• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Deluxe hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 11

Quality Dining

• 9 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

11 Days ~ Ireland

Tour Pace
Ireland’s compact landscape means driving distances are not great. Therefore, the tour pace is relatively easy going. This is complemented by the two-night stays in Killarney, Cong and Dublin.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE DUBLIN
Welcome to Ireland, a country blessed with great natural beauty; from the remote wilderness of Connemara and the dramatic mountains and peat bogs of Kerry, to the soaring Cliffs of Moher and the peaceful, ruined, monastic settlement of Glendalough. Experience all this plus you’ll enjoy elegant accommodation and superb cuisine with a distinctively Irish warmth and hospitality. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel, the luxurious Four Seasons, located within the Royal Dublin Society Show Grounds. This Georgian style property offers premier rooms in a period style ambience. This evening join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Four Seasons.

DAY 3 – DUBLIN – CORK
Travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the ruins of the 6th century St. Kevin's monastery, nestled in the wooded valley at Glendalough. On to the ancient town of Waterford with its colorful terrace houses, cafés and bars overlooking the quayside. At the Waterford Crystal Factory, enjoy a tour and watch master craftsmen at work in the centuries old tradition of glass blowing and engraving. There is time afterward to enjoy the splendid showrooms and perhaps select a special piece of the sparkling glass to take home. End the day in Cork, Ireland's second largest city.
Hotel: Hayfield Manor. (B,D)

DAY 4 – CORK – KILLARNEY
Visit Cobh, a Victorian seafront town. The Heritage Centre brings the Queenstown (as Cobh was once named) story alive, with exhibits, photographs and original film footage. Next is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that bestows the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills for traditional Irish crafts and knitwear. Then on to Killarney and your beautiful hotel and spa set on a lush hill overlooking the lakes.
Hotel: Aghadoe Heights. (B,D)

DAY 5 – THE RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
The road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula is better known as ‘The Ring of Kerry.’ Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a breathtaking landscape. Return to Killarney and enjoy a jaunting car ride to Muckross House, an elegant mansion set on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B)

DAY 6 – KILLARNEY – NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS
This morning, visit the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes, which became the centre of the aviation world from 1939 to 1945. On July 9th 1939, Pan Am's luxury Flying Boat, the ‘Yankee Clipper’ landed at Foynes. This was the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from the USA to Europe. Later, stop at the picturesque village of Adare. Tonight dine in splendor at Dromoland Castle. The castle dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. Its romantic gardens, luxurious accommodation, prestigious dining room, and splendid wood and stone carvings, combine old world charm with the facilities the new world demands. (Selected departures will stay at Adare Manor, an elegant 19th century manor house surrounded by formal gardens and parklands. It offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, an indoor pool, and a championship golf course.)
Hotel: Dromoland Castle/Adare Manor. (B,D)

DAY 7 – NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS – CONG
Drive west into Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher. These limestone ramparts rise approximately 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Then, north across the Burren, a stark landscape dotted with rare flora. Next see Galway Cathedral. Then, drive through Headford and into the majestic grounds of Ashford Castle. Stately Ashford Castle was the country estate of Lord Ardilaun and of the Guinness family for almost a century, until it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1939. Set on the north shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford offers the finest in country living – an elegant dining room, a lavishly decorated Great Hall, beautiful grounds, a 9-hole golf course, and fishing or cruising on the lake.
Hotel: Ashford Castle (B,D)

DAY 8 – CONNEMARA EXCURSION
Today's excursion will be spent in the remote west of Ireland, heart of the Gaeltacht (gaelic speaking area). Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion. Journey back via Recess and the Maam Valley with time to enjoy Ashford Castle and all its splendor before an exquisite dinner. (B,D)

DAY 9 – CONG – DUBLIN
Travel to Carrick-on-Shannon. Stop for a morning cruise aboard ‘Moonriver’ and enjoy coffee and scones. Return to Dublin and enjoy your city centre hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Westbury Hotel. (B)

DAY 10 – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Your Tour Director reveals historic Dublin today. Pass Christ Church on the way to stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a legacy of religious power from the 12th century. On to Trinity College, the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s greatest treasures – the 8th century Book of Kells. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s shops, squares, galleries and museums or relax in a café or pub. (B)

DAY 11 – RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end with transfers to Dublin Airport. (B)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 13

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Dublin (DA)
• 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

13 Days ~ Ireland

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as well as in Dublin. The driving days are of a reasonable length, with frequent stops offering splendid photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SUN – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel from Dublin Airport. A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive castle (when open). See also the famous O’Connell Street and Customs House. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink, followed by a Dine-Around option that offers dinner from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Quality. (DA)

DAY 3 – TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare and visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Move on to the architectural gem of Kilkenny and visit the 13th century Kilkenny Castle, with its splendid picture gallery. See also the Kilkenny Design Centre before continuing on to your hotel in historic Waterford.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B)

