity at the famous Swilken Bridge where Jack Nicklaus announced his retirement. Enjoy lunch in St. Andrews. This afternoon, depart St. Andrews for the Scottish Highlands and arrive in Inverness for a two-night stay. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant, included this evening.

 

Day 11) Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle & Whisky Tasting
This morning, depart for nearby Culloden and a visit to the Culloden Battlefield—the powerfully emotive and atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. You’ll discover the true story of the 1745 Rising from both the Jacobite and Government perspectives in the newly accredited and highly interesting museum where unique artifacts from the time are displayed. Walk the battlefield and explore the key areas of action on Culloden Moor and visit the memorial cairn around which lie the graves of 1,500 fallen Jacobite soldiers. Pause at Clava Cairns, an impressive collection of prehistoric burial chambers said to have inspired the book and TV series, Outlander. Arrive at Cawdor Castle, a privately-owned and occupied castle, built around a 15th-century tower house, for a visit and lunch in the castle café. This afternoon, learn how whisky is made at a Highland distillery and taste a wee dram. Tonight, dinner is reserved in Inverness or at a pub in a Highland village.

Day 12) Loch Ness & Western Highlands
Today, board the Jacobite Contemplation on a two-hour roundtrip cruise along Loch Ness. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Highlands as you approach the famous Urquhart Castle perched majestically above the shoreline. This afternoon, depart through the Western Highlands for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, the most iconic of Scottish castles. Next, cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye and arrive at your hotel for a two-night stay, a former hunting lodge for Clan MacDonald and now a delightful family-run inn where you are assured a comfortable, relaxing stay with loch views. Enjoy dinner at the lodge, included, serving delicious home cooking and relax in the lounge or in the bar and living room, all with a waterfront view.

 

Day 13) Isle of Skye
Today, enjoy a whole-day tour of the Isle of Skye. Visit Neist Point Lighthouse, surrounded by stunning natural landscape, on the most westerly point of the Isle of Skye. Stop for lunch with views at the Uig Hotel. Visit the magical landscapes of Fairy Glen, hidden in the hills above Uig. Continue your journey around the northern tip of the island through stunning coastal scenery. Admire the views of Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of towering rock. Visit the town of Portree. This evening, enjoy your second dinner at the lodge.
 

Day 14) Glenfinnan & Glencoe
Depart for Armadale where you will board the ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. Continue by the silver sands of Morar, the Glenfinnan Tower Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charles rallied support for the Jacobite Rising of 1746, and the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe. At the Glencoe Visitors Centre, learn about the Glencoe Massacre and visit a replica 17th century turf and creel house. Arrive in the historic fishing town of Oban for a one-night stay at the Manor House Hotel, facing the sea and the islands beyond, where dinner is included this evening.

Day 15) Trossachs & Stirling Castle
This morning, cross the beautiful and mountainous landscape of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, the last stronghold of Scotland. Stirling Castle was besieged by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and residence to the Stewart monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots and King James. You’ll tour the castle, including the newly restored Renaissance Palace. Continue to Houston House, situated in a tranquil spot in West Lothian, just 15 miles from Edinburgh Airport. Dinner is reserved for you this evening at Houston House.
 

 Day 16) Edinburgh Airport
This morning, depart for Edinburgh Airport for your return flight.

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