In October 2021, explore Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Dublin on this tour hosted by Frances Gertsch & Kelvin Jones.
(LONDON) | EDINBURGH | ST. ANDREWS | INVERNESS | BALLACHULISH | GLASGOW | BELFAST | DERRY | DUBLIN
Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour, or by foot – it’s your choice! Learn the secrets of making Scotch whisky and enjoy a tasting. Cruise famed Loch Ness and explore the haunting ruins of Urquhart Castle. Walk on the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Titanic Experience Museum in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Be transported to a bygone era when you’re invited to an Irish Ceili, a night out in twentieth-century Ulster complete with traditional music, food and dancing. Tour intriguing Glenveagh Castle and its surrounding National Park in Donegal, a natural wonderland. Soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys. Visit Ireland’s bustling capital city of Dublin and tour historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Enjoy two nights in an iconic Irish castle hotel.
- 13 days, 12 nights
- 17 meals (12 breakfasts, 5 dinners)
- Hosted by Stewart Travel Group's Trusted Travel Advisors, Frances Gertsch & Kelvin Jones
- Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Tea Room
- Bagpipe Lessons & a Traditional Scottish Dinner
- The Spirit of Derry: Farm-to-table Dinner & Cultural Night
- A Traditional Irish Night
- Pub Lunch & the Guinness Storehouse
- 3 night pre-tour extension in London
Overnight flight from Halifax to London. On our arrival day, we will include transfers from the airport to our hotel near Kings Cross Station. On days 2 and 3, will provide opportunities to explore London and visit some of the top sites at your leisure. Breakfast included. With this option, flights would depart Canada on October 8. Train travel from London to Edinburgh would be on October 11.
Depart Halifax on overnight flight to Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh by plane or train. Transfer to your hotel. Your tour opens in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Tonight, experience how traditional Scottish ingredients are getting a modern twist during a welcome dinner at one of the city's popular restaurants.
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh
Today it’s your choice! Get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic tour; explore both Old Town and New Town before visiting the Palace at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary Queen of Scots -OR- for a different perspective, join a local expert for an in-depth walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town; meander the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways before descending into the city’s underground vaults to uncover a world unchanged since the 18th century.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh
Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf – to see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. Discover its old-world appeal as you explore this popular resort town on your own. Enjoy a privately guided tour at one of Scotland’s renowned whisky distilleries and taste for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world’s finest.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Best Western Palace Hotel Inverness
This morning take a scenic cruise on Loch Ness before disembarking at the base of famed Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of this historic stronghold where acts of chivalry and defiance exhibit more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Continue south through Scotland’s stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel, located in a charming village in the Highlands.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Ballachulish Hotel
Begin your day with a breathtaking drive in the heart of Scotland as you pass through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. Arrive in the Victorian metropolis of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Take in the sights with a local expert before enjoying an evening at leisure in this bustling city.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Glasgow
This morning, travel along the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the famed Irish Sea as we head for Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast. Later you are invited to a traditional Irish céilí. This experience takes you back to the cobblestoned streets and Irish fare of turn of the century Ulster. Enjoy a hot toddy or a glass of Guinness as you lose yourself in the rousing music. Then it’s time to dance!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Enjoy a privately guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Learn about the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the massive cranes of the Belfast shipyard. Complete today’s tour with a visit to the award-winning Titanic Experience museum.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Venture along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route, stopping at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Then, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys along the Causeway Coast. Soak up the incredible scenery before arriving in the walled city of Derry. Set out on a walking tour featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. This evening, perhaps you will discover why Derry is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets during an optional evening of storytelling and traditional music at one of the city’s best farm-to-table restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: City Hotel Derry
Today’s journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Visit spectacular Glenveagh National Park, a natural wonderland with 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes and woodland. Enjoy a guided visit to stately Glenveagh Castle, set amidst the colorful splendor of one of the finest gardens in Ireland.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Manor House Country Hotel
After a leisurely morning, depart on a journey through the scenic countryside and cross into the Republic of Ireland. We end our day at Barberstown Castle, a regal 13th-century castle and country house hotel in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Barberstown Castle*
A locally guided tour of Dublin highlights the world-renowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city’s magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. Spend the rest of your day at leisure as you delve further into Dublin's cultural treasures. This evening, toast the end of an incredible adventure during a farewell dinner at your castle hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner | Accommodation: Barberstown Castle*
Your tour comes to a close. Depart for Canada.
Meals: Breakfast
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*Note: Tour itinerary may move from Barberstown Castle to Dublin in 2021. Current itinerary is based on 2020 routing. All tour details are subject to change.
