From medieval old towns and fairytale castles to rolling green hills and craggy coastlines, the allure of Scotland and Ireland beckons your imagination.
July 06-16, 2019
Optional Pre-trip Extension to London July 02-06
Group trip with Tessie Kenela
Your package includes:
- 10 nights at 4/5 star hand picked hotels with daily breakfast
- Welcome cocktail reception (2 drinks per person)
- Welcome dinner (3 courses with wine tea/coffee)
- Dinner at your hotel on day 3 (3 courses with tea/coffee)
- Lunch at a local pub/restaurant with beer tasting on day 7
- Lunch at the Doolin Music House (light lunch with 1 glass of wine)
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (3 courses with tea/coffee and 2 glasses of wine)
Visitis:
- Edinburgh Castle
- St. Andrew’s Castle
- St Andrew’s Cathedral
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery
- Balmoral Castle
- Titanic Belfast
- Marble Arch Caves
- Cliffs of Moher
- Cruise on Loch Lomond
- Ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast
- Traditional Irish music session at the Doolin Music House
- English speaking guide on all tours
- Porterage of one bag per person in/out of each hotel included
- Service charges and taxes
- All transfers by deluxe motorcoach
Exstension inclusions:
- 3 nights at 4 star hotel with daily breakfast
- Lunch at a local restaurant (2 courses with tea/coffee)
- Farewell dinner at the Swan at The Globe (3 courses with tea/coffee and 2 glasses of wine)
- All tours and entrances as mentioned
- Modern motor coach
- English speaking guides
- Porterage of one bag per person in/out of each hotel
Not included:
- Gratuities to guides
- Restaurant staff or drivers
- Porterage
- Transfers where not noted
- Meals where not noted
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Optional group flights
Pricing:
- Base price: $3,125.00 per person/double occupancy
- Base price with London extension: $4,010.00 per person/double occupancy
FINAL BALANCE IS DUE MAY 10, 2019.
For all details, please contact our ski travel specialists Tessie Kenela
1-800-755-1330 Ext 202
Itinerary
July 03, 2019
Arrive at London Airport. Meet with your driver and local guide.
- Panoramic tour of London, Discover the iconic landmarks, architectural and cultural diversity, and fascinating history that makes London the most visited city in the world. Your London sightseeing tour will take you on a non-stop procession of recognizable landmarks, including The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and Marble Arch and much more.
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- River Thames cruise
Continue to your hotel in London and check in
*Please note check-in may not be available until 3P
Overnight the at Holiday Inn Kensington High Street
July 04, 2019
Visit the Tower of London
On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn, and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower, you can see crown jewels worth over £20 billion, meet the Ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower, there are also cafes and a shop
Enjoy free time for shopping at Camden Market
Overnight at the Holiday Inn Kensington High Street
JULY 05, 2019 – JULY 05, 2019
Spend the day at leisure in London.
OPTIONAL: Visit Stonehenge
The Neolithic stone circle of Stonehenge in the Wiltshire countryside is one of the most famous wonders of the world. Dating back to approximately 3000 BC, the circle of huge upright and horizontal rectangular stones continues to fascinate academics, spiritualists and visitors. How and why did hundreds of people transport five tonne stones from all over the South of England and Wales to create a monument that has no obvious function? A multitude of theories regarding the origins and purpose of Stonehenge abound – some serious and some a little hard to believe but all have their supporters. Stonehenge could have been an elite burial mound, druid temple or ancient observatory and may have been put there by ordinary people, aliens or by Merlin the mythical wizard. This fascinating stone circle can be toured with audio guides and the modern visitor center includes over 250 artifacts, reconstructions of Neolithic houses, and a 360-degree audio-visual presentation that all help towards understanding the structure.
Return to London
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight at the Holiday Inn Kensington High Street
JULY 06, 2019
Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for your Main Tour to Scotland and Ireland
Travel insurance
JULY 06, 2019
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport
On arrival meet your local guide and enjoy a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh
- Discover Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland, with a panoramic city tour. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the larges avenues of New Town, explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Along its main thoroughfare, Princes Street, you will witness the most unique sight of Edinburgh Castle, majestically dominating both Old and New Town.
- See Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the “Athens of the North”
- Enjoy lunch under own arrangements
- Continue to your hotel in Edinburgh (or area) and check in
*Please note check-in may not be available until 3P
This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at your hotel followed by a welcome dinner
Overnight at The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh
JULY 07, 2019
This morning visit Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across the City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. Captivating visitors with its ancient buildings and marvelous views, it continues to spellbound with its wonderful story
Spend the balance of the day at leisure
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OPTIONAL: Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland and is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made the Palace of Holyroodhouse the premier royal residence in Scotland. At the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse visitors can explore the 14 historic state apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The Queen’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
Overnight at The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh
JULY 08, 2019
This morning depart Edinburgh and journey to Perth
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- Journey along the beautiful Fife coast and stop in villages such as Crail and Anstruther
- Visit St. Andrew’s Castle
- On a headland to the north of St. Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews – the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland.
