Scotland & Ireland Sample Itinerary 2017
Scotland: Despite its small size, Scotland has an abundance of treasures packed into its tiny territory - picture wild coastlines, rugged landscapes, historic castles and that s just to name a few Ireland: Most clichés are only clichés because they're true, and Ireland is a case in point. What images spring to mind when you think of Ireland? The Emerald Isle? A pint of the black stuff? Wild and windswept beaches? A good craic? All clichés, all true, all fabulous and all only a direct flight from the US! Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 2 2017
We have highlighted the main points of your journey on the map below: Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 3 2017
Day 1 7.40am 9.00am Welcome to Scotland! Upon arrival into Edinburgh Airport your private driver-guide will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and transfer you to Dalhousie Castle Approximate arrival time at Dalhousie Castle Balance of the day at leisure O/N: Dalhousie Castle A: Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH19 3JB T: +44 (0)1875 820 153 Day 2 11.00am 11.15am 1.15pm 1.45pm 3.00pm Visit to Rosslyn Chapel Depart with your driver-guide A visit to Rosslyn Chapel Rosslyn Chapel is primarily well known for its decorative art that lines the interior of the chapel. The exquisite carvings are some of the best in the whole of Europe, and portray scenes not found in any other 15th century chapel. On another note, the chapel is also well-known for its mysterious associations with Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, and the Freemansons that suggest hidden secrets lurk within every crack of stone at this venerated place. Past visitors have said that they feel a 'strong atmosphere' when entering the chapel. Depart for the Sun Inn Lunch at leisure at the Sun Inn Depart back for Dalhousie Castle Afternoon at leisure O/N: Dalhousie Castle Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 4 2017
Day 3 10.30am 12.30pm 2.30pm 4.15pm Transfer to The Boath House via Pitlochry Your private driver-guide is on hand for the day Lunch at Leisure en route - we would suggest in Pitlochry where you can also see the Salmon Ladder Dam A scenic drive through the Cairngorms Estimated arrival to for The Boath House O/N: The Boath House A: A96, Auldearn, Nairn IV12 5TE T:+44 (0)1667 454 896 Day 4 9.00am 5.30pm 6.00pm 7.30pm Fishing Lesson & Private Tour of Cawdor Castle A Private Fly Fishing Trout Lesson Please wear Lightweight waterproof clothing and walking boots Learn how to fly fish for trout; two advantages of trout over salmon is you can learn a lot easier and have a much greater chance to catch fish. Your day includes a guide and all fishing hire of equipment as well as transport to and from the loch. Depart with your driver-guide for Cawdor Castle A Private Out of Hours Evening Tour of Cawdor Castle Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Cawdor Castle is a superb fairy-tale castle which dates back to 1380. Apparently, it was built around a hawthorn tree (which still exists today in the dungeon) and legend has it that the hawthorn tree has saved the castle on more than one occasion. The castle is perhaps best known, however, for its highly fictionalised literary connection of William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth. It is still the family home of the Cawdor family who have filled the castle with beautiful furniture, fine portraits and pictures, interesting objects and outstanding tapestries. The extended parts of the castle are a fine example of 17th century Scottish vernacular style with slated roofs over walls and crow-stepped gables of mellow local stone. After your tour canapés and champagne will be served in the Garden Summer House or Tower Library. Depart back for Culloden House O/N: The Boath House Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 5 2017
Day 5 8.45am 10.00am 1.00pm 1.30pm 3.00pm Explore Speyside Whisky Your private driver-guide is on hand for the day A Privately guided tour of Ballindalloch Castle Estate & Distillery, with a focus on the Macpherson Grant s family history. Nestled deep in the beautiful Spey valley, Ballindalloch Castle has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. This visit offers a unique insight into the Castle history as well as the very beginnings of whisky making; the distillery was commission in the summer of 2014, and you will have the opportunity to join the team to understand how the Macpherson-Grants are making their return to distilling. Depart for Lunch Lunch at leisure at Craigellachie Hotel Depart back for the The Boath House O/N: The Boath House Day 6 10.15am 11.00am Enjoy Loch Ness and the surrounding areas Depart with your driver-guide A boat trip on the Loch Ness & visit to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness is probably best known for its supposed resident monster that people have been seeing since the 1930's. Its existence remains a mystery with the non-believers claiming that it is simply a mirage when the waters are still and warm. The loch itself reaches astonishing depths of 230m at some points due to its location on the Great Glen Fault Line and the area around the loch is filled with historic attractions and natural beauty. Visit to Urquhart Castle Strategically located on the banks of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle has been witness to a 1000 history full of drama and bloodshed. It is said that Urquhart Castle is where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power and featured heavily in the Scots' fight for independence. From the ruins that exist today, climb to the top of Grant tower for unrivaled views of the loch and the hills of the Great Glen in the background. 