Our Journeys
Scotland & Ireland
September 10 to 26, 2021
Journey Highlights
Venture into the dramatic landscapes that wrap around Scotland and Ireland. Explore the elegant streets of Edinburgh before setting out to explore the Highlands and Scotland’s famous lochs. Sights take your breath away in Ireland at Adare village, the Ring of Kerry and the gorgeous Cliffs of Moher. These legendary landscapes will be imprinted in your memory, along with each country’s beautiful rhythmic cultures.
Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands
The vastness of the Highlands and tranquility of the lochs are something to behold in Scotland. Cruise the infamous Loch Ness towards the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Board the stunning Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable Journey along the world-renowned West Highland Line. Witness the majesty of “the three sisters” from the village of Glencoe, before cruising Loch Lomond.
Ring of Kerry Tour
Ring of Kerry Tour
Cinematic sea views, secluded white-sand beaches, and mountains shrouded in mist have earned the Ring of Kerry a reputation as one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland. The scenic route carries you past stunning views of the sea and through lively villages. Visit the Kerry Bog Village and witness the Sheep Dog Trials before wandering gently through the colourful village of Sneem.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Stroll along the elegant streets of one of the United Kingdom’s most famous cities. Explore the bustling streets filled with quaint shops and truly unique Scottish pubs before visiting the 126-metre-long Royal Yacht Britannia. Admire Edinburgh Castle towering over the city in all its regal splendour during a comprehensive tour.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Stroll along the elegant streets of one of the United Kingdom’s most famous cities. Explore the bustling streets filled with quaint shops and truly unique Scottish pubs before visiting the 126-metre-long Royal Yacht Britannia. Admire Edinburgh Castle towering over the city in all its regal splendour during a comprehensive tour.
Every day was an adventure. We very much enjoyed the entire trip. Karen’s knowledge of history and her storytelling were outstanding.
Journey Map
Journey Map
Click here to view the detailed map.
Journey Itinerary
See Detailed ItineraryDEPART FOR EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Meet your Journey Manager, fellow travellers and board your flight to Scotland.
Overnight flight
Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight to Scotland. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details, allowing you to embrace your Journey.

WELCOME TO EDINBURGH
On arrival in Edinburgh, we are met by our local Blue Badge Scottish guide who takes us on a panoramic tour of the city. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we check into our hotel. This evening, join us for a casual welcome dinner at our hotel. (L,D)
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh (2 nights)

EXPLORING EDINBURGH
This morning we tour Her Royal Majesty’s Royal Yacht Britannia, as well as the dominating Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, join us for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Built on extinct volcanoes atop an inlet from the North Sea, we explore one of the United Kingdom’s most famous cities. To begin our day, we tour Her Majesty The Queen’s former floating palace, the 126-metre-long Royal Yacht Britannia. We then tour Edinburgh Castle, the dominating 11th-century fortress that is visible from almost everywhere throughout Edinburgh. Following lunch, enjoy free time in the afternoon at your leisure, to visit such sights as the Royal Mile. In the evening, swap stories of your time in this delightful city with your fellow guests over a casual dinner in a local restaurant.

THE HIGHLANDS & INVERNESS
This morning we tour antiques and rare artifacts at the impressive Scone Palace. Following lunch in a country house, we explore the moving Culloden Battlefield. In the afternoon we check in to our hotel before enjoying dinner (B,L,D)
Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness (1 night)
We start our day by travelling through stunning scenery to the impressive Scone Palace whose grounds are renowned throughout the world. Once the capital of the Picts, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots. We tour an outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artifacts. Following lunch in a country house, we explore the grounds of the moving Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final battle in 1746 between the Jacobite army, and the British government. The interactive visitor centre features many well-kept artifacts from both sides of this conflict. Finally, we check in to our hotel in Inverness before enjoying dinner at our hotel.

