Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM for The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you’ll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 8 – 24 departures will visit the Scotch Whisky Experience but will dine independently.)
See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 8 – 24 departures attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.)
Travel through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to your hotel for dinner.
Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and enjoy lunch in Sligachan, overlooking the Cuillin Hills. See the Sligachan Old Bridge and hear the legend of the enchanted waters below. On the mainland, travel through the majestic Highlands stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane for dinner.
Tour Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock above the town, and explore the richness of this 16th-century palace that was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you’ll dine at your hotel this evening.
Dive into the history of the doomed ocean liner at Titanic Belfast, located steps from the dockyards where the ship was built. Then enjoy some free time to stroll this fascinating, historic city and lunch independently. This evening, you’ll visit the cozy Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment in a CIE Tours exclusive.
Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. In Derry, join a local guide for a walking tour to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to dinner at your hotel in Letterkenny.
Stroll through Glenveagh National Park, the largest in Ireland, featuring a stunning Victorian castle and native oak woods. Take in breathtaking views of the Derryveagh Mountains and pristine lakes. Continue to Donegal town for a visit to CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design and free time to explore. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner at the castle’s fine restaurant.
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience, Ireland’s first coal mining museum, to discover the 400-year legacy of the mines from former miners sharing firsthand knowledge of the challenging conditions they faced. Next, visit Carrick-on-Shannon, a vibrant, historic riverside town with a picturesque marina, where you’ll enjoy some free time. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner.
In Galway, a local guide will take you on a walking tour through the narrow streets to see the medieval city walls and Lynch’s Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. This evening, enjoy a medieval-style banquet at a castle.
Your tour ends in Shannon.
