Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

You're in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland's whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the 'Emerald Isle' and Scotland. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day exploring the city's effervescence on your own.

This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic in one of the many colourful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous. Stay: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center

Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for all this and more as you'll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into Dublin's tumultuous history and see some iconic sights including Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick's Cathedral. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbour city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'. (B) Stay: Maldron Sandy Road

Connemara's 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns.

Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you'll Dive into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made. (B)

Explore the quintessential Irish village of Cong and see firsthand why its rugged beauty was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'. Meet the locals at Ireland's largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You'll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family's efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions.

Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. (B/L) Stay: The Abbey

Start your day with a visit to Derry/Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant's Causeway. You'll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights. (B) Stay: AC by Marriott Belfast

Today, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Northern Ireland's trendy capital. Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience, where you'll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. Then, at the Titantic Distillery enjoy a whiskey tasting and learn how Ireland's golden goodness is made.

Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast's oldest traditional pub or visit Victoria Square for some shopping or consider joining a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. (B)

Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you'll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon. (B) Stay: Maldron

Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'.

Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK' before arriving in Loch Ness, where you'll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you'll enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Highlander

Continue to the home of golfing gods, St. Andrews. You'll view the famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates. (B) Stay: Novotel Edinburgh Park

Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world's most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through the New Town and its elegant Georgian facades to the medieval Old Town where you'll see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile.

Afterwards, enjoy the day to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This evening joining your travel companions for a rousing dinner to toast your memorable journey together. (B/D)

Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home. (B)