Overview
Itinerary
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM for The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you'll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (Departures which include the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will visit the Scotch Whisky Experience but will dine independently.) (D)*
See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (Select departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.) (B)
Travel through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Nairn. (B/D)
Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle, returning by ferry. Take the “Road to the Isles” past lochs, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane. (B/D)
Tour Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock above the town, and explore the richness of this 16th-century palace that was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you'll dine at your hotel this evening. (B/D)
Discover the Ulster-Scots history and heritage of the scenic Ards Peninsula on a drive with a local guide. This area was where Scottish colonizers landed in the 1600s; some of their descendants would move to America and become known as the “Scots-Irish”. Then visit Titanic Belfast to delve into the history of the doomed ocean liner. Explore Belfast as you wish in the afternoon. Visit Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment, a CIE Tours exclusive. (B/D)
Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. In Derry, join a local guide for a walking tour to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny. (B/D)
Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Continue to Donegal town for a visit to CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design and free time to explore. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant. (B/D)
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to discover local history and life as a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Visit Lough Key Forest Park to explore how humans have shaped the landscape on this old estate over thousands of years. Walk through tunnels used by servants in the 19th century, see the sunken garden, and then walk along with the Tree Canopy Bridge for panoramic views of nature and the shimmering lake. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner. (B/D)
In Galway, a local guide will take you on a walking tour through the narrow streets to see the medieval city walls and Lynch's Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic.
This evening, enjoy a medieval-style banquet at a castle. (B/D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Medeival Castle Banquet: Experience the magic of Ireland's Medieval Castle Banquet, where you can indulge in a lavish feast, immerse yourself in medieval ambiance, and enjoy captivating entertainment.
- Edinburgh Castle: Tour the iconic castle at the heart of the capital, which boasts the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
- Cliffs of Moher: Marvel at the stunning views from these cliffs, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic.
- Isle of Skye: Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.
- Glenveagh Castle: Revel in the wild beauty and the incredible gardens of this former hunting lodge.
- Giant's Causeway: Created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago – or, according to Gaelic legend, by a giant – mammoth hexagonal stone columns rise from earth in a striking formation.
- Crosskeys Inn Irish Night – CIE Tours Exclusive: Enjoy a pint and the craic by a crackling fire in Ireland's oldest thatched-roof pub.
- Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's grandest castles, with its imposing position and impressive architecture, and the scenery will take your breath away.
- Titanic Belfast: Take a guided tour of central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated liner.
- Arigna Mining Experience: Learn about coal mining life in the Arigna Valley from the 1700's until 1990.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Travelers on select departures can watch kilt-clad corps perform with drums and pipes in military precision.
- 10 Breakfasts (B) and 9 Dinners (Tattoo departures have 8 dinners) (D)
- Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club (4 Stars)
- Golf View Hotel Nairn (4 Stars)
- Muthu Newton Hotel (4 Stars)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro (4 Stars)
- Europa Hotel (4 Stars)
- Station House Hotel - Letterkenny (3 Stars)
- Kilronan Castle (4 Stars)
- Temple Gate Hotel (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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