Scotland & Northern Ireland

Day 1 : Scotland Bound

We begin with an overnight flight across the pond to Scotland.

Day 2 : Glasgow

This morning we enjoy a city tour featuring the highlights of Scotland’s largest and most colorful community. Later we get to know our fellow traveling companions for a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner. Our accommodations for the next three evenings are in Glasgow.

Day 3 : Inveraray Castle & Loch Lomond

Today we leave the bustle of Glasgow for the scenic splendor of Inveraray. We tour Inveraray Castle this morning. This seat of the Campbell Clan is a sprawling fortress that overlooks Loch Fyne and nestled among majestic gardens. After lunch at The George Hotel, we cruise the country’s most scenic waterway, Loch Lomond. Panoramic views of the Southern Highlands lay out before us as we glide along this impressive loch.

Day 4 : Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia

Experience Edinburgh on a guided tour featuring the history of Georgian New Town, medieval Old Town, and The Royal Yacht Britannia, the vacation home of Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for more than 40 years. The Britannia has sailed over 1,000,000 miles around the world! Later we discover iconic Edinburgh Castle. Towering above the city atop a hillside, we tour this historic fortress, one of the most important military strongholds in all of Scottish history.

Day 5 : Ferry to Belfast

We bid goodbye to Scotland today and board an impressive Superferry for a pleasant trip to Northern Ireland. The Cairnryan Superferry offers unmatched beauty 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 panoramic Belfast guided tour. 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, the museum extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world.

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 unmatched landscapes and surreal views. This afternoon, we arrive in the walled-city of Derry and tour its iconic Guild Hall, discovering history on a walking tour of its city walls. We overnight in Letterkenny, a bonny market town in the north of Ireland and rated the country’s “tidiest town” in 2015.

Day 8 : Glenveagh Castle & Donegal

We continue to Glenveagh National Park, the second-largest national park in Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful rugged mountains, deep glens, pristine lakes, and enchanted native oak woodland located the heart of the Derryveagh Mountain. The Glenveagh Castle Gardens are regarded as one of Ireland’s outstanding horticultural masterpieces and date back to the 1880s. We enjoy a scenic drive to Donegal and a dinner at our accommodations for the evening.

Day 9 : Belleek Pottery & Whiskey Distillery

Belleek Pottery is our first destination today. We begin in the visitor’s center and then enjoy a guided tour of the world-renowned pottery. Lunch will be in Enniskillen before visiting Kells, one of the most important Monastic sites in Ireland and home to the Market Celtic Cross which dates from the 9th century. Next, learn how Irish whiskey is made at the Slane Whiskey Distillery located in the old stables of Slane Castle on the banks of the Dunboyne River. After the tour, enjoy a taste of the “water of life” that has kept Irishmen warm and affable for centuries. Tonight's dinner and our accommodations for two nights are in the Dublin area.

Day 10 : Dublin

Discover Dublin this morning on a guided tour. View Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Factory, the Ha’penny Bridge, and visit the National Museum of Ireland. Our Holiday Vacations Farewell Lunch is at the Merchant's Arch. Between courses storytellers and musicians provide insights of Irish life in times past. Later there is time to stroll colorful Grafton Street.

Day 11 : Return Home

We fly home with wonderful memories of our adventure.