- Today, a siege mine and counter-mine can be explored, and the ‘bottle dungeon’ viewed. St. Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events which determined the course of Scottish history. Some of the key moments leading up to the Scottish Reformation in 1560 were played out within its precinct
- Visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral, The remains of what was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church still show how impressive St. Andrews Cathedral must have been in its prime. St. Andrews Cathedral dominated the history of the medieval Church in Scotland, from its construction in the 12th century until the Protestant Reformation in 1560. As Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, the cathedral was the seat of the country’s leading bishops. It occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St. Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. The cathedral buildings are surrounded by a graveyard and encircled by the most complete and imposing monastic enclosure walls in Scotland
- Continue to Perth and on arrival check into your hotel
- Enjoy dinner at your hotel
Overnight at the Atholl Palace Hotel
JULY 09, 2019
Today journey through the Cairngorms
Visit Royal Lochnagar Distillery
A visit to Royal Lochnagar, the local distillery to Balmoral, is a timeless experience. You can see distillers tending the traditional mashtun and the gleaming copper stills. The end product still relies on age old traditions and craftsmanship to produce one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. At the tour end, your complimentary dram will confirm that Royal Lochnagar is a malt whisky worthy of the ‘Royal’ prefix to its name
Visit Balmoral Castle
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar, is the Balmoral Estate. Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish home of the British Royal Family ever since. Covering about 20,000 hectares (just over 50,000 acres) of heather clad hills, ancient Caledonian woodland, and of course the beautiful River Dee nearby. Over the past 150 years, careful stewardship by the Royal Family has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture for all to enjoy. In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”. The original castle was considered too small for the needs of the Royal Family and under the supervision of Prince Albert a new building was designed. When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Balmoral Estates passed, under the terms of her will, to King Edward VII, and from him to each of his successors. Although it remains largely the same as it was in Queen Victoria’s reign, successive Royal owners have followed the initiative of Prince Albert in making improvements to the estate
Free time for lunch on your own at Balmoral Castle
Return to your hotel for the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight at the Atholl Palace Hotel
JULY 10, 2019
This morning depart Perth and journey to Glasgow
En-route enjoy a cruise on Loch Lomond
On arrival in Glasgow, meet your local guide and enjoy a panoramic city tour.
Discover Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, with a panoramic city tour. From the magnificent St. Mungo Cathedral to the People’s Palace and Glasgow Green, explore Glasgow rich past as a religious center and one of the most important industrial cities in Britain. The Victorian architecture of the center offers a striking contrast to the extensive parks of the West End. Among those, Kelvingrove offers a haven of peace in the city, with amazing views on Glasgow University’s striking buildings and the Kelvingrove Museum. It is not hard to imagine why Glasgow is home to Scotland’s most celebrated architect: Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Balance of the day is at leisure.
OPTIONAL: Visit Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland’s most popular museum. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the extensive collections are wide-ranging and internationally significant. Do not miss Salvador Dali’s “Christ on the Cross”. The RBS Exhibition Gallery and the community exhibition space both have a running program of temporary exhibitions and displays. Please note that some temporary exhibitions are subject to an entry fee. *No supplement applies as this visit is free of charge.
Overnight at Grand Central Hotel
JULY 11, 2019
This morning journey by coach to Cairnryan and take the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast as foot passengers.
On arrival in Belfast, meet your local guide and enjoy a panoramic city tour.
A guided city tour is an excellent way to discover Belfast City. The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Irelands answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens. You will also visit the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard, where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912. A visit to the Shankill and Falls road will be of interest as it will give the visitor an indication of how life was in Belfast during the troubles.
Overnight at the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
JULY 12, 2019
Enjoy a leisurely morning then visit Titanic Belfast
Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in a new iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building’s giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900’s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Guided tours are available on request at a supplement. Highlights include breathtaking views to the slip-ways where the Titanic was launched and the Voyage to the bottom of the sea in the unique Ocean Exploration Centre with live links to contemporary undersea exploration.
Enjoy lunch and a beer tasting at a local pub or restaurant
Depart Belfast and journey to Enniskillen
Overnight at the Belmore Court Hotel Enniskillen
This morning depart Enniskillen and journey to Galway
En-route visit the Marble Arch Caves
Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is host to one of the finest show caves in Europe. Visitors are guided through a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around.
Continue to Galway for the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight at Clayton Ballybrit Hotel Galway
JULY 14, 2019
Today journey through the Burren Region
The Burren landscape covers over 150 square kilometers and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. The region is visually similar to a moonscape, yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites which have attracted visitors for centuries. Man came here over 6000 years ago, cleared the forests and set in motion soil erosion. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems. For millennia man has left his mark, megalithic tombs and cooking sites litter the pavements, while medieval tower houses and churches guard the valleys. Today man is absent from most of the upland, leaving behind ancient field systems, route ways and place names. Today’s visitors to the Burren will find Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O’ Brien’s Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best ‘cliff-view’ on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ‘ Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon’
Enjoy a light lunch, wine and a traditional Irish session at the Doolin Music House.
Christy Barry and his partner Sheila have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, sitting around the fire playing music and telling stories. Although the pub sessions are extremely popular they realised that many of their visitors preferred to listen to traditional music in the intimate environment of their home. As a result, they open up their atmospheric home to visitors so they can experience local Irish music in the relaxed surroundings of their home. Christy talks and discusses the history of traditional Irish music and plays great tunes together with his friend James Devitt. You will enjoy the experience of visiting a local home, enjoying local company and listening to a good traditional music session around the fire. Sheila is an artist and her works surround the rooms in the house creating a truly art home atmosphere. Light lunch can be served during your visit – smoked salmon and brown bread, Irish cheeses accompanied by a glass of wine or a soft drink.
Return to Galway
This evening complimentary transfers to town will be provided in Galway City for those wishing to explore
Overnight at the Clayton Ballybrit Hotel Galway
Galway to Dublin
JULY 15, 2019
This morning depart Galway and journey to Dublin
On arrival in Dublin, meet your local guide and enjoy a panoramic tour
First you will discover the north side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.
Spend the balance of the day at leisure
OPTIONAL: Visit the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe’s largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse. Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, “Five” at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where guests enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford. This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows visitors to take Guinness recipe cards home.
This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight at the Croke Park Hotel Dublin
JULY 16, 2019
Transfer to Dublin Airport for your journey home