1.00pm 2.30pm 3.30pm Depart for The Airds Hotel Lunch at leisure in Fort William Depart for The Airds Hotel O/N: The Airds Hotel A:Port Appin, Appin PA38 4DF T: +44 (0)1631 730 236 Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 6 2017
Day 7 9.00am 10.15am 12.25pm 1.45pm 2.15pm 2.40pm 4.00pm Day to Isle of Skye Your private driver is on hand to transfer you to Fort William Station Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland and is the commercial centre of Lochaber, an area renowned for magnificent scenery with important history. The highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, is nearby making Fort William the perfect base for walkers and climbers. A journey on the Steam Train from Fort William to Maillaig first class seating Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! Arrival to Maillaig enjoy a walk around this quaint village Your driver-guide will then transfer you onto the Ferry from Mallaig to Armadale Arrival to the Isle of Skye Afternoon Tea at Kinloch Lodge Traditional afternoon tea is served in the drawing rooms by the log fires and is a perfect example of Highland hospitality. Depart on a scenic drive back to your hotel (approx. 3 hours journey) O/N: The Airds Hotel Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 7 2017
Day 8 9.00am 11.40am 12.30pm 1.45pm 2.45pm 4.30pm 5.45pm Private Sea Plane experience Depart with your driver-guide for Loch Lomond A Sea Plane flight over the Trossachs & Loch Lomond (Please arrive at the Pier 30 minutes before departure subject to weather conditions) The sea plane flies in to scoop you up for a fabulous finale to your rugged wilderness experience. Flying at anything between 500 and 5,000 feet see castles and glens, estuaries and lochs and out to the Western Isles before returning to the loch. Lunch at leisure at Cameron House Depart for Stirling Castle A visit to Stirling Castle Stirling is without a doubt one of Scotland's grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. Its position dominates the surrounding countryside and was the childhood home to Mary, Queen of Scots. It has been renovated to return the royal lodgings to their Renaissance magnificence so visitors can have a glimpse at what life was like for Stewart kings and queens who resided at and held grand celebrations at the castle. Throughout the castle, there are costumed characters to really understand what life was like in the 16th century. Depart for Edinburgh Estimated arrival at The Balmoral Balance of the evening at leisure O/N: The Balmoral A:1 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2EQ T: +44 (0)131 556 2414 Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 8 2017
Day 9 8.30am 10.00am 12.30pm 1.30pm Tour of Edinburgh A Private tour of Edinburgh Castle before opening hours This instantly recognisable fortress dominates Scotland's capital and gives stunning views of the city and the countryside. Housed inside the castle are the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland which are even older than their counterparts in London! The oldest building in the castle is St Margaret's Chapel that dates back to the 12th century. Listen out for the One O'Clock Gun that is fired every day except for Sunday; apparently it can be heard two miles away in Leith Harbour! A walking tour of Edinburgh with guide Perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, Edinburgh is a historic, cosmopolitan and cultured city whose skyline is dominated by its castle. Both a fortress and a royal palace, from the castle ramparts you can look down on the mix of medieval lanes and with grand Georgian buildings that hold over a thousand years of history, mystery and tradition. The city is perfect for wandering around, it seems around every corner there are quirky shops, cafes and delis. Walking up to Arthur's Seat and a wander down the Royal Mile are a must do. Lunch at leisure Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Edinburgh Why not walk up to Arthur s Seat for amazing views over Edinburgh O/N: The Balmoral Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 9 2017
Day 10 Dundas Castle Day Morning at leisure 11.00am 12.00pm 5.00pm Depart with your driver Exclusive use of Dundas Castle for the afternoon A private tour of the 15 th Century Auld Keep, toll the old bell before being transported back to the 1500's as you push open the original iron gates and make your way up the winding stairs to the roof top and beyond to the turret for a unique photo opportunity, with a backdrop of the Forth Rail Bridge. Following your tour, you will be served a well-earned coffee before Sir Jack and Lady Lydia s private chef will take you behind the scenes, to the private kitchen, to create an afternoon treat. This will be served later in the day with a cup of tea in front of the fire before departure. Lunch will be served in the bay window of our elegant drawing room, boasting a roaring log fire this elegant and light room affords beautiful views of the estate. Furthermore make use of the additional reception available, including The Billiards Room and Library. The Billiards Room, with its array of family memorabilia offers a fascinating insight into the Stewart-Clark family who continue to enjoy Dundas as their family home. After lunch guests will be welcomed to the front of the Castle to enjoy a private Falconry display before retiring in front of the log fire to enjoy afternoon tea prior to departure. Your driver is on hand to transfer you back to the Balmoral Hotel O/N: The Balmoral Day 11 9.00am 11.35am 12.50pm Transfer to Dublin Your driver is on hand to transfer you to Edinburgh Airport Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin Arrival into Dublin Airport your driver is on hand to transfer you to Castle Leslie O/N: Castle Leslie A: Glaslough Co. Monaghan Ireland T: +353 (0)47 88100 Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 10 2017
Day 12 Day at leisure Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at Castle Leslie Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Why not try some of the amazing activities such as falconry, fishing, walking or riding. O/N: Castle Leslie Day 13 10.00am 11.45am 12.15pm Explore Irelands Ancient East Depart with your driver-guide for Dublin Arrive at Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than both Stonehenge England AND the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 year Depart with your driver-guide for Trim Lunch at Leisure and a walking tour of Trim & the Hill of Tara One of Ireland's heritage towns, Trim is situated on the River Boyne. It once had the oldest and largest religious settlements in the country. The town is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle, which was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. The largest Norman castle in Europe, it is now restored and visitors can access the 75ft square keep and grounds by guided tour. Sections of the epic film Braveheart were filmed here. 3.00pm 3.50pm 4.30pm Hill of Tara The Hill of Tara, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and, according to tradition, was the seat of Árd Rí na héireann, or the High King of Ireland. Depart for Dublin Approximate arrival time at The Westbury Balance of the evening at leisure O/N: The Westbury A: 2 Balfe Street Dublin 2 T: +353 (0)1 679 1122 Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 11 2017
Day 14 11.00am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm Tour of Dublin City Depart with your guide on a walking tour of Dublin Ireland's capital is a bustling and dynamic city that has seen a lot of redevelopment over recent years. The result is a mix of sleek modern architecture that sits harmoniously beside the buildings of historic Dublin; Georgian mansions, churches, castles and of course pubs! Wander through the stylish Georgian streets to see the Book of Kells in Trinity College, the grand Dublin Castle and the architecturally impressive Cathedrals of St Patricks and Christ Church. And of course no visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to Temple Bar; Dublin's cultural quarter where the cobbled, medieval streets are lined with pubs and galleries. A visit to the Book of Kells Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. Inside is housed the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. Lunch at leisure A visit to St Patricks Cathedral Built in honour of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick's Cathedral stands next to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptised converts on his visit to Dublin. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and welcomes people from all over the world to worship and to admire its gothic style architecture. A visit to The Guinness Storehouse For many people, a visit to Ireland would not be complete without trying a drop of the 'black stuff' and where better to drink it than the home of Guinness; the Guinness Storehouse. Situated in the original brewery of 1876, visitors can wander around and discover the ingredients, the process and the pouring of Ireland's most famous export. And to round off the visit, you are treated to a pint of Guinness in the panoramic bar overlooking the city and beautiful Wicklow Mountains O/N: The Westbury Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 12 2017
Day 15 11.00am 12.00pm 1.30pm 2.15pm 3.15pm 5.00pm Day tour to Glendalough Depart with your driver-guide A walk with your guide in Glendalough Glendalough Valley, located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, is known for its outstanding natural beauty and fascinating monastic history. The word Glendalough means 'valley of two lakes' and is the backdrop to a 6th century monastic site that was founded by St. Kevin that features a 110ft stone tower, several churches and a cathedral, Depart for Powerscourt House Lunch at leisure at Avoca A visit to Powerscourt House Gracing the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. The mile long drive lined with 2000 beech trees is just a mere indication of the grandeur to come. The winding pathways around the grounds lead from one hidden treasure to another and almost have the feel of a secret garden. It really is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks and beautiful walled gardens. Depart back for The Westbury O/N: The Westbury Day 16 Day at leisure Enjoy Dublin on own (self-guided) or enjoy the facilities at The Westbury O/N: The Westbury Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 13 2017
Day 17 10.30am 11.30am 1.30pm 2.30pm Visit to Cork Depart with your driver-guide for Cork A Walking tour of Cork followed by Lunch in the English Market A tour around Cork traverses some of the most historically significant parts of the city. At Corks centre is the Butter Exchange complex, the most successful part of the city's international trading enterprise. Its imposing architecture speaks of the wealth and power which the merchant princes of the city once exercised, merchants now known only from the street names which they bequeathed to the city. The churches encountered on your walk also tell a tale: Anglican dominance in the 18th century; Catholic resurgence in the 19th century. The naming and renaming of streets gives a glimpse of the city's political history. A visit to Blarney Castle Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago and it is home to the famous Blarney Stone high up in the castle battlements. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be given the gift of eloquence or 'the gift of the gab', as the locals call it. It was in fact Queen Elizabeth I who introduced the word blarney into the English language, a word that describes pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. Aside from the Blarney Stone at the castle, there are 60 acres of sprawling parklands of manicured gardens, arboretums and even one of Ireland's only Poison Gardens. Depart for the Park Kenmare Balance of the day at leisure O/N: Park Kenmare A: Kenmare Co.Kerry Ireland T: +353 (0)64 664 1200 Day 18 Time in Park Kenmare Day at leisure to enjoy Park Kenmare O/N: Park Kenmare Day 19 Explore the Ring of Kerry A leisurely drive around the Ring of Kerry with your driver-guide The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula to give it its correct name) is a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland that charms anyone who sets foot there with its spectacular beauty. The coastline boasts white sandy beaches whilst inland the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland; the Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones are well worth a visit. To get the best vantage point of the magnificent landscape, give horse riding, cycling or hiking a try. O/N: Park Kenmare Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 14 2017
Day 20 9.00am 12.00pm 1.00pm 2.30pm Transfer to Ashford Castle Depart for Ashford Castle with driver-guide Visit to Cliffs of Moher The majestic Cliffs of Moher, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Located just north of Lahinch, the Cliffs rise from the Atlantic to heights of 214 m and stretch for 8 km along the coast. The Cliffs claim one of the most astonishing views in Ireland, and on a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as are the valleys and hills of Connemara. Lunch at leisure at The Wild Honey Inn Afternoon at leisure at Ashford Castle O/N: Ashford Castle A: Cong Co.Mayo Ireland T: +353 (0)94 954 6003 Day 21 11.00am 12.00am 1.30pm 3.00pm Day to enjoy Ashford Castle & Connemara Depart with your driver-guide Kieran A visit to Kylemore Abbey Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The abbey was founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. A scenic drive back to Ashford Castle A Falconry Experience at Ashford Castle Your instructor will introduce you to your hawk and, within minutes, you will be setting off around the magnificent woodlands to fly your hawk free. As you fly the hawks, your instructor will explain about the hawks exceptional eyesight, their speed and agility and how the hawks were trained. The hawks will follow you from tree to tree through the woods before swooping down to land on your gloved fist. O/N: Ashford Castle Day 22 11.45am Transfer home! Your driver is on hand to transfer you to Shannon airport for your onwards journey Farewell! Sample Scotland & Ireland Itinerary 15 2017