Scotland and Ireland (southern route)
with a "Bon Vivant" travel spirit
July 2 - 12, 2012 $2539 + air
The Bon Vivant Tour Experience: The French use this term to
describe one who enjoys the finer things in life, especially fine food and drink. This tour embraces that philosophy, offering opportunities to experience fine wine, great ales, stellar stouts, and fortified spirits. The wine glass symbol denotes tasting and fine dining experiences throughout the tour. These are included in the cost of your tour.
Beginning in Scotland, you will spend ten 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. Then, make a trip around the southern part of the Ireland visiting ancient monastic settlements, "forty shades of green" mountains and valleys, several charming seaport towns, and for sure, a pub or two!
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.
Sunday, July 1, 2012: Fly overnight to Glasgow, Scotland — International flights to and from Europe are not included in the tour cost, however, we can help arrange your flights to correspond with other group members. Please schedule your flight to arrive in Glasgow before 9:00 a.m.
Monday, July 2, 2012: Arrival at Glasgow International Airport — After clearing airport security, join your Exploring Europe tour leader for introductions. Our first stop is Glasgow’s Cathedral and Necropolis complex for an excellent overview of Scottish
history, culture, art, and architecture. Enjoy a scenic ride through the Trossach National Park en-route to the coastal town of Oban. Later, tour the Oban Whisky Distillery and enjoy a wee tasting. We will meet tonight for dinner, featuring local delicacies from the sea. Sleep 1 night in Oban.
Tuesday, July 3 : The Highlands — After breakfast, travel through the rugged Scottish Highlands, making sightseeing stops at Glencoe, Fort William, and Loch Ness. Later, arrive at your hotel and enjoy a quiet and peaceful evening. Sleep 1 night in Inverness/Speyside.
Wednesday, July 4: St. Andrews and Edinburgh — Following breakfast, travel south through scenic lochs and bens, arriving at St. Andrews by noon. Here, you will have an opportunity to see the famous "Old Course," explore the town, and enjoy lunch on your own. Later, travel onward to Edinburgh. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a stroll on the Royal Mile, followed by dinner and wine tasting at Divino, an authentic Italian wine cellar tucked beneath the streets of Edinburgh.
Sleep 2 nights in Edinburgh.
Thursday, July 5: Edinburgh — 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 do a little exploring on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own and an event-free evening to take in the sights.
Friday, July 6: Edinburgh to Dublin — We will get an early start to the Edinburgh
Airport for our short flight across the Irish Sea. Once 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, enjoy a gourmet dining experience (including wine) at La Mer Zou, David’s favorite French restaurant outside of France.
Sleep in Dublin for 2 nights.
Saturday, July 7: Dublin — 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, created by Celtic monks around 800 A.D. You will have the remainder of the day to explore more of Dublin by yourself. Lunch and dinner are on your own today. Tonight, you’ll want to save time for some traditional Irish music at one of the many pubs in town.
Sunday, July 8: Glendalough and Kilkenny — After breakfast, we will begin our journey around the island. The first stop, the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, located in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakes and through the woods while learning about the monastery and its role in history. Later, travel directly to Kilkenny, where you will have a free afternoon to explore the town, castle, cathedral and shops.
Finally, enjoy a taste bud tingling Italian dinner (including wine) at David’s favorite Italian restaurant this side of Tuscany.
Sleep 1 night in Kilkenny.
Monday, July 9: Blarney and Dingle — Today, we will travel to the little village of
Blarney. The castle, known for its famous “Blarney Stone,” is one of the most popular
tourist destinations in Ireland.
After an opportunity to “kiss the Blarney Stone,” visit The Blarney Woolen Mills. This huge shopping complex is your one-stop spot for authentic Irish arts, crafts, textiles, and clothing.
After lunch, travel to Dingle, David’s favorite Irish fishing village. You'll have two days here to experience the wild and scenic countryside that we Americans have come to know as Ireland. Enjoy dinner at a classy restaurant featuring locally sourced products and warm Irish hospitality. Sleep 2 nights in Dingle.
Tuesday, July 10: The Dingle Peninsula — Experience some of Ireland's wildest natural beauty and oldest pre-historic settlements on our driving tour of the Slea Head. Enjoy
endless fields of "40 shades of green," rock-crashing waves, and all the sheep you'll ever want to count. Visiting the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre, you will get a close look at a traditional Gaelic community. Tonight, back in Dingle, enjoy dinner on your own. We'll meet about 8:00 p.m. at O'Flaherty's, a traditional pub, for live folk music. The "trad" session begins sometime around 9:30 or whenever the musicians get ready. It’s all over by 11:00 p.m. when you finish your pint and head home.
Wednesday, July 11: The Cliffs of Moher and County Clare — After a breathtaking drive through the coastal mountains, we will follow the River Shannon north to County Clare. Enjoy a stop at the Cliffs of Moher where you’ll find yourself teetering on the edge of a 600 foot windy cliff perched on the North Atlantic. Farther up the road, visit the rocky moonscape-like region known as the Burren. Afterwards, arrive in the seaside village of Doolin. McDermott's, the local pub, will set us up with a hearty dinner and a pint of your choice to wash it all down. Then, pull up a seat for some traditional local music to cap off your tour experience. Sleep 1 night in Doolin.
Thursday, July 12: Heading home — Fly from Shannon, Ireland to your USA hometown. Be sure to arrange your flight to depart Shannon after 12:00 noon.
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.
--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
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All breakfasts and seven 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.
- Included opportunities to experience local Spirits, Ales, and Stouts along with fine imported wines.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
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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.
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-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 walk ▪ Oban orientation walk ▪ Oban Distillery Tour and Tasting ▪ Sightseeing stops in the Highlands ▪ 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 ▪ Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains historical tour ▪ Kilkenny orientation walk ▪ Blarney Castle admission ▪ Dingle orientation walk ▪ Dingle Pub music experience ▪ Blasket Island Heritage Centre entrance▪ Slea Head Drive bus tour ▪ River Shannon ferry crossing ▪ the Cliff of Moher ▪ 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.
