13-Nights Best of Ireland & Scotland - Small Group from $8,550

Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day

On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.
 
This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being  Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.

Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands.  See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.
 
Duration: 8 hours

Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore
 
Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.

Pricing: Please inquire
 

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

• Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.  
• Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
• Supplement for public holidays
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace. 

*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit

Highlights:

• Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
• At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building

Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

As you disembark your cruise you are welcomed to the Scottish Highlands by your local driver-guide, who is at your disposal for up to 8 hours today as you explore the lochs and mountains around Inverness.

Heading south discover Loch Ness, the famous loch long associated with ‘Nessie’, the mythical monster said to inhabit the depths. Try looking out for her as you wander through the ruins of Urquhart Castle, that dominate the central part of the loch. Loch Ness is drained in the north by the River Ness and the road follows this river to Inverness, the small but charming city considered the capital of the Highlands. One of the most important sites in Scotland’s history is located near Inverness – the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops to mark the end of his attempt to regain the throne for the Stewart family. Time permitting, explore the battle fields and discover the events surrounding this battle that played such a pivotal role in the country’s history. After your tour, return to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Visit Loch Ness, which has long been associated with a mythical monster, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle
• Explore The Highlands around Inverness, including the battlefield of Culloden Moor

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours around Inverness
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Cork's Fabulous Food Trail - Half Day Tour

Meet with your driver and enjoy the short scenic drive along the banks of the River Lee to the Food Capital of Ireland, Cork City where your Fabulous Food Trail begins.  

On arrival meet your local food guide and embark on a gentle 2.5 hour culinary walk of the best this city has to offer. During your tour you will enjoy frequent stops and lots of generous tastings of local cheeses, pastries and savoury delights.   In this particular corner of Ireland, no self-respecting foodie would begin a culinary trail without first visiting the iconic English Market in the heart of Cork city. This Victorian gem has been faithfully serving food to the people of Cork for more than a century.

A morning at the English Market immerses you in the unique cadence of life in Cork and caters for just about all culinary tastes and eating occasions. Amongst its many appetizing edible delights are chocolates and cakes, cheeses and pastas. There is time to  chat  with locals and food producers alike as  Cork people have a wonderful sense of humour and  simply love to chat!.

As you stroll through the city your guide will point out Cork’s more interesting architectural features and recount some of it’s history.  

After your walk there is some free time to explore this wonderful city on your own before meeting with your driver for transfer back to your ship.


Inclusions

• Private Driver Guide

Cork - Blarney & Kinsale - Full Day Tour

Today you will have the opportunity to visit the world famous Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, as well as Ireland’s Gourmet Restaurants Capital, the town of Kinsale.

After your whistle-stop tour of Cork City, visit Blarney Castle (situated just north of Cork City). This castle was completed in 1446 by Cormac Mc Carthy, and is famous the world over for the Blarney Stone, which upon kissing, bestows the eternal gift of eloquence on those lucky enough to do so.

About Kinsale:
Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland and famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, gourmet restaurants and golf.  Art galleries in Kinsale can easily claim its place amongst Ireland's most historic locations for this has been a centre of population, commerce, trade and fishing far beyond memory and record.
 
In its earliest days the estuary of the Bandon River gave Kinsale great importance as the river is tidal and water transport was dominant until the 18th Century. The estuary also provided excellent anchorage for ancient shipping which went in peril of the vagaries of the weather. The Town nestles between the hills and the shoreline, it is a maze of narrow streets and is never far from the water - little has changed in many hundreds of years. Amongst buildings of later periods are those of another age with historical links to the French, Spanish, British and Americans.

Charles Fort, Kinsale
Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922.


Lunch included at Blarney Woollen Mills or Kinsale


Inclusions

• Private Driver Guide
• Entrance to Blarney Castle
• Entrance to Charles Fort Kinsale
• Lunch

Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour (4 hours) (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)

Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.

Enjoy a private chauffeur driven luxury sedan for “Guided Sightseeing” touring.

Cork

Meet your expert local driver/guide for the drive to Cork.

Your first stop of the day is a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh. Known previously as Queenstown this was the main port for Irish emigrants to Canada and the United States. The famine resulted as a consequence of widespread potato crop failure. In 1846, the potato crop failed completely and in the years 1847-1849, escape was seen by many as the only chance for survival - between 1845 and 1851 over 1,500,000 people emigrated from Ireland.

On April 11, 1912, the newly built Titanic called to the port of Queenstown (now known as Cobh) on her maiden voyage. Titanic had set out from Southampton and called to Cherbourg before her final call to Queenstown (Cobh). The story of the Titanic and the White Star line is also told at the Cobh Heritage Centre.
 
