Scottish & Irish Highlights

Travel through the green valley of Glencoe, where part of the filming of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" took place. Stop at the Commando Memorial, honoring the British Commando Forces, near Fort William. Then continue to Loch Ness. Learn about this famous loch and its mysterious monster, Nessie. Later, arrive in Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

Start your day with a visit to the 14th-century Cawdor Castle, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. Then on to visit the battlefields of Culloden, where in 1746 the Jacobite cause, under Bonnie Prince Charlie's leadership, was crushed.

Drive through Cairngorms National Park, encompassing mountains, forests, moors, rivers, lochs, and villages. Stop to visit Blair Castle, which dates from 1269. Next is the picturesque town of Pitlochry, with its extensive Explorers Garden, shops, restaurants, and museums. Continue to historic St. Andrews, the home of golf. Take pictures at the Old Course and the oldest university in Scotland, before heading to Edinburgh.

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. If your visit is in August, you might want to attend the spectacular Military Tattoo (August 3-25, 2018).

Bid your Scottish chauffeur a fond farewell at Edinburgh Airport. Fly to Ireland (not included in prices shown) and meet your Irish chauffeur. Begin your adventure on the Emerald Isle with a visit to Malahide Castle, dating back to the 14th century. The oldest inhabited castle in Ireland, Malahide is regularly visited by five ghosts!

Spend the morning discovering the highlights of Dublin. View the colorful Georgian doors, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park, the Liffey River, and much more. At Trinity College, cross the cobbled courtyard to see the ornate Book of Kells. On to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1190. Next is the Guinness Storehouse, where you will see how Guinness is brewed. The tour ends at the Gravity Bar for a bird's-eye view of the city and a taste of the 'Black Stuff.'

Heading south, your first stop today will be a guided tour of the monastic ruins at Glendalough, established by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue south to the Viking town of Waterford, now world-renowned for its exquisite crystal. A guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory awaits. Finally, travel to Cork for your overnight stay at magnificent Hayfield Manor.

The picturesque village of Blarney is home to historic Blarney Castle. Legend holds that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will receive the 'gift of the gab.' 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' (fun)!

Travel 'round the Ring of Kerry, where sea, mountains, and the valleys blend into a landscape that captures the eye and warms the heart. Take in views of the famous 'forty shades of green' as you travel through this unspoiled land. Next, ride in a jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage) through Killarney National Park, taking in the sights and enjoying the driver's tales. On to visit Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion.

The Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. 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. Drop in on one, and raise a pint with the locals before returning to your Killarney hotel.

Heading north, visit the unique Flying Boat Museum at Foynes. It celebrates the Golden Age of Aviation and is also the birthplace of Irish coffee! Next stop: Dromoland Castle. Dromoland is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. It offers breathtaking scenery, absolute luxury, and exceptional service. What better way to end your Irish adventure than living like royalty!

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