DAY 1
Arrival-Dublin. Meet and assist upon arrival and will be transferred from Dublin airport to the Hotel.
DAY 2
Dublin Sightseeing. Our sightseeing tour of Dublin this morning includes the elegant squares of Ireland's 'fair city' and a visit to the impressive Castle. We also see famous O'Connell Street, and the historic Customs House, one of the masterpieces of James Gandon, considered the greatest architect of the 18th century in Dublin. Later there is time for shopping or perhaps see an Irish Cabaret Show? (B)
DAY 3
Dublin - Waterford. Leaving Dublin, we enter the County of Kildare, home of the Irish Derby, and soon we are in medieval Kilkenny, known as the 'marble city' and dominated by the 13th century Castle. Now on to Waterford, where we see the 9th century Reginald's Tower before visiting the Waterford Crystal showroom.We take the coast road to the fishing village of Dungarvan, passing ruined castles and ancient abbeys - grim reminders of the turbulent past. Our overnight stay in Waterford is at Dooley's Hotel, a traditional style hotel located in the city centre. (B,D)
DAY 4
Waterford - Tralee. This morning we drive to the historic city of Cork and see St Finbar's Cathedral. A stop at 15th Century Blarney Castle gives us the chance to see the Blarney Stone. We then visit Blarney Mills with their beautiful display of Waterford Crystal. Now we drive through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains into County Kerry and to charming Tralee. Tonight we stay at the delightful Abbey Gate Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 5
Tralee - County Clare. Our highlight Ring of Kerry tour shows us superb seascapes, towering cliffs, charming villages and spectacular mountains. A sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life surrounds us, as we view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Here we take a memorable highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous Jaunting cars. Our journey now takes us past the picturesque village of Adare before arriving in Limerick where we see 12th Century St Mary's Cathedral and medieval King John's Castle. Then on to beautiful County Clare where tonight we stay at the Clare Inn, nestled amongst acres of wooded parkland. (B,D)
DAY 6
County Clare - Donegal. This morning we visit Galway where we see the Cathedral of St Nicholas, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Now we drive out into Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills before our journey takes us via Sligo to Donegal, where we visit a famous Irish Pottery, with a chance to choose a special piece of Ireland to take home, before driving to the Abbey Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 7
Donegal - Ballycastle. Our orientation tour this morning shows us the ruins of O'Donnells Castle and the Friary. We then pass the beautiful Blue Stack Mountains on our way to 'The North'. We now drive to Londonderry and see 'Derry's Walls', built around the city in 1614 . This afternoon we drive through the coastal towns of Portstewart and Portrush, to reach the world famous Giant's Causeway and hear the legends that surround this geological masterpiece of 37,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Tonight we stay in Ballycastle at the delightful Marine Hotel with stunning views of Ballycastle Bay and Rathlin Island. (B,D)
DAY 8
Ballycastle - Glasgow. After a spectacular drive along the Antrim coast road we arrive at the port of Larne for our ferry to Scotland. The Ayrshire coastal drive gives us magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde with the Island of Aran and Ailsa Craig. We pass the 'Open' Golf Links of Turnberry before arriving in Alloway, where we visit Robert Burns' birthplace and see Burns' Monument and the famous 'Brig O' Doon'. Tonight we stay at the Post House City Hotel in the cultural city of Glasgow. (B)
DAY 9
Glasgow - Highlands. Short drive from Glasgow takes us to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where we enjoy a guided cruise on this beautiful loch. Now we journey across Rannoch Moor, scene of R.L. Stevenson's 'Kidnapped', to infamous Glencoe's 'Valley of the Weeping' before reaching Fort William. We pass Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis and drive along the shores of Loch Ness with a chance to stop for some monster spotting! We continue through the Highland capital city Now a warm welcome from the Highlander Hotel. Tonight of Inverness before visiting Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's fortunes failed him. we are treated to a lively Ceilidh, traditional Scottish Dancing and singing with haggis and bagpipes! (B,HD)
DAY 10
Highlands - Braemar. A wonderful drive across the Cairngorm Mountains brings us through the wild mountain moors to Royal Deeside before passing near the Queen's Scottish home, Balmoral Castle and visit her church at Crathie. Tonight we stay at the 18th century Invercauld Arms Hotel in Braemar, home of the famous Highland games. (B,D)
DAY 11
Braemar - Edinburgh. We drive south past the ski area of Glenshee into the farmlands of Perthshire. We stop to visit the Caithness Glass Factory and cross the River Tay at the city of Dundee. We visit St Andrews, historic university town and the famous home of golf. Now we cross the Forth Road Bridge to enter Edinburgh, proud capital of Scotland. Our two night stay is at the elegant Carlton Highland Hotel. (B)
DAY 12
Edinburgh Sightseeing. On our guided tour, our first visit is Edinburgh Castle. The impressive silhouette of the castle and its rock, is probably the best known feature of Edinburgh and the fortifications afford splendid views across Princes Street to the 18th century New Town. We also see the Queen's Holyroodhouse Palace, St Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Later, there's time to explore the elegant shops. (Tonight selected deps. enjoy the Military Tattoo at the castle - a colourful floodlit mixture of historic battles and modern military manoeuvres). (B)
DAY 13
Departure-Edinburgh. Our tour ends this morning after breakfast with a transfer to Edinburgh airport. (B)