Scotland & Ireland

Today we sail Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach Oban, the seafood capital of the highlands. Take a guided walk up to McCaig’s Tower; inspired by the Roman Colosseum, it affords spectacular views of the Hebrides. We berth in Oban overnight.

This morning, we sail to Craignure on Mull for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland. Later, we sail to the island capital of Tobermory where brightly painted houses line the waterfront which was originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers. We remain alongside overnight.

Sailing north to the Small Isle of Eigg this morning, we catch glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. This community owned island is a nature reserve and allows us to go in search of marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and a variety of seabirds. Our afternoon is spent at Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can enjoy a drink at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, The Old Forge Inn.

An early morning sail across the Sound of Sleat leads us to Armadale on the Isle of Skye where we trace the legacy of the Clan MacDonald at the Museum of The Isles. Our final port of call is Kyle of Lochalsh from where we visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, ahead of the farewell reception and dinner.

Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh after breakfast for the onward transfer to Edinburgh, where we fly to Dublin 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 share the famous Irish hospitality. After a long day of travel, free time is given to relax before dinner at our hotel.

Our tour today is the perfect way to discover Dublin, a lovely Irish town. We begin at St. Patrick’s Cathedral which was founded in 1191 and is the largest church in Ireland. Continuing, we see Dublin Castle, City Hall and 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. It is Ireland’s most precious medieval artifact and is generally considered the finest surviving illuminated manuscript to have been produced in medieval Europe. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Guinness storehouse to discover what goes into making a pint of Guinness – the ingredients, the processes, the effort.

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.

Note:  Book of Kells is set for renovation in Fall 2023 and may need to be substituted.

This morning, enjoy a lovely drive to the village of Adare. Adare is in the south west of Ireland and is regarded as being Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque village. It is a haven for those wishing to escape, unwind and take in its medieval surroundings. Situated on the River Maigue, a tributary of the River Shannon, 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. Believe the hype: 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. Following lunch, enjoy some 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. The Burren, in North County Clare and parts of South County Galway, is like no other place in Ireland. There are no bogs and very few pastures. Instead, there are huge pavements of limestone called ‘clints’ with vertical fissures called ‘grikes’ and views that are truly spectacular. Enjoy lunch with the Cassidy Family who have long family roots in the Burren. The Cliffs of Moher are simply stunning. At over 200 metres high, one can easily view the cliffs, the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, and the Maum Turk 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, you’ll know you’re in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. At Kylemore Abbey, tour the Abbey and explore over six acres of Victorian Walled Gardens.

We bid our Irish friends a fond Gaelic Blessing “Na h-uile la gu math duit” (May all your days be good), before boarding our flight home. Guests arriving at the Toronto airport are greeted and assisted to their private car home.