Mystical and Magical Sites of Scotland and Ireland
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
Fly non-stop from Toronto to Edinburgh.
Arrive in Scotland’s capital and if time permits we will stop at the famous Kelpies before we transfer to our hotel and have a delicious Welcome Dinner.
On your city tour, see the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. The yacht was beloved by the queen and royal family for over 40 years. Later, enjoy a fun evening of traditional Scottish song and dance as well as a 4-course Taste of Scotland dinner.
Explore Scone Palace, a key Scottish stately home and former parliamentary seat and crowning site of Scottish Kings like Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. Discover its collection of fine antiques, paintings, and rare artifacts set in famous grounds. After, we visit one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, standing at the gateway to the Highlands. Learn about single-malt whisky production and enjoy a tasting! We end in Scotland Highlands for a two-night stay.
Visit the picturesque village of Fort Augustus on the shore of Loch Ness, situated by the Caledonian Canal, a 19th-century engineering feat that connects the east and west coasts of Scotland. At the Clansman Centre, experience a special Highlander performance. Embark on a Jacobite Cruise along Loch Ness to the foot of Urquhart Castle, exploring the 13th-century ruins.
Travel through Trossachs National Park’s stunning scenery enroute to Stirling Castle, visible for miles in every direction. Learn the castle’s historical significance and admire its magnificence. Then, proceed to Glasgow.
We start the morning with a panoramic tour of this exciting city rich in culture and history. The afternoon is at leisure in Glasgow. Consider visiting the magnificent 12th-century cathedral or the renowned Piping Centre where you can explore 300 years of Highland Bagpipe heritage, or shop your way around.
Ferry to Belfast and delve into Irish culture with a Traditional Music Trail tour. Led by two professional musicians, wander through cobbled streets, past famous landmarks and into private bars in the city’s oldest buildings. At each stop, enjoy performances of traditional songs and stories.
Explore Belfast on a city tour, visiting St. George’s Market, the Peace Walls, Crumlin Road Gaol, and Parliament Buildings. End at the Titanic Belfast, named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016, offering interactive galleries on the doomed ship’s history. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Belfast’s endless attractions, shopping, pubs, and cafes.
Travel south to Dublin, Ireland’s capital, for a twonight stay. Enjoy a lively city tour featuring statue-lined streets, elegant Georgian Squares, and townhouses with famously colourful doors. Spend free time in Dublin for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing with a pint in one of the local pubs.
Drive through rugged and romantic scenery to Glendalough, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Proceed to Powerscourt Estate, ranked third in National Geographic’s finest gardens globally. Cap off the evening with arousing experience of Irish food and entertainment!
We travel to Athy for a visit to the Shackleton Experience in County Kildare, birthplace of the famed explorer. We then continue to Kilkenny, a city renowned for its heritage and craftsmanship, where we enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval town, followed by free time to explore at your own pace.
Stop at the Rock of Cashel, coronation site for medieval Irish kings. Next, see the Romanesque decorations of 12th-century Cormac’s Chapel. In the afternoon we will visit a local farm for a sheepdog’s herding demonstration—a perfect way to experience the essence of Irish country living. Proceed to Killarney, a vibrant town brimming with with Irish heritage, shops and cafes.
Embark on Ireland’s renowned scenic route, the Ring of Kerry, for breathtaking coastal, beach, and cliff views. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the nearby islands and the austere lives of early Christian Monks there.
Visit the Flying Boat Museum to explore the history of early transatlantic flights and taste the original Irish Coffee. Proceed to our hotel in County Kildare, stopping enroute in the 1500-yearold town of Kildare, known for its shops and cafes. Conclude the evening with a delectable Farewell Dinner, sharing memories of the tour.
Fly directly from Dublin to Toronto.
Please note: Excursions that involve a ferry trip are subject to weather conditions. If a sailing is cancelled by the boat/ferry company, a suitable alternative will be provided.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
