Scotland and Ireland

In the morning, enjoy an Atmospheric Edinburgh experience, the perfect way to explore this most beautiful of cities. You begin with a walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town with your local guide, ready to learn about the history of Edinburgh. Start at Holyrood Abbey before passing by the Scottish Parliament building. Then you will continue to St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard and the vibrant area of Grassmarket before exploring the National Museum of Scotland. After your walking tour you will head to magnificent Edinburgh Castle, located in the centre of the city, where you will enjoy an hour’s tour of the castle. The rest of the day is yours to explore Edinburgh independently and at leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Scotsman (Reporter)

Today, explore the glass vault housing the one of the World's Largest Scotch Whisky Collections. Inspiring guides will lead you on a journey of discovery through Scotland's five whisky-producing regions. Discover how geography and weather interact to produce distinct regional characteristics, aromas, and flavours. Explore the history and alchemy of creating the perfect dram. Finally, take home a souvenir crystal tasting glass and a dram of single malt or blended Scotch whisky.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Scotsman (Reporter)

Today, after breakast, head to the city of Stirling to visit the Stirling Castle with your driver guide. Afterwards, check-in at the Fonab Castle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Fonab Castle (Woodland lodge)

Today, explore beautiful Rothiemurchus by landrover, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. You will be driven and guided by your expert ranger based at Rothiemurchus who will take you on an adventure through the highland estate. You will begin with a visit to Dell Farm, where you will see highland cattle. Next admire the natural beauty of the region by seeing ancient Caledonian pine forest and the tranquil Loch an Eilein. See Doune House, a traditional family home of the Grants of Rothiemurchus before having the opportunity to see beautiful red deer at the Deer farm, even having the chance to feed these adorable animals by hand. During your jaunt, you will be provided with tea/coffee and biscuits as well as binoculars and a Rothiemurchus tartan to keep warm. Afterwards, enjoy a Dalwhinnie distillery tour and whisky & chocolate tasting. Dalwhinnie Distillery is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the Cairngorm National Park, in the village of Dalwhinnie. Dalwhinnie - or "Plain of Meetings" in Gaelic - was built in 1897 and is currently the highest distillery in the country. It is named for its location at a junction of old drove roads between two mountain ranges. It survives the harshest winters year after year to produce smooth, golden heather honey-like spirit. Take a guided tour through the distillery to learn about the making process before enjoying a whisky masterclass of six Dalwhinnie Single Malts including the Distillery Exclusive Bottling and Special Release, individually paired with chocolates from the Highland Chocolatier.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Fonab Castle (Woodland lodge)

In the morning, after check-out head to the Glencoe with your private driver guide.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Kingshouse (Feature)

Today, enjoy a guided drive around the scenic regions of Loch Leven, Glencoe and the Nevis mountain range. Loch Leven is a fresh water loch in central Scotland and is home to seven islands within the loch. Loch Leven is known for its rich ecosystem and is home to a range of different bird, insect, fish and plant species. Next, visit Glencoe, a small village located in the scenic Glencoe Valley. The Glencoe Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls and walking and hiking trails. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the region so look out for creatures such as red deer and golden eagles. End your guided drive with a ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom, reaching heights of 650 metres. It was originally built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, Britain's eighth highest mountain, to transport skiers to the slopes. Enjoy the scenic ride to the top while taking in the breath-taking views and fresh mountain air. Regardless of the season, the Gondola ride provides breath-taking panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and surrounding areas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Inner Hebrides. Drive back to your starting point.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Kingshouse (Feature)

Today, after breakfast, your driver guide will drive you until Glasgow Airport for your flight to Belfast. Upon your arrival to Belfast airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Merchant (Victorian)

Today, enjoy a Black cab political tour. "For over thirty years, Belfast was at the epicentre of a bloody sectarian conflict. The violence, known as 'The Troubles,' killed over 3,500 people and injured nearly 50,000 more. On one side was the Catholic population, while on the other was the Protestant community, which desired that Northern Ireland remain under British control. Both communities' grievances are depicted on infamous murals dotted throughout Belfast. Your guide will lead you through Belfast's narrow streets, explaining the stories behind each mural. Local guides will tell you firsthand what it was like to live through Northern Ireland's most brutal period. You'll see a side of Belfast that's as thrilling as it is emotional, and you'll have the chance to take photographs at each location. Next, enjoy a self-guided Titanic Experience will reveal the ship's sights, sounds, smells, and stories, as well as the people and city that built her Follow the themed one-way route through Belfast's boomtown and the shipyard where the liners were built, to the launch, fit out, and maiden voyage, before learning more about the Titanic's sinking, aftermath, and final resting place. Discover the Titanic's world-famous story through the eyes of those who built her with their hard work and ambition.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Merchant (Victorian)

Today, drive from Dublin to Belfast, with your driver guide, via Game of Thrones film sites & archery experience. Visit the Winterfell film set location at Old Castle Ward, a beautiful castle and 1000 acre sprawling demesne used for filming the epic adaptation of George RR Martin's Game of Thrones novels in Northern Ireland. Your private tour guide (who has appeared on the show) will lead you through Winterfell Castle and its vast demesne sharing fascinating stories about how the film sets were created onsite and some insider gossip about what the cast got up to behind-the-scenes. In addition, you will be able to take part in a private archery session with Winterfell's Master-at-Arms.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Brooks (Deluxe)

Today enjoy a guided walking tour. Begin at the Spire, also known as the Monument of Light, located on O’Connell Street. Continue southwards to the River Liffey and cross over to the south side of Dublin. Visit the exterior of Trinity College, Ireland’s most prestigious university, attended by some of Ireland’s biggest names including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett. Continue west to Temple Bar, Dublin’s central nightlife district, known for its pubs and sightseeing shops. Next, visit the outside of Dublin Castle, the former seat of the British administration in Ireland which dates back originally to the 13th century. Next, continue past the Molly Malone statue and head to Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s most prominent shopping centres, named after Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton - an illegitimate son of King Charles II. Walk the length of Grafton Street and look out for buskers who often frequent Grafton Street to entertain the crowds. End your tour with a visit to St Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s largest park in the Georgian part of Dublin. Enjoy a walk around the park whilst watching the locals. Visit Trinity College, Ireland’s most prestigious university, attended by some of Ireland’s biggest names including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett. During your visit, get to know the Old Library and the Book of Kells. The Old Library dates back to the 18th century and houses the Book of Kells - a 9th century gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. Also enjoy a visit to the Long Room which houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in oak bookcases. Afterwards, visit Guinness Storehouse. Inside you will be able to discover the story of Guinness while enjoying 360-degree views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Brooks (Deluxe)

Today, visit Jameson Distillery Bow street in Dublin, the original site where Jameson distilled their whiskey until 1971. The distillery originally dates back to 1780 and was taken over by John Jameson who developed and expanded the distillery to what we see today. During your 40-minute guided tour of the Jameson Distillery, you will be taken on a journey through the life of Jameson, from its beginnings in Dublin to becoming a world-renowned brand. Hear about the whiskey making process and enjoy a Jameson whiskey tasting straight from the barrel. End your tour with a signature Jameson cocktail at JJ Bar. There is also the opportunity to purchase your own bottle of whiskey at the end of your tour.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: The Brooks (Deluxe)

Today, drive from Dublin to Killarney. En route, get to know the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel, located on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, is iconic in its historic significance and home to Ireland's most impressive cluster of mediaeval buildings. A round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral, and a fifteenth-century Tower House are among the monuments. Originally the seat of Munster's kings, legend has it that St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. In 978, Brian Boru was crowned High King of Cashel and established it as his capital.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Muckross Park Hotel & Spa (Deluxe)

Today, embark on a full-day tour of the Dingle Peninsula with your expert driver guide. Begin with a visit to Killarney, often seen as the most beautiful town in Ireland, known for its beautiful mountain and lake scenery. Visit the Irish Whiskey Experience in Killarney for a one-hour introduction in to why Irish whiskey is so celebrated. Join a group and be led by your expert-whiskey master who will provide you first a brief introduction to the whiskey-making process. You will watch two short films which present even further the whiskey-making process and the history of Irish whiskey. Next, each guest will take part in a sensory perception quiz where you will get to test your sense of smell with different aromas found in Irish whiskey. After your sensory perception quiz, you will take part in a whiskey and traditional Irish farmhouse cheese pairing. Cheese is a great accompaniment to whiskey and helps bring out the aromas and flavours further to fully immerse in the spectacular taste of the whiskey. You will be provided with four diverse premium Irish whiskeys as your guide goes through the different tastes and explain how the selected cheeses bring out the flavours further. Next, visit Inch Beach, a three-mile long beach which sits on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its fishing heritage. Continue along one of the best drives in Ireland and one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world, Slea Head. During your drive, you will traverse winding roads, passing Ventry beach known for its 4,000-year-old beehives, and Dunquin where you can enjoy spectacular views to Blasket Island and the Sleeping Giant section of the island known so due to its resemblance to a sleeping man. You will see spectacular beaches at Coonenoole and Clogherhead and pass through the beautiful village of Ballyferriter. No tour of the Dingle Peninsula is complete without a stop at Dingle town, a quaint Gaelic-speaking fishing village known for having the most pubs in Ireland. Return back to your starting point.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Muckross Park Hotel & Spa (Deluxe)

In the morning depart towards Galway, the thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. In route, pass by the The Cliffs of Moher, an entirely vertical where the cliff edge is abrupt. On a clear day, the views are tremendous, with the Aran Islands etched on the waters of Galway Bay. From the cliff edge, you can just hear the booming far below as the waves crash and gnaw at the soft shale and sandstone.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Glenlo Abbey (Classic)

Today, visit Connemara National Park, located in the west of Ireland, from Galway. Connemara is the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) in Ireland and is known for its rugged, wild landscapes, mountain and sea scenery and other-worldly vistas. Today enjoy a guided tour of the region with your driver-guide. Begin your tour with a hike up Diamond Hill, an isolated peak in Connemara which offers spectacular views of the Twelve Ben range and Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920. Walk down to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a visit here. Next, your driver-guide will take you back towards Galway along the rugged coastline of Connemara, dotted with quaint, isolated towns and villages, such as Lettermore, Carraroe and Spiddal. Whilst driving this length of the tour, enjoy a stop at a local pub where we have included a pint to enjoy in this remote setting and giving you a chance to chat with the locals. Continue your journey out of Connemara back to Galway Upon your arrival to Galway, enjoy a foodie guided tour to some of Galway's best gastronomy haunts. During your tour you will visit the now famous Galway Market and a number of award-winning restaurants and cafes. You will try 7-8 products ranging from oysters to cheese, sushi to crab, doughnuts to strawberry tarts, local beers and more. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians. After your culinary tour, enjoy a goodie bag to take home.

• Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
• Hotel: Glenlo Abbey (Classic)

This morning after breakfast, be transferred by your driver guide to Shannon Airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast