Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there's time to rest or discover the vibrant Irish capital. Why not end the day with an optional dinner evening at the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret? Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with this popular optional outing featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions to start your day in the “Fair City” with an orientation drive along statue-lined O'Connell Street; elegant Georgian squares with their tall red brick townhouses, multi-hued doors, and wrought-iron decorated windows; Oscar Wilde's Trinity College; and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Toast Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Kilkenny, with its medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm, is your first destination today. There is time to stroll through pretty lanes with vibrantly painted houses and enjoy a morning coffee.

Continue on to Waterford, famous for its exquisite crystal, before arriving at the seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local flavor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included. Today's Distance: 128 mi/ 205 km (B/D)

The first of today's highlights is Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish handicrafts and handmade crystal. At Kenmare, join part of the Ring of Kerry, and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort town of Killarney. Today's Distance: 165 mi/ 265 km (B)

In Killarney this morning, there is time for an optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride along the National Park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Then to Adare, renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest towns. Its main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings and thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, ruins, and a picturesque village park. Go medieval with an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling. Today's Distance: 58 mi/ 92 km (B)

Breathtaking scenery awaits you today. Start with a visit to the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher and fantastic views over the Atlantic and Clare coast. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren and stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Your destination for tonight is Sligo. Today's Distance: 194 mi/ 309 km (B/D)

Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches to Derry, the walled city on the banks of the Foyle River. Continue on to awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear how millions of years ago, the more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed. Overnight in the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Today's Distance: 197 mi/ 317 km (B)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital city of Northern Ireland before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan. On your way to Glasgow, stop in Alloway, the birthplace of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Today's Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km (B)

Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and proceed via wild Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis and Fort Augustus. In the afternoon, look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster, on the way to Culloden Moor where the Jacobite Rising, with Bonnie Prince Charlie at its helm, came to a tragic end at the hands of the Hanoverians. Today's Distance: 202 mi/ 325 km (B/D)

Travel through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park to Pitlochry, the Victorian mountain resort set amid beautiful scenery. Then, head to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing. Finally, cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Our optional suggestion for this evening - no trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! Today's Distance: 176 mi/ 284 km (B)

A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels.

Afternoon at leisure. Join an optional excursion this afternoon and get the royal treatment! Discover what life was like on board Queen Elizabeth II's floating residence during an exciting visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For select departures, tickets are included for tonight's performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)