Itinerary – Scotland & Ireland Express
Scotland & Ireland Express
Delve into the rich history of Scotland and Ireland as you visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin. Explore the winding streets of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, hear the story of the Titanic’s construction in Belfast, and marvel at the incredible Book of Kells in Trinity College’s world-famous library.
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh – Arrival
Upon arrival to Edinburgh Airport, meet with your driver and English speaking guide and transfer to Edinburgh city center. Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh. Scotland’s Capital City is divided into two contrasting areas, the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. The tour explores the city in more depth, passing Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, St Andrew’s Square and Queen Street Gardens. Afterwards you will visit Edinburgh Castle and see the Scottish Crown Jewels. Overnight at your hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 2: Edinburgh – Loch Lomond & Stirling
In the morning visit Stirling Castle, built on a rocky outcrop and commanding a view for many miles around. Continue to Loch Lomond and have a photo stop at Luss. Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of fresh water Loch in the UK. The area is renowned for its beauty and tranquility and offers picture postcard views around every corner.
Day 3: Edinburgh – Glasgow
After breakfast at your hotel, depart Edinburgh for Glasgow. Upon arrival, visit Glasgow Cathedral, one of the few Scottish medieval churches to have survived the Reformation unscathed. Enjoy a city tour that will take you from George Square to the West End to admire Glasgow’s historic university buildings before returning to the city center for some free time and shopping.
Day 4: Glasgow – Belfast
After breakfast at your hotel, depart Scotland and board your ferry to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon arrival in Belfast, travel north to visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. Return to Belfast and check in to your hotel in Belfast.
Day 5: Belfast – Dublin
After breakfast at your hotel, Enjoy a guided tour of Belfast. Take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower and the Opera House. Pass by the City Hall, the Crown Bar, Queens University and the Botanic Gardens. Visit Titanic Belfast, which tells the story of the construction of this historic and ill-fated vessel. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began. Continue to Dublin. After checking in to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Dublin.
Day 6: Dublin – City Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a city tour of Dublin. Start with a panoramic tour and then visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a visit. After returning to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 7: Dublin – Kilkenny – Dublin
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a day trip to Kilkenny. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour. The town is dominated by 12th century Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans on their arrival in this part of Ireland. Visit Kilkenny Castle. The castle has been remodeled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Return to your hotel in Dublin for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Dublin – Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, you are transferred to the airport to board your return flight home.