Two Cultures
Loch Lomond Cruise & the Highlands
Bunratty Folk Park
Local Drinks & Cuisine
Ring of Kerry
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle
Walk in the footsteps of royalty and soldiers as you visit this historic fortress that was previously an important military stronghold, royal residence, military garrison, and prison. The castle stands proudly on Castle Rock and is home to Mons Meg, one of the greatest medieval cannons ever made. View the Half Moon Battery, built in the aftermath of the Lang Siege of 1573 and armed with bronze guns known as the Seven Sisters. In the Crown Room, admire the ancient Honours of Scotland including the crown, scepter, and Sword of State.
Kylemore Abbey
Discover the beauty, history, and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside. Home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I, learn about Kylemore’s rich history including a love story that started it all, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, and a girl’s boarding school. Visit the Abbey, Gothic Church, restored Head Gardener’s house, and Ireland’s largest walled garden. Be sure to also try the award-winning chocolate, handmade by the Benedictine nuns.
- Day 1: Fly to ScotlandOur journey begins with an overnight flight across the pond.
- Day 2: GlasgowUpon arriving in Glasgow, we meet our local guide for a tour of Scotland’s largest city. Marvel at incredible architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries that contrast beautifully with modern buildings as we learn about its history as the second city of the British Empire. Later, we settle into our accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht BritanniaAfter breakfast, we visit imposing Edinburgh Castle, which towers high above the city on Castle Rock. Watch storied history unfold before your eyes as we explore this fortress, once one of the most important military strongholds in the country. We then enjoy a city tour with our Blue Badge Guide, featuring Georgian New Town and medieval Old Town. Our day concludes with stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, which has sailed more than one million miles around the world and served as a vacation home to the royal family for over 40 years. Later, we return to our accommodations in Glasgow.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Inveraray Castle & Loch LomondThe scenic splendor of Inveraray awaits us today! Our sightseeing begins with Inveraray Castle, seat of the Clan Campbell since the 18th century. This sprawling fortress is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and overlooks beautiful Loch Fyne. After lunch at The George Hotel, we cruise the country’s most picturesque waterway, Loch Lomond, as panoramic views of the Southern Highlands and Scotland’s highest peaks unfold before our eyes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Ferry to Northern IrelandWe board the impressive Cairnryan Port Superferry this morning for a relaxing cruise to Northern Ireland. As we cross the Irish Sea, you may take in scenic views, grab a bite to eat, see a movie, and more. Arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city comes alive on a guided tour that includes the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Queens University, and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. After checking in to our hotel, the evening is at your leisure to enjoy local history, culture, and lively Irish craic.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Titanic BelfastToday, we visit Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum resembling the doomed vessel on the historic site where it was built. Browse several interactive galleries that detail the journey from the shipyard days to the ill-fated maiden voyage. The afternoon is yours to explore independently. Stroll through the vibrant streets, stop by Ulster Museum, relax in the Botanic Gardens, or shop St. George’s Market, one of Belfast's oldest attractions. Tonight, we gather for dinner at one of the city’s oldest and largest pubs, Robinsons Bar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Giant’s CausewayWe’re treated to our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning on our way to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway. Wander along this unique geological wonder, formed from thousands of interlocking basalt columns, and soak up the incredible landscapes around us. Later, we travel to the walled city of Derry and learn about its rich history during a walking tour of the city walls, including views of its iconic Guildhall. Our overnight is in Letterkenny, also known as “the Cathedral Town,” most recognized by its towering cathedral spire that dominates the skyline.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Glenveagh National Park & DonegalOur morning begins with a visit to Glenveagh National Park, nestled among the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. Enjoy some of Ireland’s most beautiful vistas as you stroll through the castle gardens along Lough Veagh, a serene lake, and watch various birds soar above. Next, we stop at Crolly Distillery in the Gaelic-speaking Gaeltacht region of Ireland to learn how whiskey is made and taste “the water of life.” Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us to our accommodations in Donegal for a wonderful dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Belleek Pottery & Irish NightToday, we observe skilled craftsmanship during our guided tour of Belleek Pottery. Watch as they demonstrate how to delicately sculpt and hand paint the world-renowned pottery, then take time to explore the visitor center. This evening, we check in to our hotel in the Dublin area before experiencing Irish Night at Taylors Three Rock, complete with delicious food, Irish drinks, traditional music, and award-winning dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: DublinOur last day is spent discovering the Emerald Isle’s vibrant capital, an idyllic blend of modern architecture and historic attractions. A local guide joins us for a tour that includes views of Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, and Ha’penny Bridge. This afternoon, use your provided tickets to visit the National Museum of Ireland and enjoy time to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere on your own. Tonight, cheers to the new friendships you’ve made during a wonderful Farewell Dinner and rest up for the second half of your grand adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11: ClonmacnoiseWe travel west this morning to Clonmacnoise, a ruined monastic site nestled along the banks of the River Shannon. Once a major center for religion and education, this ancient place attracted scholars from across Europe and is home to remains of nine churches, a round tower, and Celtic crosses. Afterwards, we experience authentic Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm, where sheep graze the fields as the fragrance of freshly baked goods and a peat fire fill the air. Our hosts invite us inside their charming, thatched cottage to enjoy homemade scones and a pot of Irish tea. Tonight, we settle into our accommodations for the next two evenings in Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Kylemore AbbeyOur day begins at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory in Pollacappul, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystal. We then enjoy a scenic drive through the dramatic canvas of Connemara, dense with gleaming rivers and lakes, stunning coastal views, and rugged rock formations. Arriving at Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I, there’s time to explore the historic castle, Victorian Walled Garden, neo-Gothic church, shop with handmade Irish goods, and more. This evening, we return to Galway for time at leisure to experience local culture and the city’s live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 13: Cliffs of MoherSoak up otherworldly beauty on our morning drive through the Burren in County Clare, famous for its archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and glacial-age limestone that has eroded over the years to form moonscape patterns. Next, we stop at the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches five miles along the coast and rises 700 feet above the sea. This geological wonder once served as a landmark for World War II pilots to know they reached European shores! Later, we explore the country’s heritage at Bunratty Folk Park, a recreated 19th-century village, before life in old Ireland comes alive during this evening’s merrymaking at a medieval castle banquet! Our overnight accommodations are in Limerick.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 14: KillarneyThis morning, we admire thatched cottages and beautiful stone buildings in the traditional Irish village of Adare. Our next stop is Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by gorgeous countryside and our home for the next two nights. After lunch at leisure, we enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through the unspoiled terrain of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park. Tonight, our cultural experience continues with authentic Irish cuisine, folk music, and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 15: Ring of KerryWe spend today relaxing on one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Ring of Kerry. Have your camera ready to capture the rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, emerald valleys, and dramatic seascapes as we make our way around the Iveragh Peninsula. Our scenic journey concludes back in Killarney with an evening at leisure to explore the city and its live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 16: Blarney CastleOur morning begins with a tour of Blarney Castle, where we have an opportunity to kiss the fabled stone and be rewarded with the gift of gab! There is also time to shop for treasured gifts among the array of Waterford crystal, Irish sweaters, and other locally made items at Blarney Woollen Mills Store. Later, we learn about the rise of a majestic fortress, the stunning Rock of Cashel, that was once an assembly place for kings and an important religious center. This evening, we check in to our accommodations in Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 17: KilkennyWe discover medieval history today at Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century to guard against crossings of the River Nore. Admire the opulent halls, browse Period Rooms, and see three of its original four towers. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish! You may enjoy strolling the medieval city’s narrow winding streets, visiting the National Design and Craft Center, or savoring lunch at a local pub. Later, we return to Dublin for a celebratory Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 18: Fly HomeWe fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of our grand adventure in Scotland and the Emerald Isle.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights at Maldron Hotel Glasgow
- 2 nights at Grand Central Hotel Belfast
- 1 night in Letterkenny
- 1 night at Mill Park Hotel in Donegal
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin
- 2 nights at Maldron Hotel Glasgow
- 1 night at The Savoy Hotel Limerick
- 2 nights at Muckross Park Hotel & Spa in Killarney
- 1 night at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny
- 1 night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Glasgow guided city tour
- Edinburgh guided city tour feat. The Royal Yacht Britannia & Edinburgh Castle
- Inveraray Castle
- Loch Lomond Cruise feat. the Southern Highlands
- Belfast guided city tour
- Cairnryan Port Superferry to Belfast
- Titanic Belfast
- Derry Walls walking tour
- Giant’s Causeway
- Crolly Distillery tour & tasting
- Glenveagh National Park feat. Lough Veagh
- Belleek Pottery tour
- Dublin guided city tour
- Time at leisure in Belfast & Dublin
- Clonmacnoise monastic ruins
- Rathbaun Farm feat. Irish tea & scones
- Connemara Crystal Factory
- Kylemore Abbey
- Bunratty Folk Park
- Burren in County Clare
- Cliffs of Moher
- Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park
- Village of Adare
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
- Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills Store
- Rock of Cashel
- Kilkenny Castle
26 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Glasgow
- Lunch at The George Hotel’s pub
- Dinner at Robinsons Bar
- Taylors Three Rock Irish Night dinner & show
- Daily deluxe breakfast
- Medieval castle banquet
- Irish Evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
- Farewell Dinner in Dublin
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport