Your Itinerary
ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Welcome to Glasgow!
Settle in with free time before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS
Secret Keys to Scottish Lochs
Your Celtic adventure starts with an orientation drive through Glasgow where you’ll see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and elegant Georgian squares. A spectacular drive through the Highlands takes you to Fort William. Take time to admire Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, before looking out for the mysterious monster as you view Loch Ness. Spend the night in Inverness, the Highland Capital. (B) 178 mi / 286 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE They can take the low road, but we’ll take the high road on a scenic ride through magic and mystery of the moors and glens of the Scottish Highlands. From lovely Loch Lomond and Loch Linnhe to the boggy expanses of Rannoch Moor and the dizzying beauty of Glen Coe and Ben Nevis, you’ll discover the legends of Loch Ness and more across the beauty of Scotland’s magnificent scenery.
INVERNESS–CULLODEN–BLAIR ATHOLL–EDINBURGH
A Red Moor & A White Castle
Start the day at the Culloden Moor battlefield and visitor center to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. A drive through the Cairngorms National Park takes you to Blair Castle, ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Then, on to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. (B)163 mi / 262 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT If these walls could talk, they would tell how the 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have loved, won, and lost through seven centuries of history at Blair Castle, visited over time by Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria.
Drummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24.MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
EDINBURGH–GRETNA GREEN–GRASMERE, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOL
Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows
First stop today is at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples. Journey into England through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Grasmere, home of the poet William Wordsworth, to try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. In Liverpool, visit The Beatles Story, a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” (B)235 mi / 378 kmLOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Sweeten the day with classic Grasmere gingerbread and hear the story of Sarah Nelson, the Victorian cook who invented the world famous cross between cake and biscuit in 1854.
LIVERPOOL–NORTH WALES–DUBLIN, IRELAND
Forest Sprites & Ferry Sights
Take a scenic drive through the forest village of Betws-y-Coed and the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park before crossing the Isle of Anglesey to Holyhead. Board your ferry and cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. (B) 117 mi / 188 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Pass through Snowdonia National Park’s forests, rugged mountains and sweeping coastline, where Welsh and the language of nature are spoken in stunning style.
Ireland’s Capital City
An orientation drive in the Irish capital includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. There is free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
DUBLIN–KILDARE–CASHEL–BLARNEY–KILLARNEY
The Winner’s Circle
Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to visit the [LF] Irish National Stud at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Pause to take photos of the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached before continuing to Blarney, the village know for is magical Kissing Stone. Walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. Enjoy some free time on arrival in Killarney. (B,D)231 mi / 372 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.
KILLARNEY–RING OF KERRY–LIMERICK
Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes
Follow the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Have your camera ready as you enjoy the spectacular scenery. Arrive in Limerick for your overnight stay. (B) 167 mi / 268 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Explore the emerald tapestries of green fields and ocean views that make other coastlines green with envy. The Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney, taking you on a trip along the southwest coast of Ireland. Discover a paradise of panoramic cliffs, lush landscapes, and breathtaking beaches of the Iveragh Peninsula.
LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–SLIGO
Notes Above High Sea
At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren, reach Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, spend the night in the coastal seaport of Sligo. (B,D) 188 mi / 302 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Feast your eyes on a stunning spectacle of sea and sky at the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Try to resist the inspiration that has moved artists, poets, and scientists throughout the ages as you stand on the edge of 320 million years of geologic perfection on the rugged coastline of County Clare.
SLIGO–DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–BELFAST
Giant Steps in Northern Ireland
Head into Northern Ireland today and enjoy a [LF] walking tour with a Local Guide along the city walls of Derry’s Old Town. Follow in the legendary footsteps of Finn McCool, as you admire the Giant’s Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Stay in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland’s seat of government. (B,D)200 mi / 322 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Ireland’s only fully preserved historic walled city, Derry also took centre stage when Amelia Earhart landed her plane nearby having flown from Newfoundland in 1932. Walk on top of the 400-year-old city walls and hear the history of this vibrant place that links the Wild Atlantic Way to Causeway Coastal Route.
BELFAST–GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
A Grand Ship & Great Scots
This morning, visit the fascinating Titanic Experience and learn about the building of the largest passenger steam ship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912. Board your ferry for the maritime port of Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast before heading back to Glasgow and celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D) 82 mi / 132 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Explore the fascinating Titanic Belfast experience for an in-depth look at the history and mystery of the legendary ocean liner. See artifacts and hear amazing accounts of Belfast’s boom in shipping and those who built her. Learn about the courage and loss of all involved on a fateful night in April 1912. Get an immersive look at the launch, sinking, and final resting place of the doomed ship, with myths and reality revealed.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)