LOCH NESS, FORT AUGUSTUS & EILEAN DONAN CASTLE
Today we cruise the mysterious Loch Ness to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. We then enjoy lunch in Fort Augustus at the Caledonian Canal. Finally, we admire Eilean Donan Castle in the midst of three lochs before retiring to our hotel on the Isle of Skye. (B,L,D)
The Bosville Hotel, Portree (1 night)
Today our local blue badge guide leads us on a peaceful cruise of the mysterious Loch Ness, Scotland’s deepest loch and the fabled home of the Loch Ness Monster – who is said to be lurking in the deep black waters. Containing over 37 kilometres of fresh water, Loch Ness runs from Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus and is bordered by picturesque villages such as Foyers and Dores. We stop to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a former royal castle with a dramatic Scottish history. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Fort Augustus at the Caledonian Canal. Following lunch, we admire the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, perched beautifully on a tidal island in the middle of three lochs. Discover the castle’s turbulent history on our visit, before retiring to our hotel in Portree, on the Isle of Skye.

WEST HIGHLAND RAILWAY & OBAN
We board the Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable Journey along the world-renowned West Highland Line. Following lunch in Fort William, we arrive in Oban, before we dine in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, Oban (2 nights)
Following a short, scenic drive and a ferry crossing, we board the stunning Jacobite Steam Train for an unforgettable Journey along the world-renowned West Highland Line. Admire the stunning, mountainous scenery and the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, a Victorian construction featured in the Harry Potter film series. We then arrive in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland, best known for the colourful houses along its horseshoe bay and the prominent McCaig’s Tower. We arrive in Oban, with time to freshen up before we dine in a local restaurant.

The Explore
With Confidence Plan
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, your safety and comfort during any Journey with us is our top priority. Learn about how we are taking your safety seriously.
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:

24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
In addition to knowledgeable local guides

Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included

Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport

Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 15 nights in outstanding hotels
- Most meals included (14 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 12 dinners)
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Aer Lingus
- Regional flight with Aer Lingus
- All taxes as well as other service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Hotels
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Overlooking one of Edinburgh’s prettiest private garden squares, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel consists of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses. Steps from the UNESCO-recognized new town of Edinburgh, the interiors of this Designer hotel feature handsome woods, plush fabrics, and rich pops of blue and yellow. Amenities include a full-service spa, pool, fitness centre, and fresh-squeezed juice.
Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness
The Kingsmills Hotel is a fabulous 4-star luxury hotel in Inverness. Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands,it offers a variety of extremely luxurious rooms, impeccable dining options and good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality to all our guests.
The Bosville Hotel, Protree
Featuring only 20 guest rooms, this converted cottage opposite the harbour is a welcoming, small-town accommodation like those described in the best slice-of-life novels. You will feel right at home atop the luxury bedding in the intimate guest rooms, or enjoying a drink sitting by the original cast-iron stove.
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, Oban
Perle Oban is a luxury hotel & spa located in the center of Oban that boasts beautiful views over the harbour. Combining Victorian charm and modern style, these bright guest rooms have all the amenities you would expect, including a Bose speaker, flatscreen television, and rain showerhead: wonderful complements to the relaxing services of the onsite spa.
Blythswood Square, Glasgow
This splendid, landmark property, commands one side of Blythswood Square, a lovely green space in the centre of the city of Glasgow. With elegant bedrooms, an award-winning spa and endless green space, this is Glasgow’s premier hotel.
Brooks Hotel, Dublin
A designer boutique hotel in Dublin city centre, Brooks Hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has been voted one of the 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland in the Bridgestone Guide for the past 3 years. This sophisticated hotel features luxurious rooms and personalized service, as well as a restaurant with a bar and café lounge.
Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
From its distinctive architecture to its effortless service and genuine hospitality, the Great Southern Killarney has been an iconic retreat for over 160 years. Recently restored to its former greatness, the hotel is uniquely situated on six acres of beautiful gardens and stands proudly as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel.
Park House, Galway
In central Galway, the Park House Hotel blends the warmth and personality of a boutique hotel with 4-star luxury. It offers an award-winning restaurant and air-conditioned rooms that are decorated in warm colours, natural wood furnishings and luxurious fabrics. This elegant hotel truly has a lot of charm.