NEW!! This tour is the perfect combination of two great countries in one itinerary. We will start in Glasgow before exploring the Scottish Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and whisky tasting in St Andrews. Experience a castle in Edinburgh and walk part of the Royal Mile. We will take a quick ferry ride to Belfast where we explore the Titanic Belfast before heading to the southern part of Ireland where we will explore Dublin, Blarney, Killarney and the Cliffs of Moher. Here we enjoy a scones and tea in a local farmhouse complete with viewing sheep dogs herding sheep. We then visit Blarney Castle, Blarney Woolen Mills, drive the Ring of Kerry, view the stunning Cliffs of Moher and so much more! We hope you will join Frances for this wonderful exploration of Scotland and Ireland.
Your package includes:
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary by private air-conditioned motor coach
- Entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in itinerary
- Activities and classes as mentioned in itinerary
- Local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
- Free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotel lobbies
- Group arrival and departure transfers
Price per person land only $3,999.00 based on two sharing and minimum of 10 passengers. (Limited to a maximum of 12) Not included: personal expenses, international airfare and taxes, meals not specified, tipping. Single supplement $950.00 Private transfers are available at an additional cost for those not arriving at the same time as the group. Hold your space with a $600 non-refundable deposit.
To book contact: Phone: (250) 595-1161
Email: admin@departurestravel.com
1889 Oak Bay Ave Victoria , BC , V8R 1C6
Itinerary:
Day 1: Glasgow Highlights
Our tour starts today at 2:30 pm when we meet our tour director and set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow. This is a city that flourished in Victorian times due to the shipbuilding industry and international trade. Drive around George Square with its 
ornate City Chambers and visit Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house built in 1471. The house was originally part of a hospital and has been extensively restored and furnished. (D)
Day 2: Loch Lomond & Loch Ness Cruise
Travel alongside the famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its unsurpassed beauty and through Glen Coe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Drive through Fort William and stop at a woolen mill for refreshments and to shop for quality Scottish goods. At Fort Augustus, we will embark on a short cruise on Loch Ness to look for “Nessie.” Our journey continues north to Nairn. (B, D)
Day 3: Whisky Tasting & St Andrews
Today we drive to Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry to see how whisky is distilled and sample some before continuing south to St Andrews, renowned as the “Home of Golf”. We will take a panoramic drive around the town then spend some time exploring on our own. Next, we head towards Edinburgh and our gracious manor house hotel, set on 1,000 acres with two golf courses and spa facilities a few miles from the city. Enjoy a special Scottish Evening, dining on excellent local cuisine with haggis if you dare, followed by a lively show with bagpipes, kilts and Highland dancing. (B, D)
Day 4: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
This morning we tour the magical sites of central Edinburgh. Drive along the bustling Princes Street and through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Walk along part of the Royal Mile. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and contains the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. (B)
Day 5: Ferry to Ireland & Titanic Belfast
Depart Edinburgh early this morning as we drive south through Ayrshire and along the coast. At Cairnryan take a ferry ride to Belfast and enjoy a casual lunch on board. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this famous liner which was built in the adjacent docks. State-of-the-art displays describe working conditions in the shipbuilding industry and the construction of the Titanic. Drive south to Dublin and check in to our hotel, overlooking Dublin Bay. This evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 6: Dublin Sightseeing & Canal Dinner Cruise
Tour central Dublin today to see fashionable shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, view elegant Georgian squares and pass the General Post Office, where the 1916 Uprising started. Take a brief walk through Trinity College with a student guide to view the illuminated manuscript of the 8th century Book of Kells and learn how monks created this and other masterpieces. In the evening enjoy a canal dinner cruise with traditional Irish music aboard a former Guinness barge through central Dublin. (B, D)
Day 7: Farmhouse Tea & Blarney Castle
Travel through the midlands of Ireland, stopping for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel. Visit a farmhouse for tea with scones 
and watch skilled sheep dogs herd sheep. Continue south to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Also visit the Blarney Woolen Mills where you can find quality Irish-made goods. Drive to Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes and mountains, and relax before dinner. Afterwards you may like to explore some of Killarney’s famous “singing pubs.” Evening at leisure. (B, D)
Day 8: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Experience a jaunting car ride to view Ross Castle set on Lough Leane. Then embark on the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding route with breathtaking sights of mountains and coastal views. Drive through Killorglin and Cahirciveen to cross the bridge to Valentia Island. Visit the Skellig Experience, which explains the life of early Christian hermits on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island, featured in the “Star Wars VII” movie. Enjoy a casual lunch and stop in the pretty village of Sneem. Pause at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views and return to Killarney where the evening is free. (B, L)
Day 9: Cliffs of Moher & Castle Banquet
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon to reach the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Check in to Bunratty Castle Hotel, close to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. If you wish, you may visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the 200-year-old Durty Nelly’s Pub, or shop at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening head to either Bunratty or Knappogue Castle for a memorable medieval-style feast where the lords and ladies will serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)
Day 10: Dublin via Galway
Drive to Galway for a walking tour around the central part of the city. Visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, founded in 546 AD by Saint Ciaran. View elaborate Celtic crosses, round towers and ruins of medieval churches. Drive to Dublin and enjoy a free afternoon and evening for independent activities and dining. (B)
Day 11: Depart Dublin for Home
Our tour ends after breakfast today. Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)