11 Day The Scots Irish Tour (11 days)

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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 and visit 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 3 – 19 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.)

Travel through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. In Pitlochry, explore 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 Nairn.

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” past lochs, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane.

Tour Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock above the town, and explore the richness of this 16th-century palace that was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you'll dine at your hotel this evening.

Discover the Ulster-Scots history and heritage of the scenic Ards Peninsula on a drive with a local guide. This area was where Scottish colonizers landed in the 1600s; some of their descendants would move to America and become known as the “Scots-Irish”. Then visit Titanic Belfast to delve into the history of the doomed ocean liner. Explore Belfast as you wish in the afternoon. Visit Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment, a CIE Tours exclusive.

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. In Derry, join a local guide for a walking tour to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny.

Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Continue to Donegal town for a visit to CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design and free time to explore. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant.

Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to discover local history and life as a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Visit Lough Key Forest Park to explore how humans have shaped the landscape on this old estate over thousands of years. Walk through tunnels used by servants in the 19th century, see the sunken garden, and then walk along with the Tree Canopy Bridge for panoramic views of nature and the shimmering lake. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner.

In Galway, a local guide will take you on a walking tour through the narrow streets to see 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. This evening, enjoy a medieval-style banquet at a castle.

Your tour ends after breakfast. B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >