Scotland and Ireland
June 30 - July 13, 2012 $3999 including air from New York
Beginning in Scotland, you will spend twelve exciting days exploring the Celtic connections of these two countries. You'll visit Glasgow for a look at modern-day Scotland and Edinburgh for the medieval and Georgian times. In between, experience the lush medows, mountains and lochs of the Highlands.
Then, take a short flight over to Ireland where we will dance right into Dublin and all its history. The rugged Antrim coast, County Donegal and Derry presents a taste of the wild and scenic "North." We will finish off the tour with the breathtaking beauty of Connemarra National Park and County Clare.
This itinerary is sure to offer the excitement found in the cosmopolitian cities of Dublin, Galway, Glasgow and Edinburgh and contrast that with small villages and scenic countrysides. Sprinkled along the way you'll find a hearty portion of traditional music, pre-historic sites, countless mountain vistas and seaside charm.
Saturday, June 30, 2012— Fly overnight from New york JFK to Glasgow, Scotland. International flights on Aer Lingus are included in this tour package.
Sunday, July 1, 2012: Arrival at Glasgow International Airport — After airport security and customs, meet your Exploring Europe tour leader and Scottish Driver/Guide. This being a quiet Sunday morning, our first stop will be Glasgow’s Necropolis and Cathedral. Enjoy the peace, serenity, and a chance to stretch your legs a bit after the long flight. Later, enjoy a scenic ride through Stirling, the Trossachs, and onward to the coastal town of Oban. Here you will have the afternoon to settle in and enjoy this little fishing village. Tonight, enjoy a welcoming group dinner together. Sleep 1 night in Oban.
Monday, July 2 : The Highlands — After breakfast, we will travel north to the rugged Scottish Highlands along Loch Linnhe, making sightseeing stops at Fort William and the Nevis Range Gondola (weather permitting). Passing the impressive Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain) we will travel the Highland’s route toward Inverness. Tonight enjoy dinner and a free evening to experience the town. Sleep 2 nights in Inverness.
Tuesday, July 3: Loch Ness to Inverness -- After a little free time this morning, we will board the bus and travel up the famous Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye. after some sightseing, return to Inverness. After a hearty pub dinner, enjoy an evening of local folk music.
Wednesday, July 4: St. Andrews and Edinburgh - Following breakfast, we will head south, arriving at St. Andrews before noon. Here you will have an opportunity to see the famous "Old Course," explore the town, and have lunch on your own. Later, we will travel onward to Edinburgh. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a stroll on the Royal Mile, followed by dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant. Sleep 2 nights in Edinburgh.
Thursday, July 5: Edinburgh — This morning, join a walking tour covering Edinburgh’s famous destinations, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. There are no group plans this afternoon, so you can enjoy the town on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own and an event-free evening.
Friday, July 6: Edinburgh to Dublin — We will get an early start as we transfer to the Edinburgh Airport for our short flight across the Irish Sea. In Dublin, join a walking tour as we trace its development from Viking times, to the British occupation, and into the vibrant city it is today. Tonight, meet at David’s favorite French restaurant for a gourmet dining experience. Sleep in Dublin for 2 nights.
Saturday, July 7: Dublin — After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Trinity College, led by a local university student. The tour will end with a look at the “illuminated” Book of Kells which was instrumental in pulling Europe out of the Dark Ages. You will have the remainder of the day to explore more of Dublin on your own. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Irish pub with live music.
Sunday, July 8: Antrim Coast-Northern Ireland -- Leaving Dublin, we will travel on Ireland's new motorway up to the Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland. Beginning with a visit to the fascinating Giant's Causeway, we will explore several unique sites along the North Atlantic. Enjoy a scenic dinner along the coast. Sleep 1 night in Portrush.
Monday, July 9: Derry and Donegal -- En-route back to the Republic, we'll stop in the fortified town of Derry. Enjoy a few hours to walk the walls and have a look around this once "troubled" city, torn by fighting between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Later, travel to wild and scenic County Donegal for the evening. Dinner included tonight.
Sleep 1 night in Donegal.
Tuesday, July 10: Connemara and Galway -- Today we'll drive through Connemara National Park, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and perfect little fishing villages. Arrive in Galway, a Georgian university town, and have the afternoon and evening to do some exploring on your own. Here you can pass the time shopping, wandering in the pedestrian area, listening to local musicians, and enjoying life. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Galway. Sleep 2 night in Galway.
Wednesday, July 11: Aran Islands Excursion— Enjoy a full-day excursion by boat to the wild and rugged Aran Islands. Return to Galway in the late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy an event-free evening and dinner on your own.
Thursday, July 12: County Clare -- Enjoy an unbelievable drive through the rocky coastal "moonscape-like" Burren exposure. Later, experience the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll find yourself teetering on the edge of a 600 foot windy cliff perched on the North Atlantic. Finally, we will cap off our tour at the lazy seaside village of Doolin, where we will dine at a pub and enjoy some of the best traditional music on the island. Sleep 1 night in Doolin.
Friday, July 13: Heading home — Fly from Shannon, Ireland to New York JFK.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
-Transportation by bus, van, plane, and ferry from your arrival at GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to SHANNON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for your departure.
-Round trip airfare on Aer Lingus from New York JFK.
--Twin room accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels and guesthouses with private bath.
- Limited single rooms are available for a supplement of $725.00
-
All breakfasts and nine of your dinners.
· Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it at all our dining experiences.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
-
Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
-
-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
· Tours and admissions to the following attractions, experiences, and sights: · Glasgow orientation ▪ Oban orientation ▪ Sightseeing stops in the Highlands ▪ St Andrews walking tour ▪ Edinburgh walking tour ▪ Edinburgh Castle entrance and tour ▪ Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin ▪ Dublin walking tour ▪ the Book of Kells exhibit ▪ Trinity College walking tour ▪ Giant’s Causeway admission and tour ▪ Antrim coastline tour ▪ Derry walking orientation ▪ Galway orientation ▪ Aran Islands tour ▪ Burren Exposure driving tour ▪ The Cliff of Mohar experience and admission ▪ Doolin pub experience ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
· Credit Card payments accepted.
