Itinerary

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Day 1: Thursday, April 21, 2022 • Depart USA

We depart on our overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland

 

Day 2: Friday, April 22, 2022 • Edinburgh, Scotland

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we clear customs and meet our coach and guide. We enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful city, often referred to as the "Athens of the North."  Highlights will include the Walter Scott Monument, St Giles’ Cathedral and Prince's Street, where most of the majestic architectural sights are situated, and one of the loveliest streets in Europe. After viewing “Mon’s Meg” at the medieval Edinburgh Castle, we have a chance to see the crown jewels of Scotland. We check in and have dinner together. D

 

Day 3: Saturday, April 23, 2022 • Edinburgh

After our included breakfast, we have the rest of the day free to explore this charming capital city. Go visit a medieval-style castle, walk along the cobblestone roads, have scotch at a local pub, or if you are feeling really adventurous, you can do it all with a hop-on-hop off bus ride. B

 

Day 4: Sunday, April 24, 2022 • Edinburgh

Today, we journey to St. Andrews. St. Andrews is the spiritual capital of Scotland and the place where Scotland’s Reformation began. During the time of the Reformation, St. Andrews University was third in significance.  St. Andrews Castle, once the premier residence of bishops and archbishops is the site of battles and peace treaties and the Cathedral dates to 1160 and now comprise the ruins of Scotland’s largest cathedrals. Today's highlight includes a tour to learn more about the history of the entire area and St. Andrews’ historical significance and its place on the world stage. It is the birthplace and focal point of world golf and home to the famous Old Course and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. We enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city – perhaps a round of golf? Tonight, we experience a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish meal with dancing, singing, and bagpipe music. B,D

 

Day 5: Monday, April 25, 2022 • Loch Lomond area

After breakfast, we travel north to the beautiful Loch Lomond area. We have free time in the afternoon to explore before dinner. B,D

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Day 6: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 • Loch Lomond area

This morning, we make a memorable excursion via the Isle of Mull, to the island of Iona, population 120. While on the island, our transportation will be via walking or bicycles as the island is only 3 miles long!  We visit the Iona Heritage Centre, where we can view fascinating displays illustrating the islanders' lives over the past 200 years, as well as displays on geology, flora, art and Celtic art.  Next, we visit the Abbey, one of Scotland's most historic and venerated sites.  lona Abbey is a celebrated Christian Centre and the burial place of early Scottish kings, including at least 48 Scottish, 8 Norwegian and 4 Irish kings.  The Abbey and Nunnery grounds house one of the most comprehensive collections of Christian carved stones in Scotland, ranging in age from 600AD to the 1600s.  Even “St Columba’s Pillow” is displayed in the museum.  After some time exploring, we return to our hotel where we have much to discuss this evening over dinner. B,D

 

Day 7: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • Ayr Area

We depart Loch Lomond area for Ayr. We drive along the Ayrshire Coast, an area known for Scotland’s most celebrated poets, Robert Burns, and two famous golf courses, Royal Troon and Turnberry. We tour Culzean Castle, perhaps the most visited castle in Scotland. Once the residence of the Earl of Cassillis, it is now a national treasure. Afterwards, we check in at our hotel near the seaside village of Ayr. B,D

 

Day 8: Thursday, April 28, 2022 • Belfast, Northern Ireland

We leave Scotland today by taking a ferry across the Irish Sea from Cairnryan to Larne, Northern Ireland. Later, we arrive in Belfast and begin with a city tour with a local guide. Sights include St. Anne’s Cathedral, the grand opera house, the Albert Memorial clock, and the Peace walls.  The remainder of the afternoon is free to visit as we choose. This evening we have many choices available for dinner on our own. B

 

Day 9: Friday, April 29, 2022 • Belfast

After included breakfast, we have the rest of the day to explore the beautiful city of Belfast on our own. More important sites include the Titanic Quarter, Crumlin Road Gaol an infamous prison, or St George’s Market, or you may wish to play a round at a nearby golf course. B

Day 10: Saturday, April 30, 2022 • Belfast

Today, we drive north along the Antrim Coast Road, considered one of the most scenic routes in Europe. We stop at Giant’s Causeway, a collection of thousands of basalt columns that were formed over 60 million years ago when lava came in contact with the cold sea water. Later, we stop at Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, where brave souls can cross the 66-foot span - a mere 100 feet above crashing waves over the rocks of a small island. In the afternoon, we continue to Londonderry where we have a short walking tour. Later we make our way to Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed distillery, where we enjoy a tour and have a chance to relax and sample this famous Irish Whiskey. We return to Belfast for overnight. B,D

 

Day 11: Sunday, May 1, 2022 • Dublin, Ireland

We begin our day with a stop at the Boyne Valley where we will view Newgrange or Knowth, one of the most spectacular prehistoric tombs in Europe. Built around 4000 BC, the tombs will both amaze and puzzle you. We then continue to Ireland's fair capital. During our walking tour of Dublin we visit Trinity College with its famed "Book of Kells" as well as the impressive St. Patrick's Cathedral. After our tour, we check into our hotel where we spend two nights. Dinner tonight is at a local pub. B,D

 

Day 12: Monday, May 2, 2022 • Dublin

After breakfast, we tour the Guinness Brewery Museum which chronicles over 200 years of brewing at St James Gate. The rest of the day is free to pursue our own endeavors. B

 

Day 13: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 • Waterford

Today, we meander through the Wicklow Mountains National Park where we enjoy fresh air and Ireland’s beauty on the Sugar loaf trail. We stop in Glendalough for lunch on our own and to investigate how woolens are made and do a bit of shopping at the Woolen Mills. We stop at Glendalough Visitor Centre for a tour to see Ireland’s most significant monastic ruins including a superb round tower, stone church and decorated crosses, and learn its history. From there, we make our way south to Waterford. B,D

 

Day 14: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 • Killarney

This morning, we head to Waterford Crystal for a tour and see how red-hot molten crystal takes shape. After, we head to Dunbrody Famine ship. In 1845, the famine struck Ireland causing a million people to flee the country. We board the ship and imagine what it might have been like for the Irish Famine emigrants on their journey of hope across the Atlantic Ocean. After our tour, we have a nice lunch before heading to Killarney. B,L

 

Day 15: Thursday, May 5, 2022 • Castlemaine

We set out to drive the Ring of Kerry, one of the most spectacular drives in Europe. Names such as Ladies’ View, McGillicuddy Reeks, and Cahirciveen will come to life as we negotiate hours of never to be forgotten views! We will surely enjoy a fantastic view as we enjoy lunch on our own at one of the many fishing villages along the way. We arrive in Castlemaine in time to relax before dinner and overnight at Murphy’s Farm. B,D

 

Day 16: Friday, May 6, 2022 • Shannon Area

After a delicious country breakfast, we had to north to the picturesque Rathbaun Farm, and see the Irish farmers at work and a demonstration of their hard-working sheep dogs. Then we enjoy afternoon tea and scones. After, we drive to Bunratty Castle to stroll in the Folk Park. A living reconstruction of the homes and lives of Ireland a century ago, we delight in the rural farmhouses, village shops and Bunratty House, all furnished as they were then. We end our night with a Medieval Dinner before heading to Shannon. B,D

 

Day 17: Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Return to USA

We transfer to the Shannon airport for our return flight to the United states. B