Leaving Cobh behind drive to Midleton. Visit The Jameson Old Midleton Distillery which is a wonderful, worthwhile excursion. Tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish whiskey is made. Here you will have the opportunity to taste the sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskies.

Return to the ship.

Included:

• Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver/guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees for listed sights
• Bottled water in the vehicle
• Gratuities to driver/guide*

Excluded:

• Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
• Items of personal nature

*Gratuities have been prepaid. Additional gratuities are at guest’s discretion.

Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour - 4 Hours (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)

Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.

Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Cork.

Your first stop of the day is a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre, a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh. Known previously as Queenstown, this was the main port for Irish emigrants to Canada and the United States. In 1846, the potato crop failed completely and in the years 1847-1849, escape was seen by many as the only chance for survival - between 1845 and 1851 over 1,500,000 people emigrated from Ireland.

On the 11th April 1912, the newly built Titanic called to the port of Queenstown (now known as Cobh) on her maiden voyage. Titanic had set out from Southampton and called to Cherbourg before her final call to Queenstown (Cobh). The story of the Titanic and the White Star line is also told at the Cobh Heritage Centre.

Then, leaving Cobh behind, enjoy the drive to Midleton. Here, you will visit The Jameson Old Midleton Distillery. You will tour the distillery and learn how the world famous Irish whiskey is made. You will have the opportunity to sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskies.

Return to your ship.

Included:

• Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver-guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees for listed sights
• Gratuities to driver-guide*
• Bottled water in the vehicle

Excluded:

• Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
• Items of personal nature

Cork - Guided Sightseeing Tour - 8 Hours (Provided by Moloney & Kelly)

Guided Sightseeing Option: Please see below for details on this option.

Meet your expert local guide for the drive to Cork.

Enjoy the drive through the attractive City of Cork which hosts some fine Georgian architecture, the imposing St Finbarr’s Cathedral, great shopping and many pubs.   You will continue your journey into the Irish countryside to the pretty town of Blarney.
In Blarney, you will visit the 15th Century Blarney Castle, famous for its stone, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it.  The stone itself is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. 

Then, enjoy some free time in the Blarney Woollen Mills store that sells Irish gifts including Waterford Crystal, Beleek China, Lladro, Aran Sweaters, Irish Crystal, Irish Linen, Irish Jewelry, and Celtic Gifts.

You will have time for lunch on your own.

Following lunch, you will visit the Cork City Gaol.  Here you can step back in time to see what 19th Century life was like in Cork – inside and outside prison walls. Amazingly life-like figures, furnished cells, sound effects, and fascinating exhibitions are to be seen.

Return to your ship.

Included:

• Private Luxury Sedan with English-Speaking driver-guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees for listed sights
• Gratuities to driver-guide*
• Bottled water in the vehicle

Excluded:

• Cost of meals and refreshments other than bottled water
• Items of personal nature

Cork’s Culture and Heritage – full day tour

This morning we visit to the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, one of the most historic buildings in Cork, parts of which date back to the early eighteenth century. The gallery has an interesting frontage of red brick dressed with limestone and was built in 1724 as the Custom House. The permanent collection comprises over 2500 works, ranging from eighteenth century Irish and European painting and sculpture, through to contemporary video installations. At the heart of the collection is a collection of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, brought to Cork in 1818 from the Vatican Museum in Rome. We also visit Cork Museum, which houses very fine collections of Cork silver and glass as well as Youghal Needlepoint Lace.  

Continuing on to Glanmire on the outskirts of Cork and visit Riverstown House, which was rebuilt in 1745 and is home to some fine plasterwork by the Francini brothers, of particular interest is the dining room ceiling which is adorned with allegorical figures and the Green Drawing Room which is notable for its exceptionally fine timber carved fireplace.

We conclude our Cork City tour with a visit to nearby Lakemount Gardens, a privately owned garden on acid soil overlooking Cork Harbour. It has many flourishing ericaceous plants, including the more tender rhododendrons. Retaining walls and raised beds built from local stone provide a home for rock plants, choice dwarf shrubs and a collection of primulas. Hydrangeas are particularly good in late summer, whilst the many Japanese acers throughout the garden produce brilliant autumn colour. Unusual climbers can be seen on the walls of the conservatory, which shelters exotic varieties.

Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.
 

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour

Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow

This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House.    There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine.   The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle .  Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767.  This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer.  Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.

Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City. 

Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18^th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  

Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.


Inclusions

• Private Driver Guide
• Entrance to Powerscourt House & Gardens
• Lunch

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.

Highlights:

• See the world-famous Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination
• Continue to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and home of a memorial to the writer Jonathan Swift

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities