Scottish & Irish Gold

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of the highlights of Glasgow, a city built on industry but now known for its stunning Victorian architecture, a creative cultural scene, and thriving restaurants and nightlife. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing one of Europe's finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group and then the evening is yours to explore and dine as you wish.

Cruise Loch Lomond for views of highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in "Downton Abbey." Drive through Glencoe, one of Scotland's most beautiful places, and then to your hotel in Ballachulish on the shores of Loch Leven. (B/D)

Travel on the scenic "Road to the Isles," stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B/D)

Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the historic battle and stroll around the moorland. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Spend the evening in a gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B/D)

Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring hotel gardens and museum, or browsing around Pitlochry town. (B/D)

Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth." Head to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf." Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. Departures which include the Edinburgh Military Tattoo enjoy an evening free to dine independently. (B/D)*

Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, from its medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile to the 200-year-old "New Town" area. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. Select departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Say farewell to your Scottish guide and embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the full story of the ill-fated ocean liner, built in the nearby ship yards in 1912. Head to your hotel in the seaside suburb of Dun Laoghaire near Dublin, where you will meet your Irish driver/guide, and enjoy a free evening in this charming harbor town. (B)

Head to Athlone for a welcome drink at Sean's Bar, the oldest bar in Europe. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the beautiful harbor city of Galway; see its stone-clad buildings and medieval, winding lanes. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own, then join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Explore scenic Connemara. Take a catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, to see elegant rooms, the charming church and the Victorian walled gardens. Return to Galway, where your evening is free to explore the city's lively pubs and excellent restaurants. (B)

Travel south around Galway Bay, through the austere beauty of the Burren, to visit a sheep farm and see trained sheepdogs show off their herding skills. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Take a ferry across the River Shannon estuary as you head to Killarney, where you'll enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment and dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage. (B/D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle. See the highlights of Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, and take a break in the colorful village of Kenmare. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Return to Killarney for an evening on your own. (B)

Drive through the mountains on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone, or just explore the tranquil gardens. Travel along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, a CIE Tours exclusive venue, for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford, where you'll join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of Ireland's oldest city, discovering its fascinating past. (B/D)

Enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you'll watch skilled artisans create sparkling master-pieces. In Kilkenny, spend free time exploring the medieval city center, then tour the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle to see glorious 17th-century tapestries, painted portraits, and sumptuous furnishings. Travel on to Dublin, where you'll dine with a glass of wine at The Morehampton. (B/D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)