Scottish & Irish Highlights

Welcome to Scotland! Your chauffeur will take you on an orientation tour of the city, where you’ll embark on an exploration of iconic sights. Then head out for a visit to Stirling Castle, sitting atop a beautiful hill and offering views of ancient architecture. Continue to your hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, where you’ll relax this evening. 

Recommended Experience: Stirling Castle

Stop at the Commando Memorial, honoring the British Commando Forces, near Fort William. Continue to Loch Ness for a truly unforgettable experience. Learn about this famous lake and its mysterious monster, Nessie, as you cruise this freshwater lake.

Recommended Experiences: Commando Memorial, Cruise on Loch Ness

Meet your Local Specialist this morning for a private walking tour of Inverness, this charming city will take your breath away with something interesting to hear and learn around every corner. Then onto visit the battlefields of Culloden, to delve into our rich history. This site is where in 1746 the Jacobite cause, under Bonnie Prince Charlie’s leadership, was crushed. For Outlander fans, hear about Jamie and Claire’s concerns about this particular battle. 

Recommended Experiences: Private Walking tour of Inverness, Culloden Battlefield 

Visit Blair Castle which dates to 1269 and discover the fascinating stories of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Your next stop is the picturesque town of Pitlochry, lying on the shores of the River Tummel. You might want to tour the Blair Athol Distillery for a taste of this Scottish spirit. Continue to historic St. Andrews, the home of golf before your return to Edinburgh.

Recommended Experience: Blair Castle

Start the day with a visit to mighty Edinburgh Castle, dominating the city’s skyline. Take in the highlights of the Scottish capital as you continue to Holyrood Palace. This afternoon with your Local Specialist, enjoy a walking food tour of Edinburgh - bring your appetite!

Recommended Experiences: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Walking Food Tour of Edinburgh

Bid your Scottish chauffeur a fond farewell. Hop on over to see our Celtic cousin when you fly to Ireland (not included in prices shown) and meet your Irish chauffeur. Begin your adventure on the Emerald Isle, with a visit to the award-winning EPIC, Irelands Emigration Museum.

Recommended Experiences: EPIC Museum

Spend the morning discovering the highlights of Dublin. At Trinity College, cross the cobbled courtyard to see the ornate Book of Kells, a hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. On to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Next is the Guinness Storehouse, where you will see how Guinness is brewed, enjoy immersive installations and get a 360 view of Dublin. Even sample a pint of the famous and tasty ‘Black Stuff.’ This evening extend your knowledge of Dublin’s Fair City by joining a Literary Pub-crawl. 

Recommended Experiences: Enjoy a literary pub crawl in Dublin, Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse

Stop to visit Powerscourt Estate’s glorious formal gardens. The superb blend of sweeping terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes, rambling walks, and walled gardens are a magnificent sight to behold. Next, continue south to the Viking town of Waterford, now world-renowned for its exquisite crystal that craftsmen have perfected over the centuries. Finally, travel to Cork for your overnight stay at magnificent Hayfield Manor.

Recommended Experience: Powerscourt Estate

The picturesque village of Blarney is home to historic Blarney Castle, meet a Local Specialist for a private insider's view on this magical place. Later, continue to Killarney, the ‘town on the lakes’. It is renowned for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call ‘craic!’ Stop in and say hello to our friendly locals.

Recommended Experience: view of Blarney Castle, 

Travel ‘round the Ring of Kerry, where sea, mountains, and the valleys blend into a landscape that captures the eye and warms the heart. Next ride in a jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage) through Killarney National Park to be captivated by the stunning scenic views. On to visit Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion. After your visit, return to Killarney. 

Recommended Experiences: Ring of Kerry & Jaunting Car ride through Killarney National Park, Muckross House

The Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. Here majestic hills soar over unspoiled valleys, and glittering mountain streams tumble down into lakes. Join a Local Specialist who will share her passion and deep love for her corner of the planet on breathtaking hike on the Peninsula. Check out Mulcahy Pottery, as you end your hike. Be sure to stop in the town of Dingle, a market town and fishing port that is also home to a wide variety of pubs. 

Recommended Experience: A breathtaking hike on the Dingle Peninsula

Heading north, visit the unique Flying Boat Museum at Foynes. Foynes is also the birthplace of Irish coffee, and you’ll want to sample the warming beverage before continuing your travels. Next stop, Dromoland Castle. Dromoland is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. What better way to end your Irish adventure than living like royalty!

Recommended Experience: the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes

Your chauffeur will transfer you to Dublin Airport, where it is time to bid farewell to your newfound friends and the delightful Emerald Isle. Safe travels!

Please Note: If your visit is in August, you might want to attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a not-to-be-missed spectacle with bands, musicians, and other performers from around the world (August 6 to 28 2021). 

Optional Extension Departing from Dublin

If you’re departing from Dublin, why not extend your trip and stay in Dublin’s Doorstep. You can explore a list of our hand-selected accommodations here and our sightseeing activities here.