11 or 15 Day Scots Irish Tour

Your tour begins when you meet your guide at 2:00 PM in your hotel. Head out to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you’ll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 6-22 departures will instead have free time to explore and dine independently.) (D*)

See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile andvisit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 6 – 22 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.) (B)

Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit to a distillery; you’ll see how whisky is produced and sample a dram. In Pitlochry, spend some free time exploring and have lunch independently. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures). (B, D)

Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle, returning by ferry. Take the “Road to the Isles” past lochs, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane. (B, D)

Head to Stirling, where you’ll tour Stirling Castle. Perched on volcanic rock above the town, this grand castle is one of Scotland’s most important. Explore the richness of the 16th-century decor of the palace, once the childhood home to Mary Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you’ll dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

At Titanic Belfast, delve into the history of the famous liner. Walk with a local guide to see the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and Victorian buildings, including the Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon. Your afternoon is free to explore. In the evening. (B, D)

Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. Head to Derry for a walking tour with a local guide to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny. (B, D)

Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Head to Donegal town, and Triona Design before enjoying free time to explore the town and have lunch independently. Head to Belleek Pottery to watch
skilled craftspeople create delicate, highly decorative pieces. Travel to luxuriousKilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle’s fine restaurant. (B, D)

Head to Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the narrow streets, the medieval city walls, and Lynch’s Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the
Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. In the evening, head out to a castle for a medieval-style banquet. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >