Discovering Scotland & Ireland

Day 1 – Friday, September 26, 2025 – Home (overnight flight) to Edinburgh

Fly to Scotland, a land of bagpipes, haggis, whisky, and a mythical unicorn as the official symbol of power—not the Loch Ness Monster, but a chained unicorn, tied to ancient monarchs’ legends.

Day 2 – Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After checking into your hotel, join your fellow travelers and tour director for a traditional Scottish Gaelic toast and a delicious Scottish dinner. The evening is a perfect introduction to the city’s charm. 

Today’s Dinner is included.

Day 3 – Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Edinburgh

This morning, explore Edinburgh’s rich history with a local guide. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, and wander along the Royal Mile to soak in the atmosphere of the Old Town. Admire St. Giles Cathedral and learn the fascinating stories behind the city. See the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse and pay tribute to Scotland’s literary giants at The Writers’ Museum. The evening is free to explore, sample local treats like shortbread, and enjoy a bowl of Cullen skink. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 4 – Monday, September 29, 2025 – Edinburgh to Aberdeen (via St. Andrews and Dundee)

Set off toward Aberdeen, but not before stopping to admire the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For golf lovers, there’s time to visit the Old Course in St. Andrews, where the game’s traditions began. Along the way, marvel at the Meikleour Beech Hedge, the tallest and longest hedge in the world. As you arrive in Aberdeen, known as the “Silver City” for its granite architecture, check into your historic mansion for the night. 

Today’s Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 5 – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Aberdeen to Inverness (via Speyside)

Today, learn about Scotland’s famous whisky production process and visit the Knockando Wool Mill, where local wool has been spun for centuries. Keep an eye out for the Highland Coos (cattle) as you travel through picturesque Speyside. Arrive in Inverness, the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll stay in a charming hotel with a rich history dating back to the 1890s. Enjoy a delightful dinner with your travel companions. 

Today’s Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 6 – Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Inverness

Start your day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1746 battle between the Jacobites and the Redcoats, a pivotal moment in Scottish history. Then, cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, where you might catch a glimpse of Nessie. As you pass Urquhart Castle and the Caledonian Canal, take in stunning views of the Great Glen. Return to Inverness for the evening to relax and reflect on the day. 

Today’s Breakfast is included

Day 7 – Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Inverness to Oban (via Fort Augustus and Fort William)

On your way to Oban, enjoy views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Stop briefly at Fort Augustus, nestled on the Caledonian Canal, and then ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train, passing iconic landmarks like the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Arrive in Oban, known for its seafood and stunning bay views. Enjoy a dinner overlooking the beautiful landscape. 

Today’s Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 8 – Friday, October 3, 2025 – Oban

Explore Oban with a local guide, discovering the town’s fascinating history, from its 1794 distillery to its role in Scottish folklore. Enjoy stunning views and learn about the giant Fingal who supposedly tied his dog to the 400-million-year-old Dogstone. Spend the evening at your leisure, taking in the charming town and its breathtaking sunsets. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 9 – Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Oban to Isle of Mull and back

Take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you’ll find rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife. Explore the colorful town of Tobermory, founded as a fishing port in 1788, and enjoy the island’s beauty. Return to Oban for another delicious dinner with your travel group. 

Today’s Breakfast and dinner are included

Day 10 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 – Oban to Glasgow

Travel to Glasgow, a city steeped in history and known for its impressive architecture. Visit George Square and the Glasgow City Chambers, then learn about the heritage of Highland Bagpipes at the National Piping Centre. End your day at a grand castle hotel, where you’ll enjoy a memorable dinner reflecting the rich flavors of Scotland. 

Todays breakfast and dinner are included

Day 11 – Monday, October 6, 2025 – Glasgow to Edinburgh to Dublin

Fly to Dublin today to continue your journey in the Emerald Isle. Upon arrival in Dublin we will transfer to our city centre hotel. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax or begin exploring your surroundings at leisure. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for dinner and live entertainment. 

Today’s Breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 12 – Tuesday October 7, 2025 – Dublin

This morning we embark on a locally guided tour of Ireland’s capital and largest city - Dublin. See Trinity College, Georgian Dublin, Dublin Castle, O’Connell St, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon we visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about all things Guinness. This evening is free to explore the lively city. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 13 – Wednesday October 8, 2025 – Dublin to Waterford

Depart Dublin this morning and cross the Irish countryside. Our first stop of the day is the medieval city of Kilkenny. Take some time to explore the narrow streets and imposing castle. Next, we are off to Ireland's oldest city – Waterford. Learn about the city’s famed crystal during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, before embarking on an enlightening and entertaining walking tour of the Viking sector of Waterford. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 14 – Thursday October 9, 2025 – Waterford to Killarney

From Waterford we travel west into County Cork. First, we stop at the Old Middleton Distillery for an intriguing look into whiskey production. Next, we visit the port town of Cobh and its fascinating heritage centre. Cobh was the major port of embarkation for millions of Irish immigrants forced to flee their homeland to escape famine and poverty throughout the 18 and early 1900s. This afternoon we drive across the city of Cork on route to Blarney Castle where you will have the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Later this afternoon we arrive in the resort town of Killarney. Famed for its lakes, mountains and nightlife Killarney is a great place to experience live music in one of the many local pubs. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 15 – Friday October 10, 2025 – Killarney - Ring of Kerry

Today we enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the country – The Ring of Kerry. This route brings us between mountains and coastline and through many colourful villages. Stop in the picturesque village of Sneem for lunch. This afternoon we visit Killarney National Park and experience gentry life in the 1800s during a visit to historic Muckross House. Return to Killarney for a free evening. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 16 – Saturday October 11, 2025 – Killarney to Galway

Departing Killarney this morning we head north. We take a short ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary to find ourselves in County Claire. Crossing this wild, rocky, windswept landscape we make our way out to the coast and arrive at the impressive Cliffs of Moher. Take in the stunning views from a top the cliffs and visit the immersive interpretive centre. This afternoon we continue our travels across the Burren, a rocky barren landscape with scatterings of castle ruins. Soon we are riding along the shores of Galway Bay. Stop for a visit at a local farm to learn a little of modern and traditional life in rural Ireland. Finally, we arrive in Galway City our home for the next two nights. Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 17 - Sunday October 12, 2025 – Galway – Connemara Region 

Today we explore the fascinating and picturesque Connemara region while we travel across the stunning countryside to Kylemore Abbey. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality. Explore the 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden and discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through the 1,000-acre estate. Later we drive along the Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord and surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks. We conclude the day with a short stop in the picturesque village of Cong. Famed for its thatched roof cottages and the setting of the classic 1950’s movie The Quiet Man. Return to Galway City for a free evening. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 18 – Monday October 13, 2025 – Galway to Derry

This morning we continue our travels north entering County Sligo home to the legendary Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Pass by the poet's grave in the small churchyard at Drumcliff. Here you will also view the unique flat-topped Benbulbin Mountain. Further up the road a briefly stop is made at Creevykeel, an ancient full-court tomb dating back to 4000bc. Next, we stop in Donegal for lunch before crossing the border into Northern Ireland and arriving in the ancient walled city known as Derry to some, and Londonderry to others. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 19 – Tuesday October 14, 2025 – Derry

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a fascinating tour of Derry City including the Guildhall – Derry’s City Hall, The Walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, the Peace Bridge and the Bogside Murals. Later we visit Malin Head, Irelands most northern point, and an area steeped in history and folklore. Take in the rugged coastal landscape and attractive beaches of this remote and scenic spot before returning to Derry where a free afternoon will allow for further exploration. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 20 – Wednesday October 15, 2025 – Derry to Belfast

Leaving Derry behind we venture further into Northern Ireland and visit one of Ireland’s most famous attractions – The Giant’s Causeway. Legend says the unique rock formations are actually the ruins of a great causeway built by local giant Finn McCool so he could traverse the sea to Scotland. This afternoon our route leads south, crossing the breathtaking glens of Antrum before arriving in Belfast City. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 21 - Thursday October 16, 2025 – Belfast to Cabra Castle

This morning we are accompanied by a local guide for a tour of Belfast City. Our guide will take us on a journey from the city’s turbulent past to modern development. Hear of the struggles of history as we explore different neighborhoods. Later we visit the Titanic Quarter. Learn about the great ship's construction while touring the “Titanic Experience.” This afternoon we leave Belfast and Northern Ireland behind as we cross the border back into the Republic and make our way to Cabra Castle where we will toast the completion of a wonderful journey in the Emerald Isle in style as we dine at a real Irish Castle. 

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 22 – Friday October 17, 2025 – Cabra Castle – Dublin Airport – Home

Departing Cabra Castle this morning we travel to Dublin Airport for our return flight home via Calgary. Arrive home late this afternoon with new lifelong memories of the Emerald Isle. Upon arrival a transfer will be waiting to take you back home. 

Today’s breakfast and an in-flight meal are included