SCOTLAND & IRELAND
July 3 -13, 2011 $2579 + air
Beginning in Scotland, you will spend eleven 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!
Saturday, July 2, 2011— 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.
Sunday, July 3, 2011: Arrival at Glasgow International Airport — After airport security and customs meet your Exploring Europe tour leader and Scottish Driver/Guide. Our first stop is Glasgow’s main city center which is known for excellent shopping, its cathedral and outstanding art and architecture. Later, enjoy a scenic ride along Loch Lomond en-route to the coastal town of Oban where you will have the afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a group dinner at our hotel. Sleep 1 night at either the Royal Hotel or Columba Hotel in Oban.
Monday, July 4 : The Highlands — After breakfast, we will travel north to the rugged Scottish Highlands along Loch Linnhe making sightseeing stops at Glencoe and Fort William. Passing the impressive Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain) we will travel the Highland’s route toward Newtonmore and Aviemore and finally onward to the little town of Nethybridge. Enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel. Sleep 1 night at the Nethybridge Hotel.
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Tuesday, July 5: Highlands to Edinburgh — Today we will turn south through Royal Deeside taking in Ballater, Crathie and Braemar. Later, visit Stirling, home of Bannockburn battlefield and the Wallace Clan. It’s just a short ride to Edinburgh where you will have dinner and a free evening.
Sleep in Edinburgh for 2 nights at the Bruntsfield Hotel.
Wednesday, July 6: 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, meet for dinner at our hotel.
Thursday, July 7: 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 as it is today. Tonight, meet at David’s favorite French restaurant for a gourmet dining experience.
Sleep in Dublin for 2 nights at the Temple Bar Hotel.
Friday, July 8: 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. Dinner is on your own tonight. Tonight, you’ll want to save time to experience traditional Irish music at one of the many pubs in our hotel neighborhood.
Saturday, July 9: Glendalough and Kilkenny — After breakfast we will meet our Irish driver and guide to begin or journey around the island. The first stop is 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. After lunch, travel directly to the university town of Kilkenny where you will have a free afternoon to explore the town, castle, cathedral and shops. Finally, enjoy a taste bud tingling dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant this side of Tuscany. Sleep 1 night in Kilkenny.
Sunday, July 10: 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 having an opportunity to “kiss the Blarney Stone,” we will visit The Blarney Woolen Mills. This huge shopping store is your one-stop spot for authentic Irish arts, crafts, textiles and clothing. After lunch, head to Dingle, my 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 tonight at a classy restaurant where we can share stories and favorite tour memories.
Sleep 2 nights in Dingle at Bambury’s Guesthouse.
Monday, July 11: The Dingle Peninsula — Experience some of Ireland's wildest natural beauty and oldest pre-historic settlements on our driving tour of the Slea Head Drive. 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, one of my favorite pubs for traditional music. The "trad" session begins sometime around 9:30 or whenever the musicians get ready. It's all over and done by 11:00.
Tuesday, July 12: 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 we will visit the rocky moonscape-like region known as the Burren. Later, arrive in the seaside village of Doolin. We will walk down to the local pub for an upscale “pub grub” supper and then dance and sing our lungs out to some of the best traditional music on the island.
Sleep 1 night in Doolin at the Ballyvara House.
Wednesday, July 13: Heading home —
After breakfast we will travel to Shannon international Airport for your flight back to the USA.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
- Accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath.
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All breakfasts and seven (7) 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.
- Group transportation from the airport in Glasgow to the departure airport in Shannon.
- 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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Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance.
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Credit card payments accepted.
-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 ▪ 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 Center ▪ Slea Head Drive bus tour ▪ River Shannon ferry crossing ▪ the Cliff of Mohar ▪ Doolin Pub experience ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance offered at affordable rates.
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Tour Alumni Discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us prior to this tour.
