Exploring Scotland & Ireland

From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. With no planned activities today, you can take your time to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this lively capital. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, and enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s New Town and an insightful walking tour up the Royal Mile to the castle. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city further at your leisure. Tonight, you might like to join the optional private tour and dinner at Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings, brought to life by <i>The Da Vinci Code.</i>

Depart Edinburgh and travel on to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf – see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

This morning, take time to explore Inverness Castle, the majestic cliffside estate steeped in tales of the Jacobite Rebellion and Mary Queen of Scots. Then, take a walking tour with a local guide to discover how important Inverness is as the gateway to the Highlands. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy — explore the city, take a riverside walk, or simply relax. This evening, enjoy a Highland gathering (<I>ceilidh</I>) filled with storytelling, singing, and Scottish dancing.

Depart Inverness and visit one of the oldest licensed whisky distilleries in Scotland. After a tour and a tasting, continue to the scenic valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most historic and breathtaking glens. Your day ends in Glasgow.

This morning, explore Glasgow with a local guide. Highlights include visiting George Square, passing by Glasgow Cathedral and Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city, and discovering the rich industrial heritage of the area. Travel to the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the Irish Sea as you head for Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast.