Thu, Aug 1: Overnight flight from Indianapolis to Glasgow, Scotland.
Fri, Aug 2: Arrive in Glasgow. Set out on a city tour and see the main attractions, including red sandstone Victorian buildings, delightful parks, Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde, once famous for shipbuilding. Visit one of Europe’s greatest art collections at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, originally opened in 1901. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Sat, Aug 3: Depart Glasgow and drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond with views of Ben Lomond and other Highland peaks. Take a cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views of the Highlands. Browse around the town of Inveraray before visiting Inveraray Castle, which was featured in the TV series Downton Abbey. This imposing Campbell family home with four conical spires was built between 1746 and 1789. A guided tour will reveal the history of the family and region as you view the magnificent Armory Hall and the castle’s many fine rooms with tapestries, porcelains, and portraits. Journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Continue to Ballachulish, located on Loch Leven, and check in to your hotel for one night. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Sun, Aug 4: Take the “Road to the Isles” through some of Scotland’s loveliest scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Travel to the Isle of Skye, known as the “Misty Isle” due to the hazy weather brought by the Atlantic breezes. See some of the island and stop for photos at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Then drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness as you watch for “Nessie,” the Loch Ness Monster. Continue to your hotel in Nairn, a manor house property set in spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B,D)
Mon, Aug 5: At the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, learn about the battle where British Government forces defeated the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, popularly named “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” See monuments commemorating troops as you walk around the moorland while the Visitor Centre explains how events led to the conflict and subsequent Scottish emigration to North America. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Leault Farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Drive south through the high peaks of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry, where you will check in for two nights. (B,D)
Tue, Aug 6: A short drive will bring you to Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to 1269, the castle has been transformed through the ages from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle in the baronial style. These influences can still be seen today across the 30 rooms on full display. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Visit Blair Athol Distillery to learn about the simple ingredients and many steps involved in whisky making. Tour the facilities and sample a “wee dram” at the end of the tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the gardens, hotel museum and other facilities or browse around the town of Pitlochry, within easy walking distance. (B,D)
Wed, Aug 7: Travel through lush countryside to visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This is a majestic building filled with contrasting priceless artifacts and homey furnishings. Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St Andrews, the “home of golf” and Scotland’s first university. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course on a panoramic tour and enjoy free time to browse in golf specialty stores or through the medieval town. Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and enjoy a Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes, kilts and Highland dancing. (B,D)
Thu, Aug 8: This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. This evening, take your reserved seat for the unforgettable Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Fri, Aug 9: Fly to Dublin, Ireland. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the day at your leisure. (B)
Sat, Aug 10: Join a local guide for a panoramic tour to see elegant Georgian townhouses, pass St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College, and cross the River Liffey to drive along O’Connell Street. Tour Dublin Castle, the seat of power and government for many centuries and visit the renowned State Apartments. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a dinner with the group. (B,D)
Sun, Aug 11: Visit Down Cathedral where St. Patrick’s historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Learn about his work, life, and times at the nearby St. Patrick Centre. Explore the Crumlin Road Gaol and see what prison life was like through the ages. Head to central Belfast, Northern Ireland and relax before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Mon, Aug 12: Tour Belfast and see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated liner. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own. (B)
Tue, Aug 13: Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle, and in Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. (B,D)
Wed, Aug 14: Travel through the rugged countryside and heathery hills of Donegal, renowned for the many tweeds made from local sheep’s wool. Stop at the Slieve League, a stunning expanse of cliffs that are among the highest in Ireland. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Head to Westport for a gentle walking tour of this historic town. (B,D)
Thu, Aug 15: Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croaghpatrick and stop in the stunning town of Leenane that’s been inhabited since pre-history. Head to a local farm to watch skilled dogs herding sheep. View Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Enjoy a drink before taking a guided tour of Westport House, which overlooks the ocean and contains a wealth of interesting portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Enjoy dinner in Westport House. (B,D)
Fri, Aug 16: Travel to Galway for some free time to explore the city. See the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. Enjoy an evening at Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style banquet. (B,D)
Sat, Aug 17: Travel the outskirts of Limerick and along the River Shannon into County Kerry. Sample tea and scones in a pub associated with the writer, J. B. Keane. Journey along the Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head for glorious scenic views of hills and coastline. Stop in Dingle for a refreshment or a look around before heading to Killarney. (B,D)
Sun, Aug 18: Enjoy a scenic traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride for views of Lough Leane, Killarney’s largest lake. Leisurely browse Kenmare and enjoy a casual lunch. Travel along part of the Ring of Kerry to view spectacular mountain scenery at Moll’s Gap and at Ladies View. Return to Killarney where the evening is free for independent dining and perhaps a visit to a local pub with live music. (B,L)
Mon, Aug 19: Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or stroll the lovely gardens. Treat yourself to Irish goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills. In Dungarvan, enjoy an Irish coffee and traditional music at the Marine Bar. Continue to Waterford where a local guide will lead a stroll around the historic old port city. (B,D)
Tue, Aug 20: Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crysta. In New Ross explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship which transported people to North America during the 1840’s Famine. In Dublin, enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub with traditional Irish songs and step-dancing. (B,D)
Wed, Aug 21: Spend the day exploring Dublin at your leisure with an open-top bus tour, plus a visit to your choice of Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC Ireland, or the General Post Office Museum. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of Dublin’s many pubs or restaurants. (B)
Thu, Aug 22: Transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)
