The last 3 trips
included also Iceland and was a 14-day trip. We decided
to skip Iceland this time around in exchange for additional
time in both Ireland and Scotland which will also make for
a more relaxing trip.
In the wake of a remarkable
economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably
over the past decade. These days Dublin ranks among the
top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city
hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural
heritage. The city's burst of prosperity gave it a new confident
sheen, but what remains special is the spirit of the people
who ensure that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains
one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible
cities. Voted by Frommers Guide readers in 2011 as their
favourite holiday destination in the world, it’s now your
turn to uncover the mystique and charm of the Emerald Isle.
A bustling metropolis alive with entertaining cultural pursuits,
fine museums, beautiful architecture and lively pubs, Dublin
offers something for everyone. Castles, galleries, cathedrals,
parks, shopping, fine dining – Dublin has it covered.
ITINERARY:
The following are the included tours:
IRELAND
WICKLOW AND
GLENDALOUGH
Today
we'll enjoy a wonderful scenic day starting with our drive
from Dublin into the heart of Wicklow's stunning countryside
The stops on our tour will include the Powerscourt Estate
where we will explore the gardens of the estate including
the Italian gardens, Japanese gardens and pet cemetery.
This is one of the most visited tourist destinations in
Ireland. We will also visit Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest
waterfall in Ireland.
We'll visit the pretty Wicklow village of Avoca (where the
famous TV show, Ballykissangel was filmed). Leisure time
at Avoca (60 minute stop) where you can drop into Fitzgerald's
pub for a pint of Guinness. Visit the famous Handweaver's
craft shop, considered the oldest weaving mill in Ireland
From there we'll visit the 6th century monastic settlement
in Glendalough (105 minute stop). Enjoy a guided tour of
this mystical site. See the famous 10th century Round Tower
and St Kevin's Kitchen. Enjoy the fresh country air of the
Wicklow Mountains Glendalough is famed for its beautiful
scenery and historic monuments, but has also been a centre
for pilgrims and visitors from the time of St. Kevin, (from
whom the bus service took its name).
KILKENNY
Once
the capital of Ireland in the middle-ages, Kilkenny is renowned
for its magnificent Norman Castle dating back to 12th century.
With its narrow street and colorful shops and buildings,
Kilkenny is unique as a city and a mecca for those who choose
to visit. You will have plenty of time to enjoy a pint of
Kilkenny in Kilkenny. Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage
is evident in the city's treasure trove of historical buildings
and landmarks, exemplified by the magnificent Kilkenny Castle.
Kilkenny is arguably the pre-eminent medieval city in Ireland,
with the current layout of the city clearly grounded in
the city's medieval root
s.
However,
the city's origins predate the medieval landmarks existing
today. Saint Canice founded a monastic settlement in Kilkenny
in the sixth century, unfortunately the sole remaining landmark
from this settlement is the round tower positioned alongside
the cathedral.
Tour of Brú
na Bóinne in County Meath, a site that is older
than England’s Stonehenge and Egypt’s Giza Pyramids. This
Neolithic site of henges, standing stones and burial chambers
was built around 3,200 B.C., and is highlighted by several
large passage tombs: Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange.
Celtic
Boyne Valley & Ancient Sites
Travel
through mystical Celtic Ireland on this full-day bus tour
from Dublin! With an expert guide, journey back in time
to Boyne Valley, home of Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara,
the megalithic passage tombs of Loughcrew, and Fore Abbey.
Uncover the heritage of Celtic heritage and Ireland's storied
past on this tour that is ideal for history buffs.Full-day
Celtic trip from Dublin to Boyne ValleyVisit some of the
oldest sites in Ireland with a guide. See 6,000-year-old
artwork carved in the passage tombs at LoughcrewTravel to
the Hill of Tara from where the High Kings ruled the country
1,000 years ago.
SCOTLAND
Scotland is home
to a relatively diverse terrain, complete with tall mountains,
several islands, sea-side cliffs, and lush forests. Possessing
vibrant and modern cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow,
it manages to successfully combine these two contrasting
sides. It holds a rural backdrop of awe inspiring scenery,
villages and towns of unique local history and culture all
the while possessing a modern and young urban landscape
with cities of the calibre of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen
that can rival the best in Europe. There's plenty of adventure,
whether you want to bash downhill on a mountain bike, hurl
yourself off a bungee or take on the Atlantic surf in a
kayak Scotland is one of the world’s top adventure playgrounds.
It's got wildlife with huge eagles and stately stags on
land and basking sharks, dolphins and even killer whales
at sea. Scotland’s seven cities – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen,
Dundee, Inverness, Stirling and new city Perth- all have
their own charms and each is worth a trip on its own. Scotland
is also home to an impressive five UNESCO World Heritage
sites – Edinburgh’s Old and New Town, Orkney’s Prehistoric
Sites, Hadrian’s Wall, St. Kilda and New Lanark.
EDINBURGH
CASTLE
Our hotel is an easy 15 minute walk to this iconic castle
which is a must see. We will not need a bus or a guide.
I have set up a reservation for our entire group for this
morning. The afternoon is free and all the other interesting
sights are an easy walk. The city itself is like a museum
so enjoy your free time.
ST ANDREWS
AND THE HIGHLANDS
Today
we will visit Highlands, featuring Scotland's most characteristic
and romantic scenery. Visit the university town of St Andrews
on this private trip. Famous for being the 'home of golf,'
St Andrews is known for attractions like the Old Course
and Swilcan Bridge, part of St Andrews' prestigious golf
legacy and not to be missed. which you'll see on this tour
with a private guide. Walk around town and enjoy time to
buy lunch and shop a bit, if you like.
We are setting
up options to play a round on the Putting Club Course, probably
better known to visitors from around the world as The Himalayas
which is an ap
t
description for this unique facility found in St Andrews,
the home of golf. We are also setting up a 50 minute guided
walk of the Old Course There is the option to have your
photo taken on the Swilcan Bridge. You can also visit the
British Golf Museum or the Castle ruins and Cathedral (own
expense). Before stopping at the Old Course you will be
given a short driven tour around St Andrews to get your
bearings. For those not interested in Old Course there is
an option to stay in town and shop.
From there we
will venture further into the highlands with a visit to
Glaimis Castle. Glamis has been the family home of the Earls
of Strathmore since 1372 when SirJohn Lyon was granted the
thaneage by King Robert II. In 1376 Sir John married the
King's daughter and since then Glamis has been visited and
lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal
Families. The present owner is Simon Patrick Bowes Lyon,
19th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne who succeeded his
late father on the 27th of February 2016. The castle is
famed as being the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
The Queen Mother, birthplace of HRH The Princess Margaret
and the setting for Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. It is situated
in the fertile valley of Strathmore, only 5 miles from Forfar
and 12 miles from Dundee.
SCOTTISH BORDERS
Journey
through the majestic Scottish Lowlands on this 7.5-hour
tour that will include Melrose, Abbotsford House, Traquair
House.and Roslyn Chapel. Take a scenic route along Scotland's
border to Melrose Abbey - believed to be the burial site
of King Robert the Bruce's heart - and enjoy lunch at your
leisure. Admire panoramic views over the Scottish countryside
and the Tweed River from Scott's View
The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills are the most distinctive
single landmark in the Scottish Borders. At their feet in
the valley of the Tweed lies Melrose. From the rolling hills
and moorland in the west to the gentle valleys and picturesque
Berwickshire coastline in the east, it is easy to see why
Sir Walter Scott was so enamored with this peaceful region
that he chose to build his beloved house, Abbotsford here
which we will visit. Here at Abbotsford he worked tirelessly,
writing book after book in his wood-panelled study. Scott
looked far and wide across Scotland for decorative elements
to embellish his house; he rescued architectural fragments
from houses, and took casts from existing houses to create
copies that reflected Scotland's architectural heritage.
The result was a very 'Scottish' building, inspired by Scotland's
heritage and containing pieces from a variety of dwellings
across the country. This very nationalistic pride in Scottish
heritage was typical of Scott and his work. The result was
almost universally popular, and Abbotsford became a very
popular place for sightseers almost immediately.
On our way back to Edinburgh we will make a stop at Roslyn
Chapel. One of Scotland's most remarkable buildings, Rosslyn
Chapel has been in the ownership of our family since its
foundation in 1446 and is still used today as a place of
worship.
DEPOSIT TO
SIGN UP - $200
OUR
AIR: We
will have our group air sometime around July 2025
CLICK
HERE FOR A MORE DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY
INCLUDES:
- 10-nights
accommodations (double occ.)
- Air from Dublin
to Edingburgh
- All tours
mentioned above
- All
ground transportation
- Air from Dublin
to Edinburgh
- Daily
Breakfast
DOES
NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals
other than breakfast
- Tips
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,420
(your own room,
only if you prefer, otherwise we're happy to match you up
with a roommate)
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