Scotland & Ireland: Stories & Legends

Arrive in bustling Edinburgh and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Drive the Royal Mile, past St. Giles’ High Kirk, to Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth’s official residence in Scotland (subject to closure for official events). Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the magnificent Scottish Crown Jewels. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore this fascinating capital.

Drive to St. Andrews, where you walk the world-famous Old Course — following in the footsteps of legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Travel to Pitlochry for lunch at leisure and time to explore. Continue to Inverness, capital of Scotland's Highlands region.

Travel to the rugged North Sea coast of the Highlands. Explore the richly adorned Dunrobin Castle and witness falconry in its gardens. Visit the Glenmorangie whisky distillery, tasting the spirit and meeting with its makers. The next morning, travel to Culloden Moor, where the Jacobite army was defeated in 1746. Cruise the enigmatic waters of Loch Ness, stopping to explore the enchanting Urquhart Castle. View the cascading Falls of Foyers before reveling in Scottish music and dance at a local pub, a private and exclusive experience.

This morning, fly to the rapidly changing city of Belfast. Take a self-guided tour at the interactive Titanic Museum, which features artifact-laden galleries and an ocean exploration exhibit. See the city on an orientation tour to gain insight into the turbulent history of Northern Ireland. This evening, enjoy craic agus ceol — fun and song — with a pub crawl featuring live traditional Irish music and led by local musicians. The next day, visit the stunning Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of massive rock columns rising from the sea. Return to Belfast, driving through the spectacular scenery of the nine green Glens of Antrim and stopping for afternoon tea at Ballygally Castle.

Today, visit Armagh Cider Company for a tour, tasting and lunch. Afterward, drive to your elegant castle hotel in the Republic of Ireland.

Drive to charming Carrick-on-Shannon, and embark on a cruise of Ireland's longest river. Watch the beautiful outdoor scenery glide by, and enjoy traditional music aboard. Savor lunch ashore, then return to your castle to enjoy the facilities and estate.

Visit 18th-century Strokestown Park House for a private tour. While there, explore the Irish National Famine Museum for insight into this sad chapter of the nation’s history. Visit Ireland’s oldest distillery, Kilbeggan, for a tour and tasting before continuing to Dublin.

Explore Dublin this morning, visiting Trinity College to view the eighth-century Book of Kells, one of the most famous illustrated manuscripts in the world. Make an unforgettable connection in the Dublin suburbs as you learn about the traditional Irish sport of hurling at a local athletic club. Later, gather for a memorable farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport and board your flight.