12-DAY IRELAND & SCOTLAND

Today: We will sail on a majestic cruise south of Dublin Bay to the beautiful Dun Laoghaire Harbor and continue to Howth, with its world-renowned fish restaurants and fantastic walks. During your voyage, you will see

• The Convention Center
• Eastlink Bridge
• Dublin Port and Docklands
• Poolbeg Lighthouse
• Dalkey Island
• Clontarf
• The World Wildlife Reserve at Bull Island
• Baily and Kish Lighthouses
• Howth head
• Ireland Eye
• Lambay Island
• Howth Harbor

We will have free time in Howth for lunch before returning to Dublin’s city center, and later, we will visit the Guinness Storehouse.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Today: This morning, you will journey to Belfast. En route, we will visit Down Cathedral, where St. Patrick’s remains are buried. Upon arrival, enjoy a Black Cab Tour, a political history tour of Western Belfast’s Murals, which tells the story of their troubles. Next, take in sights at Falls Road, Shankill Road, Peaceline Wall, and Crumlin Road Gaol. Your tour will also cover sites such as Belfast City Hall, Queen’s University, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Laganside, Titanic Quarter, Stormont, Waterfront Hall, Europa Hotel, Albert Clock, McHugh’s Bar, and Crown Liquor Saloon.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Today: This morning, we start with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle and a visit to the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway. According to legend, Northern Ireland’s favorite giant, Finn McCool, created the Giants Causeway by building steppingstones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner. The new Visitor center explores the significant themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture, and social history. A handheld audio guide and guided tours of the site are also available.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.   

Today: Today, we travel by ferry to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. We begin with a panoramic city tour, exploring from the magnificent St Mungo Cathedral to the People’s Palace and Glasgow Green. Stop for a fantastic view of Glasgow University’s striking buildings at Kelvin Grove, followed by the Kelvin Grove Museum. Next, we will celebrate Mass at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, and the rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: This morning, we will travel to the Inverness area. En route, we will drive alongside Loch Lomond and enjoy a short cruise on Loch Ness.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Today: This morning, we will journey to Pitlochry. Upon arrival, we will visit Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Tour the 30 rooms with fascinating collections of historical artifacts, antique furniture, art, and decor. Afterward, enjoy a whisky tasting at Blair Athol Distillery (or similar). The rest of your afternoon is free to explore Pitlochry on your own.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Today: This morning, we travel to Edinburgh. En route, we will stop in St. Andrews. Enjoy a walking tour  with visits to St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The Castle ruins sit on a headland north of St Andrews, once the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. The remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church still show how impressive St Andrews Cathedral must have been in its prime. St Andrews Cathedral dominated the history of the medieval Church in Scotland, from its construction in the 12th century until the Protestant Reformation in 1560. As Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, the cathedral was the seat of the country’s leading bishops. It occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. Afterward, we will continue to Edinburgh.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Today: This morning, we will celebrate Mass at Saint Patrick’s Church. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. This afternoon, we will visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots, lived here between 1561 and 1567. Next, at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, we will explore the 14 historic State Apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The Queen’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Next, we will visit Edinburgh Castle, whose dominating position overlooks the capital city. This castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. After the tour, we will return to your hotel.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Today: This morning, we will visit Rosslyn Chapel, which took 40 years to complete. Its ornate stonework and symbolism have inspired and intrigued artists and visitors ever since. Afterward, we will drive to the Scottish Borders and visit Melrose Abbey, probably the most famous ruins in Scotland. It was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, and it was largely destroyed by Richard II’s English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are from the early 15th century and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. The abbey is also considered the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.

Evening: Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Today: This morning we will transfer to the airport to catch our return flight home.