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Hosted By: Eric Greiling
Chief Development Officer
PBS Wisconsin
View Biography
Discover the gorgeous scenery, interesting folklore, and friendly people of Scotland & Northern Ireland. We begin our adventure with a tour of Glasgow, Scotland’s most vibrant city, before traveling to Edinburgh with time in medieval Old Town, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a visit to Inverary Castle and a picturesque Loch Lomond cruise, then take an impressive Superferry ride to Northern Ireland, where we begin exploring Belfast’s top sights, including the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum. Soak up in breathtaking coastal views during our journey to the geological wonder of Giant’s Causeway and uncover rich history in the walled city of Derry. We also stroll through the castle gardens in Glenveagh National Park, learn how whiskey is made, and observe the skilled craftsmanship at Belleek Pottery. Our tour concludes with an immersive experience at Taylors Three Rock Dinner and Show, featuring incredible cuisine, music, and Irish dancing.
You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!
May 7th, 2024 - May 17th, 2024
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$5799
Single
$6899
Final Payment Date: 02/02/2024
Day 1 : Scotland Bound
We begin with an overnight flight across the pond to Scotland.
Day 2 : Glasgow
This morning we arrive in Glasgow and enjoy a city tour of Scotland’s largest and most colorful city. Later, we settle into our accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know our fellow traveling companions over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 : Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia
We depart for Edinburgh and enjoy a guided tour featuring the history of Georgian New Town, medieval Old Town, and The Royal Yacht Britannia. Serving as the Royal Family’s vacation home for more than 40 years, the Britannia has sailed over one million miles around the world! Later, we discover iconic Edinburgh Castle with a guided tour. Towering above the city on a hillside, this historic fortress was one of the most important military strongholds in all of Scottish history.
Day 4 : Inveraray Castle & Loch Lomond
Today we leave the bustle of Glasgow for the scenic splendor of Inveraray. Our sightseeing begins with Inveraray Castle, seat of the Campbell Clan. This sprawling fortress overlooks beautiful Loch Fyne and is nestled among majestic gardens. After lunch at The George Hotel, we cruise the country’s most picturesque waterway, Loch Lomond, and enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Highlands.
Day 5 : Ferry to Belfast
We bid goodbye to Scotland this morning and board the impressive Cairnryan Superferry for a pleasant trip to Northern Ireland. Take in scenic views of the North Sea as we cross the Irish Sea to Belfast. Upon arrival, we check in to our centrally located hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city and uncover its many treasures.
Day 6 : Titanic Belfast
Northern Ireland’s largest city comes alive on a guided tour today. Belfast is a city rich with history, culture, and lively Irish craic. We see the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Queens University, and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. In the afternoon we explore Titanic Belfast, a museum commemorating the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship. Built to resemble the doomed vessel, it extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at one of Belfast’s oldest and largest pubs, Robinsons Bar & Bistro.
Day 7 : Giant’s Causeway
We receive our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning and discover the beauty of Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique geological wonder offers unrivaled landscapes and surreal views. This afternoon, we arrive in the walled city of Derry. Learn about the area’s rich history during a walking tour of the city walls, including views of its iconic Guildhall. We overnight in Letterkenny, also known as “the Cathedral Town,” a bonny metro in the northern region of Ireland that started as a market town in the 17th century.
Day 8 : Glenveagh National Park & Donegal
Our morning begins with a drive to Glenveagh National Park, perfectly located among the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. Enjoy exploring one of Ireland’s most beautiful vistas as you stroll through the castle gardens along Lough Veagh, a serene lake, and watch various birds soar up above. Next, we stop at the Crolly Distillery in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland where Gaelic is spoken. Here, we learn how whiskey is made and have an opportunity to taste “the water of life!” Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us back to our accommodations in Donegal for a wonderful dinner.
Day 9 : Belleek Pottery
Today we observe skilled craftsmanship at work 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 Dinner and Show, complete with delicious food, great music, and award-winning dancing.
Day 10 : Dublin
Discover Dublin’s best attractions this morning on a guided tour. View Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, Ha’penny Bridge, and visit the National Museum of Ireland. This afternoon, we’re free to explore Dublin on our own before gathering this evening at a wonderful Farewell Meal to celebrate our adventures.
Day 11 : Fly Home
PBS Wisconsin Pickup Locations:
Appleton, WI - DoubleTree By Hilton Appleton
Baldwin, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-02
Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport
Eau Claire, WI - Holiday Vacations
Fond Du Lac, WI - Radisson Hotel And Conference Center Fond Du Lac
Germantown, WI - Country Inn & Suites
Green Bay, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Green Bay East
Hudson, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05
Janesville, WI - Festival Foods
Kenosha, WI - McDonald's
Madison, WI - Baymont By Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
Marshfield, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 71-01
Milwaukee, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 40-20 Northeast
Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport
Oconomowoc, WI - Metro Market
Onalaska, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Oshkosh, WI - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Osseo, WI - McDonald's
Portage, WI - Petro Travel Store
Racine, WI - Racine Travel Store
Rockford, IL - Holiday Inn Rockford
South Beloit, IL - Flying J Travel Center
Sparta, WI - Super 8
Stevens Point, WI - Target
Tomah, WI - McDonald's
Wausau, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Eric is the Chief Development Officer at PBS Wisconsin and also serves as Executive Director of Friends of PBS Wisconsin, the non-profit organization that supports PBS Wisconsin. Eric is part of the leadership team and oversees all of the station’s fundraising activities , including major events such as Garden & Landscape Expo and The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show.
Eric previously worked with the University of Wisconsin Foundation as Senior Director of Development for the School of Education and as the general manager at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Eric has hosted many trips with Holiday Vacations, including trips to Austria, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Iceland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. His favorite personal travel is trekking in the Alps.
At home, you would likely find Eric building something, fixing something, cooking, gardening, or watching public television.
Join Eric and PBS Wisconsin viewers on this exciting vacation.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.