Please note when booking flights for this tour: The Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour starts in Edinburgh, Scotland (Arrival airport: Edinburgh Airport), and ends in Dublin, Ireland (Departure Airport: Dublin Airport).
On arrival in Edinburgh Airport reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your Irish tour guide (who is also your driver). There will be three group transfers this morning between 7:00 am and 1200 noon. To ensure a smooth start to your tour, it is advisable to aim for an arrival time in Edinburgh Airport before 11:00 am, as clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage typically takes around 1 hour.
Board your luxury air-conditioned mini-coach and make the short transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City in the heart of Edinburgh City, where you can relax and unwind after your flight.
15:00 Check-in time. The Hotel reception will store your luggage prior to Check-in.
At 2:30 PM, all participants will gather in the lobby for an introduction with their driver-guide and group — where you will become acquainted with your fellow travellers and the coming days can be discussed at leisure with your tour guide.
Afternoon free in Edinburgh City. Edinburgh is a city of two halves, broken into Old Town and New Town. Both are equally stunning areas, and 'Edinburghers' in general are known to be both friendly and welcoming. Old Town, the area that lies outside the old city walls, covers the area between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. New Town, which is actually 200 years old, is the area to the north and is seen as the more upmarket of the two, particularly noted for its multitude of dining and shopping options.
Tonight you will overnight at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City, the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Scotland's capital.
| Time | Arrival Transfer details |
|---|---|
| Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Edinburgh Airport There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 7am and 12 noon, from Edinburgh Airport to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh. |
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, depart on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City, with a local Edinburgh Step-on Guide. Visit the Holyrood Palace. Known as the official Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Adjacent to the palace is Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat — a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years. Travel with ease, along even the narrowest of Edinburgh's streets, on board your luxury mini-coach.
Take a visit to the Scottish Parliament. This modern building was opened in 2004 after decades of Scottish calls for self-determination. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Edinburgh Castle, dating from the 12th century that has been a fortress, royal palace and prison through its turbulent past. It houses the oldest crown jewels of Britain - The Honours of Scotland. Explore the castle's historic chambers, take time to soak in the panoramic views, and embrace the personalised attention and access that comes with a small group tour.
Enjoy the afternoon free as you explore The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh.
Overnight in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City.
Depart for the historic and scenic hamlet of Fort Augustus in the Scottish Highlands.
Visit Glenturret Distillery. Embark on a journey through the time-honoured techniques involved in crafting The Glenturret Single Malt Whisky. The tour unfolds the distillery's history and concludes with a taste of its core whisky range.
Our route today will now take us via the picturesque town of Pitlochry, nestled amongst the stunning forested hills of Highland Perthshire.
Enjoy Lunch at Tullibardine Restaurant - Blair Castle. Located at Blair Castle's Banvie Hall, the restaurant provides a tranquil spot for a leisurely lunch. You can enjoy your meal while taking in the serene views of our private gardens from the comfort of the terrace seating. This intimate dining experience is ideal for a mini-group tour, offering a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere to enjoy the culinary delights along with picturesque surroundings.
Visit Blair Castle and Gardens. For more than seven centuries, the Atholl family has called Blair Castle their home. With a history as varied as it is long, the castle has been witness to both tumultuous and peaceful times and has undergone numerous expansions and adaptations over the course of its 750-year history.
Travel on via the Pass of Drumochter which translates from Scottish Gaelic as "High Ridge" on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in the United Kingdom which covers an area of 1,748 sq miles.
Continue on along the shores of Loch Laggan and Spean Bridge, best known for its iconic Commando Memorial to Fort Augustus on the shores of Scotland's most famous loch - Loch Ness
Tonight you will overnight and dine at The Lovat, Loch Ness. Built on the site of a barracks from 1718, the Lovat is a quaint family-run hotel overlooking the famous Loch Ness.
Please note, The Lovat has a number of areas and rooms that are classed as being "pet-friendly". If you, or anyone in your travelling party, has an allergy that might be affected by pets, please let us know and we'll do our best to allocate your accommodation accordingly.
After breakfast, you will journey west to the beautiful and rugged Isle of Skye. Your route will take you via spectacular Highland scenery.
Visit Eilean Donan Castle. The first recorded inhabitants of the castle date back to the 6th century, and since then there have been four different versions. Having lay in ruins for 200 years, after the 1719 Jacobite uprising, Eilean Donan Castle was refurbished in 1932 and has grown to become one of Scotland's most loved attractions.
Please be advised, access into Eilean Donan Castle can be extremely difficult, even for the most able-bodied of visitors. As it is classified as a "Scheduled Monument" by the Scottish Government, any changes to the castles infrastructure is prohibited — including the addition of elevators and handrails. Access into the castle for those using wheelchairs or walkers is impossible due to these restrictions. The visitor centre however is easily accessible to all. You can visit their website for further information on access to Eilean Donan Castle.
Continue on via Kyle of Lochalsh over the Skye Bridge to the village of Kyleakin. You are now on the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands. The Island is dominated by the Cuillin Mountains, which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in all of Scotland.
Travel on via the villages of Broadford & Sconser to Sligachan, a quaint village nestled on the Isle of Skye. From Sligachan, you will have a stunning vantage point of the Black Cuillin mountains.
Continue on to Armadale.
Take a 30-minute sail on the CalMac Ferries - Armadale to Mallaig along the scenic waters of Lough Hourn.
On arrival in Mallaig travel on via Glenfinnan where you will have an opportunity to see the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest Mountain in the United Kingdom at 1,345 meters above sea-level.
Please be advised that the ferry crossing from Armadale to Mallaig is weather dependant. CalMac Ferries will make the final decision for each crossing, and these decisions are out of our control. If sailing is not possible, we will have to make our way back to Fort Augustus by road. In this case, it means that we will take the opportunity to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct tomorrow, on our way to Glasgow.
Return to Fort Augustus.
Overnight and dine at The Lovat, Loch Ness. This evening, you will once again have an exquisite Scottish culinary experience at The Lovat Hotel.
Please note, The Lovat has a number of areas and rooms that are classed as being "pet-friendly". If you, or anyone in your travelling party, has an allergy that might be affected by pets, please let us know and we'll do our best to allocate your accommodation accordingly.
Our route today back to Glasgow City will take us down the spectacular Glen Mor or Great Glen. This glen runs for 62 miles and its strategic importance in controlling the Highland Scottish clans, during the time of the Jacobite risings of the 18th century is visible today by the presence of the towns of Fort William in the south and Fort Augustus in the middle of the glen.
Visit Glencoe Visitor Centre. Explore Glencoe's historical, cultural, and social legacy through informative displays, showcases and historical relics.
Travelling on via Tyndrum to Loch Lomond in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Witness the stunning beauty of Loch Lomond. Take in the Bonnie Banks of Scotland's largest lake, on board a leisurely cruise.
Please note, the Loch Lomond Cruise can be affected by the weather. In cases where sailing is not possible due to weather conditions, the decision to cancel the ferry tour will be made by the Loch Lomond Cruise staff on the day.
Travel on to Glasgow City.
Tonight you will overnight at Clayton Hotel Glasgow City. This four-star hotel, located alongside the River Clyde in Glasgow City, is the ideal base for anyone looking to explore the Scottish city and beyond.
Welcome your local Glasgow guide on board as they join you on a journey through Glasgow City. Discover Glasgow's key landmarks as well as its hidden gem. Take in the unique architecture, ranging from Medieval to post-modern, and uncover the history of this once troubled city; from its 18th century heyday as a commercial and trading hub to its economic decline of the late 20th century. The real essence of Glasgow is found in its people, affectionately known as 'Glaswegians', they are renowned for their unique 'patter'; a slang and accent combined that is almost impenetrable to the outside world. Your guide can give you a general breakdown of the patter, this will come in handy should you converse with a Glaswegian that you may otherwise struggle to understand.
Visit Glasgow Cathedral. A truly rare example of an almost complete 13th century church.
Continue to Cairnryan Ferry Port located in Dumfries and Galloway.
Check-in at Ferry Terminal 1 hour prior to sailing time.
15:30 Wave goodbye to Scotland as you journey by Ferry to Belfast Port across the North Channel to Belfast Port.
17:45 Arrive in Belfast Port. Welcome to Northern Ireland!
Overnight at the Europa Hotel Belfast. Known for hosting many of Belfast's prestigious events, as well as being home to many of the city's visiting celebrities and VIPs.
Welcome your local guide on board, as they join you on a journey through Northern Ireland's capital; Belfast City, the only city in Ireland to fully experience the Industrial Revolution. Linen, rope making, tobacco and most famously shipbuilding including the building of the Titanic Belfast on the Harland & Wolff shipyard, were the main industries. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past fifteen years of peace have returned much prosperity, while the genuine friendliness of the city never left. Being a part of a mini-group tour gives you the perfect opportunity to ask your local guide anything you've ever wanted to know about Belfast City.
Visit Giant's Causeway. This prehistoric geological phenomenon is the subject of many myths and legends. There are an estimated 37,000 basalt columns extending from cliffs down into the sea.
Tonight you will overnight at Europa Hotel Belfast.
This morning, after breakfast, visit Titanic Belfast. The world’s largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction, located on the very slipways where she was built in the heart of Belfast.
Depart for Donegal via the historic fortified walled city of Derry/Londonderry City. The city fortifications are amongst the best preserved in Europe and were completed in 1618 to defend the city from Gaelic chieftains in Donegal.
Join up with your local Derry/Londonderry City guide as they walk you through the historic city of Derry. Also known as Londonderry, which remains its legal name, Derry/Londonderry City is Northern Ireland's second-largest city (after Belfast), and is famed for being the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland. Built, between 1613 and 1619, as a means of protecting the city against invasion from the English and Scottish, the walls form a walkway through the inner city. Ranging in height from 12 to 35 feet, you can walk across them and view the city from above as your guide lays out the turbulent history of this once troubled region of Northern Ireland.
Cross the border into the Republic of Ireland and you are now in Donegal, a spectacularly rugged county in the very North-West of Ireland which has very much its own distinct cultural identity and the locals are fond of the expression - "Up here it's different".
Tonight you will overnight and dine in Lough Eske Castle. After dinner, you might like to retire to the Gallery Bar for a nightcap before bed.
This morning, after breakfast, you will journey south to Galway City, known as the “City of the Tribes”. Your route will take you through Sligo with its distinctive high plateau mountain of Ben Bulben, which featured so prominently in the poetry of W.B. Yeats, one of the foremost figures in 20th-century literature.
Your route today will take you past the majestic Ben Bulben, a flat-topped mountain in County Sligo. Ben Bulben is a protected site and is classed as a County Geological Site.
Visit Drumcliffe. Located in County Sligo, this is the picturesque final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Here you can read the epitaph on the grave of one of Ireland's greatest poets.
Travel on via Mayo, famous for its important pilgrimage sites including Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick Mountain, where since ancient times pilgrims have climbed its rocky slopes to the summit in honour of St. Patrick, who it is said fasted and prayed for 40 days on this windswept peak.
Continue on along the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and is considered by many as the best fishing lake in Europe, to Galway City, a vibrant bustling harbour town with medieval origins and with a long tradition of Irish language, music, song, and dance.
Spend some free time in Galway City, known as the "City of the Tribes", it is located right on the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Here you can take a ramble to Salthill Promenade, a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point, or down Quay Street with its many great pubs including "The Quays" and "Ti Neachtain" — a townhouse which belonged to "Humanity Dick", an 18th-century MP who promoted laws against cruelty to animals.
Tonight you will overnight at Park House Hotel. This grand Victorian-style hotel is located in the heart of Galway City, a two-minute walk from Eyre Square.
Tour the wilds of Connemara, a vast expanse of mountains, bogs, heathlands, and lakes dotted with small fishing villages west of Galway City.
Your journey today will take you via the villages of Oughterard, Maam Cross, and Recess before travelling up the spectacular Inagh Valley, with the 12 Bens of Connemara on your left and the Maumturks Mountains on your right as you travel to the village Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
Visit Kylemore Abbey. An historic building nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain, on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul — in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings.
Travel on via Letterfrack to Connemara National Park, where you will have the opportunity for spectacular views of Connemara's hills, bays and inlets.
Return east to Galway City.
Tonight, you will overnight in Park House Hotel.
Depart for Dublin City across the centre of Ireland through the counties of Westmeath, Offaly, Meath and Kildare.
Visit Clonmacnoise. A medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon, founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century. Clonmacnoise lay at a crossroads of medieval Ireland, linking all parts of the island. Sacked time and again by the Vikings, it nevertheless flourished for over 600 years.
Continue on to Dublin City.
Enjoy some free time in Ireland's capital city, also known as "Fair City". Dublin City is a treasure trove of historic buildings and famous landmarks, including the Ha'Penny Bridge, the General Post office and the modern addition to O'Connell Street; The Spire of Dublin.
Tonight, you will overnight in Brooks Hotel. Located on the main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street and within walking distance of the capital city's endless attractions, pubs and restaurants.
Welcome your local guide on board as they join you on a journey through Ireland's capital; Dublin City. Dublin is Ireland's economic and political hub, and took centre stage in Ireland's 1916 Rising against British rule, and subsequent independence. The city's history can be explained in detail, each step of the way, by your guide. Each question asked will lead you further and further into the depths of this ancient city. Experience the famous Dublin wit first-hand, along with the city's slang and somewhat impenetrable accents. Experience all that Ireland's 'Fair City' has to offer as your guide introduces you to its world-renowned landmarks and lesser-known hidden gems.
Visit Dublin Castle. For 700 years, the bastion of British rule in Ireland. Dublin Castle is a Victorian architectural masterpiece, and was handed over to the newly formed Irish government in 1922. Today, the castle and its grounds are used as a government complex and conference centre.
Visit EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands.
Journey on to the Guinness Storehouse. With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City.
Tonight you will overnight at the Brooks Hotel.
Today marks the end of the Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour.
After breakfast this morning there will be 3 group airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to bring you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. The confirmed transfer times will be advised 10 days prior to the tour start date.
| Time | Departure Transfer details |
|---|---|
| Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Brooks Hotel There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 5am and 11am, from Brooks Hotel to Dublin Airport. |