Scotland & Ireland

Today we travel to the Isle of Iona and Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba in the 5^th century.

The island is farmed largely by traditional methods. The National Trust for Scotland works in partnership with its tenant farmers to ensure that rare species, such as the corncrake, are conserved. For many centuries, Iona has been an island of special significance for all Christians. In AD 563, Columba and his followers arrived here from Ireland to spread the gospel in Scotland and the north of England. The restored medieval abbey continues to hold daily services today and St Oran’s Chapel and Reilig Odhram is reputed to be the burial place of 48 kings of Scotland, including Macbeth.

The abbey is the last resting place of 50 Scottish Kings, as well as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland.

Our day begins with a drive to the village of Glencoe, a glen of volcanic origins, with a population of only 374! Glencoe is known for the endless expanse of the Glencoe Valley, and the majestic ridges of the Bidean nam Bian mountain, called “the three sisters”. We arrive in the town of Luss in time for lunch. Following lunch we board a cruise of Loch Lomond, to take in the sights of Trossachs National Park, including 30 islands, crumpled hills, and sleepy forests. Finally, we arrive in Glasgow and check in to our hotel in time to enjoy dinner.

This morning we learn all about the celebrated bard Robert Burns with a visit to his birthplace museum, and the 5,000 artifacts and manuscripts contained within. Burns was a 17^th-century poet and lyricist, the pioneer of the Romantic movement, and for many of the Scottish diaspora around the world, was a way to feel a connection to their homeland. Following lunch at a local restaurant (with haggis offered for those who dare), we stroll around the Culzean Castle and Country Park, weaving in and out of 40 buildings and decadent cliff-top castle that make up this exemplary Scottish estate. Take note of the many hidden follies throughout the property, as well as the walled garden, the grand oil paintings, and the sweeping Oval Staircase. In the evening we return to our hotel in Glasgow for dinner.

Our day today is devoted to Glasgow antiquity, as we browse the collections in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the People’s Palace. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum hosts 22 exhibits ranging from Renaissance art, to animals and ancient Egypt, in its west-end location on the banks of the River Kelvin. On the east side of the city, the People’s Palace, located amongst the Glasgow Greens, explores the city’s social history through the years, in the form of engaging photographs, prints and film. Following lunch in a local brewpub, this afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore this world-class city. You may choose to visit the Glasgow Cathedral, George Square, or one of many other unique attractions. Dinner this evening will be served at an upscale local restaurant.

We fly to Dublin this morning from Glasgow to begin our exploration of the Emerald Isle. Dublin has lots of Viking history, fabulous food and is officially the friendliest locale in the world! Our local guide and friendly coach driver regal us in this famous Irish hospitality. We are introduced to the city before lunch and check-in to our hotel. Some free time is given to relax or explore on your own before a three-course dinner at the Brooks Hotel.

We begin our tour of this lovely Irish town at St. Patrick’s Cathedral which was founded in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. Continuing our visit, we see Dublin Castle, City Hall and the lively Temple Bar. Our final stop of the morning is Trinity College and the Old Library to see the Book of Kells, a stunningly beautiful manuscript containing the Four Gospels. Following lunch, we tour the Guinness storehouse. The Journey ends in the Gravity Bar on the top floor with a pint of Guinness and the best view in the city! This evening, join us for a traditional Irish meal that includes Irish Folklore, storytelling, and live traditional music. (B,L,D)

This morning, enjoy a lovely drive to the village of Adare, regarded as Ireland’s most picturesque village. Situated on the River Maigue, Adare is steeped in history dating back to 1200 AD and has been the subject of many rebellions, wars and conquests, leaving behind a legacy of historical monuments. Following lunch, we continue to Killarney where we check in to our hotel.

Cinematic sea views, secluded white-sand beaches, and mountains shrouded in mist, The Ring of Kerry has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland. The scenic route passes through lively villages with bustling pubs, charming bookshops, and pretty cafés. A visit is not complete without seeing the village Bog and Sheep Dog Trials. We stop for lunch at the Smugglers Inn and free time to wander in the lovely village of Sneem. Tonight, enjoy a casual walk to dinner at Cellar One in Killarney.

Today is a day of dramatic scenery, friendly locals and historic venues. We visit The Burren, where huge pavements of limestone called ‘clints’ with vertical fissures called ‘grikes’ and views that are truly spectacular create a mysterious atmosphere. Enjoy lunch with the Cassidy Family who have long family roots in the Burren. Then, we continue to the Cliffs of Moher, which are simply stunning. At over 200 metres high, one can easily view the cliffs, the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and the MaumTurk Mountains to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south.

Enjoy the breathtaking coastal landscape of Connemara, situated at the very edge of Europe on the west coast of Ireland. It is surely one of the most beautiful, unspoilt places in Ireland. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean. Then we tour Kylemore Abbey and explore over six acres of Victorian Walled Gardens. Our delicious farewell lunch, held at the splendid Renvyle House, is the perfect opportunity to share memories of our Journey. Enjoy an evening at your leisure and dinner in a restaurant of your choice.