Ireland & Scotland’s Gems

Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland! Upon arrival you will be privately transferred to your hotel to meet your Local Host. They’ll settle you in with the warmest of welcomes, answer any questions and share local tips. Now you are ready to explore the city on your included Hop-On, Hop-Off tour. There are more than twenty stops along the route and a host of famous sights to see (entrance fees are not included).  

Make your way to the train station. On board embrace the opportunity to see the Emerald Isle from its best vantage point as your rail journey winds its way to Cork. Your Local Host will meet you at your Cork hotel to give you all the information you need to get the best out of this charming part of our world.

Discover the history of the county of Cork today on your walking tour with a Local Specialist. Choose to stay in the city and enjoy a ramble around Cork getting to know the city’s charming characters, delicious artisan food and its unique history. Or why not take a day trip to Cobh to explore the maritime history of ‘Queenstown’, the last port of call of the Titanic.

It’s a quick train trip from Cork to Killarney, where your Local Host awaits with tips and suggestions for your stay in this diverse destination.

Meet your Local Specialist head out on a beautiful drive through Killarney National Park to reach Galway’s Bridge. Your hike begins here as you follow an old track through the National Park. Revel in the spectacular Irish landscape and learn from your experienced guide all about the hidden gems you’ll encounter as you wander in the unspoilt countryside. Return transfer to your hotel included.

Make your way to the train station for your journey back to Dublin. Later today, enjoy a sixty-minute masterclass in the art of making whiskey cocktails at the Jameson Distillery. Learn about exciting new methods, drink like the locals and discover how this ancient spirit has changed with the times. 

Make your own way to the train station to journey north, to Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city. Your Local Host will meet you at your hotel to help prepare you for your grand adventure through this amazing city. A great introduction to the city’s highlights is a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour (entrance fees are not included).

Your Hop-On-Hop-Off pass is still valid for continuing your discovery of the city’s living history and its famous landmarks. Stop at Titanic Belfast, where this famous ship’s life is revealed from her conception, construction and ill-fated maiden voyage on the very shores where she got her start. Even see some famous Game of Thrones filming locations in this diverse city that offers something for everyone.

Bid farewell to Belfast as you are transferred to the airport, then hop over to see our Celtic cousin as you fly to Edinburgh (flight not included in ‘from’ prices). Upon arrival you will be privately transferred to your hotel to meet your Local Host, you will offer you the warmest of welcomes.

Get to know Edinburgh’s hidden history on the Secrets of the Royal Mile walking tour. This experience will see you visit Edinburgh’s imposing hilltop castle and explore the Old Town’s labyrinth of alleyways and staircases while your Local Specialist reveals fascinating true stories that will uncover another side of the city and Scotland’s past. Later visit The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, explore the secrets behind the country’s most popular whisky across eight dramatic floors – This is whisky like you’ve never experienced it before. 

Make your way to the train station for the scenic ride north to Inverness at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your Local Host will meet you at your hotel later today to give you insights into this exciting location. 

Today, embark on an excursion to the wind-swept valleys and dramatic coastlines of the breathtaking Isle of Skye. As you take in the sights, history and stories of this beautiful region, stop at Eilean Donan Castle. This iconic location has been used in many blockbuster films over the years, and no wonder – The castle sits perfectly on an island where three glistening lochs convene making it truly the real-life version of the highland castle from your imagination. 

Head to the train station to board your train bound for Glasgow. Renowned for its culture and style, your Local Host will fill you in on all that’s good and not-to-be-missed while visiting their beloved city.

From grand Victorian architecture to contemporary street art and thriving Museum scene, Glasgow truly has something for everyone. There’s no better way to experience the city than on an included walking tour with a Local Specialist. As you stroll the streets, hear stories of the city’s rich history and culture, see famous landmarks such as St. Mungo’s Cathedral and the People’s Palace, and encounter a few friendly ‘weegies’ along the way. 

Bid farewell to Scotland as you are transferred to Glasgow Airport, where your vacation ends. (Guests can opt to leave from Edinburgh Airport for an additional cost.)