2023 : The Scots Irish Tour
11 Days/10 Nights
Travel back in time with us
This fast-paced Scotland and Ireland tour focuses on their rich history, with plenty of castle tours and museums to help bring the past to life. It's the perfect trip for those interested in exploring Scottish and Irish heritage
Trip Highlights:
Hotels:
Call (209) 550-0516 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17093218
- Tour Operator
- CIE Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2023
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh - Scotch Whisky Experience : Your tour begins when you meet your guide at 3:00 PM in your hotel. Head out to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, followed by a storytelling dinner and whisky tasting. (D) |
| Day 2 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh Panoramic Tour - Edinburgh Castle - Independent Sightseeing : See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian 'New Town.' Walk along part of the Royal Mile andvisit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 7 - 23 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.)(B) |
| Day 3 | Inverness or Nairn | Blair Athol Distillery - Blair Castle - Highlands : Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Blair Athol Distillery, where you'll see how whisky is produced and sample a dram. In Pitlochry, spend some free time exploring and have lunch independently. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures).(B, D) |
| Day 4 | Isle of Skye | Loch Ness - Isle of Skye - Armadale Castle : Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle, returning by ferry. Take the 'Road to the Isles' through the coastal views, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Drive by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to your hotel in Dunblane.(B, D) |
| Day 5 | Belfast | Stirling Castle - Ferry to Belfast : Head to Stirling, where you'll tour Stirling Castle. Perched on volcanic rock above the town, this grand castle is one of Scotland's most important. Explore the richness of the 16th-century decor of the palace, once the childhood home to Mary Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you'll dine in your hotel this evening.(B, D) |
| Day 6 | Belfast | Titanic Belfast - Belfast Walking Tour - Crosskeys Inn : At Titanic Belfast, delve into the history of the famous liner. Walk with a local guide to see the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and Victorian buildings, including the Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon. Your afternoon is free to explore. In the evening, visit Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment in a CIE Tours Exclusive.(B, D) |
| Day 7 | Letterkenny | Nine Glens of Antrim - Giant's Causeway - Derry Walking Tour : Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. Head to Derry for a walking tour with a local guide to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny.(B, D) |
| Day 8 | Ballyfarnon | Glenveagh National Park - Donegal - Belleek Pottery - Kilronan Castle : Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Head to Donegal town, and visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design before enjoying free time to explore the town and have lunch independently. Head to Belleek Pottery to watch skilled craftspeople create delicate, highly decorative pieces. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant.(B, D) |
| Day 9 | Ballyfarnon | Arigna Mining - Carrick-on-Shannon : Visit the Arigna Mining Centre to experience what life was like for a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Then enjoy some free time in the historic town of Carrick-on-Shannon, situated on the River Shannon. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner.(B, D) |
| Day 10 | Galway | Galway Walking Tour - Cliffs of Moher - Medieval Castle Banquet : Head to Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the narrow streets, the medieval city walls, and Lynch's Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. In the evening, head out to a castle for a medieval-style banquet.(B, D) |
| Day 11 | Shannon | Tour Ends in Shannon : Your tour ends after breakfast.(B)B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club
- Columba Hotel
- Muthu Newton Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
- Europa Hotel
- Station House Hotel - Letterkenny
- Kilronan Castle
- Temple Gate Hotel
