Majestic Scotland and Ireland Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Scotland, you'll settle into your accommodation in Edinburgh. You'll have some leisure time to begin discovering this vibrant city at your own pace. Keep an eye out for information about the start of your tour, which will be posted on the boards at the hotel reception. Please be aware that during the tour, fellow travellers may join or leave the group at different stages, though rest assured the group size will always remain within limits. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, Scotland's vibrant capital, with a knowledgeable local guide. This city, filled with energy and history, is one of northern Europe's most dynamic destinations. Its centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to an array of historic monuments, dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop the city. We will explore its steep streets and take in the beautiful parks that punctuate the urban landscape. After the tour, you'll have free time to delve deeper into Edinburgh's many charms at your own pace.

Following our departure from Edinburgh, we will make a stop to capture photographs of The Kelpies, giant sculptures representing horse heads from Scottish mythology. These artworks embody the power and grace of horses, reflecting their deep ties to water and land. Our journey then leads us to Stirling, where its remarkable historic centre is overshadowed by the grand Stirling Castle, an influential site in Scotland’s history. This castle has been at the heart of numerous pivotal events, including legendary battles and royal coronations, and a visit is included in our itinerary.Continuing north, we will pause in the charming town of Pitlochry, renowned for its picturesque setting and whisky production. Here, there will be time for lunch and a leisurely wander. Our route will then take us to Culloden, the notorious battleground of a significant conflict against British forces that ended in a crucial English triumph, deeply affecting Scottish culture and traditions.By evening, we will arrive in Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands," where its commanding castle offers a striking backdrop. We recommend taking a leisurely walk along the River Ness and crossing the iconic suspension bridge. Please note that depending on the season and daylight, the visit to Culloden might be scheduled on a different day.

Today promises an exhilarating exploration of northern Scotland’s dramatic landscapes. Our adventure begins with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, an enchanting site perched on the waters of the fjord, with admission included for your convenience. We then journey to Fort Augustus to witness the intriguing sluice gate system, allowing time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll head to Loch Ness for a complementary boat tour on its deep and intriguing waters. Afterwards, we visit the medieval ruin of Urquhart Castle, which sits on the banks of the loch, with entry included. Concluding our day’s travels, we arrive back in Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands.' To cap off the day, we invite you to delve into one of Scotland’s cherished traditions with a visit to a local whisky distillery, where you can learn about its storied production process and enjoy a tasting. This experience, along with your evening accommodation in Inverness, is included. Please note, distillery visit timings may vary based on availability and could take place either late on Sunday or on Monday.

As we continue our journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, our first stop today is in Spean Bridge, where we'll visit a memorial commemorating the Second World War. We then head to Fort William, a popular tourist spot nestled at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom. Travelling onwards, we'll pass the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle, situated beside a dark, reflective lake. Our journey brings us to Inveraray, a charming historic village along Loch Fyne, known for its grand castle and serene streets—an ideal place to pause for lunch. We will then trace our route along the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond before reaching Glasgow in the evening, allowing time to explore the dynamic city centre at your leisure.

Today, we depart from Glasgow, venturing south towards the picturesque coastline of southern Scotland to catch a ferry from Cairnryan. This soothing crossing will lead us to Northern Ireland, arriving in Belfast—an intriguing city that is steadily emerging from its historic religious conflicts. From Belfast, we journey onwards into the Republic of Ireland, with the day concluding in Dublin. We anticipate arriving in the vibrant capital by evening, allowing you to settle in and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this lively city.

Our day unfolds in Dublin, the tranquil capital of Ireland. We begin with a panoramic tour, offering a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Liffey. You'll have the opportunity to explore its beautiful parks, historic university, and bustling city centre streets. We'll take in the exterior of the renowned Trinity College. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish, giving you time to dive into Dublin's unique charm at your own pace. Do note that, depending on our arrival time and daylight, this tour might be scheduled for the previous afternoon.

On day eight, we set off from Dublin towards the enchanting Powerscourt, renowned for its exquisite gardens designed in the 18th century, which are often hailed as the most beautiful in Ireland. Our visit includes exploring the stunning landscapes adorned with fountains, a Japanese Garden, and even a pet cemetery. After taking in these sights, we continue to the lively town of Kilkenny. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and wander through the town's charming streets. Heading further south, our journey takes us to the Rock of Cashel, a striking medieval fortress that stands as a symbol of Ireland's historical struggle against England. With admission included, enjoy delving into its storied past. By evening, we reach Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the city centre's vibrant atmosphere. Dinner is included, providing a delightful end to our day.

On Day 9, we'll set off for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the breathtaking ocean views that surround this 17th-century fortress. You'll have some time to wander through the historic centre of Kinsale, a charming coastal town often celebrated as one of the prettiest in Ireland. We then continue to Killarney, a bustling tourist hub nestled in the heart of the country. Here, you can enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll around town. Later, you'll experience the traditional elegance of a Jaunting Car Tour through Killarney National Park. This delightful ride takes you through the park's lush gardens and picturesque lakeside paths, culminating at the stately Ross Castle. Following this, a short cruise will allow you to appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake's surroundings. Afterwards, we'll make a quick stop in Adare, renowned for its quaint stone and thatched cottages and the remains of an ancient abbey. By mid-afternoon, we will reach Limerick, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the city centre, visit the castle, take a riverside walk, explore the cathedral, or even indulge in some shopping. Dinner is included in our plans for the evening.

Today, we'll explore Folk Park in Bunratty, an exceptional site where you'll delve into Ireland's past. The park offers a glimpse into traditional Irish life with its vintage cottages and bustling old markets, and boasts a medieval castle that accurately showcases life in the Middle Ages. Following this, we'll proceed to Caherconnell to visit the impressive Poulnabrone Dolmen, a striking portal tomb. Keep an eye out, as we may witness the remarkable skill of sheepdogs at work. Next, we'll head to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Atlantic Ocean, where admission is included. You have the option to take a leisurely stroll to O'Brien’s Tower for some spectacular views. Our journey continues through the captivating landscapes of Burren National Park before we conclude the day in the lively city of Galway.

Embark on a delightful day as we leave Galway and head towards the charming village of Cong, nestled in a scenic lake district. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the Royal Abbey and wander around the impressive Ashford Castle, now a luxurious hotel. Our journey continues to Clonmacnoise, where you will discover the fascinating Celtic monastic ruins. A guided tour will enrich your understanding of this historic site. Later, we will make our way back to Dublin by evening, rounding off a day filled with exploration and discovery.

We'll set off early, boarding a ferry for a scenic three to three-and-a-half-hour voyage to Wales. Our first destination is Caernarfon, a charming seaside town and World Heritage site, famed for its striking castle. You'll have some leisure time to explore this historic spot and enjoy lunch. Later, we'll continue onward to Liverpool. Here, we'll embark on a brief bus tour of the city, admired for its rich maritime history and status as the UK's second-largest port. If you're a fan of The Beatles, consider visiting The Beatles Museum for a deeper insight into the legendary band's legacy.

On day 13, we'll delve into the heart of central England, beginning with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. You'll have time at your leisure here to enjoy lunch and soak in the charm of this historic town. Our journey then takes us to Oxford, a city celebrated worldwide for its prestigious university and its integral role in shaping great minds, including kings, philosophers, and scientists. After exploring Oxford, we will continue our travels to London, arriving in the evening.

We'll start our day in London with a guided city tour, allowing us to explore iconic landmarks such as Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City, and the River Thames. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, but we offer an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, where you can visit the charming town of Windsor and its magnificent castle. In the evening, we'll reconvene at Piccadilly for a leisurely stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, famous for their lively atmosphere, theatres, and entertainment. In some cases, this evening walk might be arranged for the day of arrival in London. After our evening exploration, we'll all return to the hotel by bus.

On your final full day in London, take the opportunity to delve deeper into the city's abundant history and culture at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to explore iconic sights, such as the majestic Tower of London, the bustling markets of Camden, or the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. Whether you choose to wander through the extensive collections of the British Museum, relax in one of the city's verdant parks, or indulge in a spot of shopping along Oxford Street, the options are plentiful. Savour the vibrant atmosphere, sample local cuisine, and perhaps enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Use this day to create your own memorable London experience, making the most of your time in this remarkable city.

After breakfast, our memorable journey concludes in London. We hope you leave with cherished memories of your travels.