DAY 4 – WED – WATERFORD – BLARNEY
See history unfold before your eyes in Waterford as you view the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls. Tour the famous Waterford Crystal Factory before a coastal drive brings you to Ireland’s second city of Cork. See St Finbar’s Cathedral, Cork’s most exuberant church building then continue to your hotel in Blarney.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel & Suites. (B,D)

DAY 5 – THU – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY
Visit the ancient castle of Blarney this morning. Will you dare to hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone, and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Admire displays of Waterford Crystal at Blarney Mill before driving up the valley of the River Lee into the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains. Now to the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, spectacular setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. From dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, make your way to the peaceful town of Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)

DAY 6 – FRI – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
An excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry on one of the world’s greatest scenic tours: see towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages and, above all, Ireland’s highest mountain range, and view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney.Return to Killarney and enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous jaunting cars. (B)

DAY 7 – SAT – KILLARNEY – GALWAY
Drive via picturesque Adare to the city of Limerick and see 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral and medieval King John’s Castle. Now visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living museum before a delightful drive takes you through the Burren, a strange, rocky landscape rich with wild orchids, to Galway.
Hotel: Clarinbridge Court. (B,D)

DAY 8 – SUN – CONNEMARA EXCURSION
In Galway, see St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US president John F Kennedy. The beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara opens up a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills en route to the famous marble factory, where you will tour the workshop. Visit palatial Kylemore Abbey before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 9 – MON – GALWAY – LONDONDERRY
Bidding farewell to Galway and Connemara, drive past Tuam to Clonalis House. This estate is the home of the O’Connor family, descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Meet the resident family and tour their home before driving through County Sligo to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre. Continue to Donegal town, with its stronghold of the great O’Donnells, and head north through the Blue Stack Mountains into Northern Ireland, settling for the night in the ancient city of ‘Derry’.
Hotel: City. (B,D)

DAY 10 – TUE – LONDONDERRY – BALLYGALLY
Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside the well preserved walls, still topped with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Continue along the coast to the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, and hear the fantastic legends which surround this geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the Earth’s crust millions of years ago. Continue along the scenic Antrim coast to arrive in Ballygally for an overnight stay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle. (B,D)

DAY 11 – WED – BALLYGALLY – BELFAST
Continue around the coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of this unique city, with highlights including City Hall, Queen’s University and Stormont Castle.
Hotel: Europa. (B)

DAY 12 – THU – BELFAST – DUBLIN
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, taking a short drive along the historic Boyne Valley, site of the Battle of Boyne where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Return to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret show.
Hotel: Quality. (B)

DAY 13 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast, with complimentary transfers to the airport. (B)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 9

Quality Dining

• Traditional Highland dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
• 7 full Breakfasts (B) and 3 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Scotland

Tour Pace
This tour is well paced with an initial two-night stay in Edinburgh followed by nights in the Highlands, Thurso, Ullapool, the stunning Isle of Skye and Glasgow. The driving days are of a comfortable length and have frequent stops.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Edinburgh.

DAY 2 – SAT – EDINBURGH
Welcome to Scotland - land of legend and romance, from the two great cultural cities in the south, to the salmon-filled rivers, dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands! Arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring. Perhaps take a stroll around the shops of Princes Street before joining your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.In the evening, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 3 – SUN – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the highlights of ‘Athens of the North’. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the awesome Castle, perched high on its rock. See the house where John Knox, leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, spent the last 10 years of his life, and St Giles’ Cathedral, where he preached his fiery sermons. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary Queen of Scots lived – it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at leisure: perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (B)

DAY 4 – MON – EDINBURGH – HIGHLANDS
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St Andrews, where golf was born on the Old Course in the 15th century. After some time to explore, continue to Perth to watch the Caithness glass-blowers at work. Afterwards, visit a whisky distillery, where local water, the best malt and age-old skills combine to produce a ‘wee dram’ for you to taste. A short journey over the Grampian Mountains and you arrive at your Highland hotel for the night. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,HD)

DAY 5 – TUE – HIGHLANDS – THURSO
Travel to the tragic battlefield of Culloden, where in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed. Drive via the stately town of Inverness, home of world-famous Pringle knitwear, and along the scenic shores of Loch Ness to search for the elusive monster. Now follow the rugged coast north to John O’Groats, the most northerly town of mainland Britain. The coastal road to Thurso then offers splendid views out over the Pentland Firth.
Hotel: Royal. (B,D)

DAY 6 – WED – THURSO – ULLAPOOL
Through stunning and unspoilt landscapes along the northern coastline with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Arrive in the little fishing town of Ullapool on Loch Broom.
Hotel: Caledonian. (B,D)

DAY 7 – THU – ULLAPOOL – ISLE OF SKYE
An exciting day takes you past remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Then it’s over to Skye to hear romantic tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of the Bonnie Prince. See the island’s most famous feature, the Cuillin Hills on your way to Skye’s quaint capital, Portree, which is situated in a sheltered bay.
Hotel: Tongadale. (B,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – ISLE OF SKYE – GLASGOW
Enjoy a feast of scenic splendour as you return to the mainland and head past Loch Garry into the Great Glen. Stop along the way at the Second World War Commando Memorial which affords fine views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Your route continues past Fort William, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and through infamous Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen.Your highlight for today is a cruise on the blue waters of Loch Lomond, the 'Queen of Scottish Lakes' and largest in Great Britain. It’s not far now to the Clyde Valley and the vibrant commercial cityof Glasgow.
Hotel: Marriott. (B)

DAY 9 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast with complimentary transfers to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. (B)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

• Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
• 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ Ireland ~ Scotland

Tour Pace
This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length; frequent stops provide ample – and splendid – photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE DUBLIN
Welcome to Ireland! There are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel, with the rest of the day yours to relax. Perhaps stroll around the shops of Grafton Street? In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.   
Hotel: Jurys Croke Park.

DAY 3 – MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive Dublin Castle (when open). See also famous O’Connell Street and the historic Customs House, one of architect James Gandon’s masterpieces. As evening falls, there is time for shopping and the chance to see an Irish Cabaret show. (B)

DAY 4 – TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare to visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Continue to the beautiful coastal town of Waterford to see the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the ruined city walls before visiting the famous Waterford Crystal Showroom.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B,D)

DAY 5 – WED – WATERFORD – KILLARNEY
Take the coastal road to the fishing village of Dungarvan, passing ruined castles and ancient abbeys along the way. Drive to Ireland’s second city of Cork for an orientation tour, before stopping at Blarney Castle, where you can dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. There is also time to visit the beautiful display of Waterford Crystal at the Blarney Mills. Continue through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to peaceful Killarney. Climb aboard one of the famous jaunting cars where a local ‘jarvie’ will take you on a highlight ride through the streets.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)

DAY 6 – THU – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
A highlight Ring of Kerry tour opens up superb seascapes, towering cliffs and spectacular mountains. Unhurried Irish life surrounds you as you travel through charming villages to view the three Lakes of Killarney before spending an afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 7 – FRI – KILLARNEY – LIMERICK
Journey through picturesque Adare to Limerick, on the shores of the Shannon, Ireland's longest river and the setting of Angela’s Ashes. Sightseeing takes in the ruins of 13th century King John's castle and St Mary's Cathedral.
Hotel: George. (B,D)

DAY 8 – SAT – LIMERICK – BUNDORAN
Visit Galway to see the Cathedral of St Nicholas, (where Columbus reputedly heard Mass before sailing for America), the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late President Kennedy. Now drive out to Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. End the day in the seaside resort of Bundoran.
Hotel: Great Northern. (B,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – BUNDORAN – BALLYGALLY
Visit the famous Belleek Pottery Centre en route to see Donegal’s ruined O’Donnell’s Castle and the Friary. Pass the Blue Stack Mountains on your way to Londonderry. Join a local guide to see Derry’s walls which were built around the city in 1614. Continue around the coast to the the UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway. A spectacular drive along the Antrim coast road, brings you to your hotel which faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle. (B,D)

DAY 10 – MON – BALLYGALLY – GLASGOW
At the port of Larne, take a ferry to Scotland before driving the Ayrshire coastal drive, taking in magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde and the Island of Arran along the way. Pass the Open golf links of Turnberry before arriving in Alloway, where you will visit Robert Burns’ birthplace and see Burns’ Monument and the famous ‘Brig O’ Doon’. Spend the night in vibrant Glasgow.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (B)

DAY 11 – TUE – GLASGOW – HIGHLANDS
It’s only a short drive from Glasgow to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you will enjoy a guided cruise on this beautiful loch. Cross Rannoch Moor to Glencoe’s ‘Valley of the Weeping’ before reaching Fort William. We pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and pause at the Commandos’ Memorial before continuing to Newtonmore.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,D)

DAY 12 – WED – HIGHLAND EXCURSION
Stop at the prehistoric Clava Stone Circle before crossing Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated. Then it’s on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and mysterious Loch Ness. Does the ‘monster’ Nessie exist? A wee dram at a Highland distillery afterwards might solve the question once and for all. Relax with another night in the Highlands. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment. (B,HD)

DAY 13 – THU – HIGHLANDS – EDINBURGH
Drive south into the farmlands of Perthshire. Stop to visit the Caithness Glass Factory before crossing the beautiful River Tay at the city of Dundee. Visit St Andrews, the famous home of golf, then cross the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
Hotel: Apex City. (B)

DAY 14 – FRI – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour visits Edinburgh Castle, its fortified walls affording splendid views across Princes Street to the 18th century New Town. Pass St Giles’ Cathedral, as you drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace. Later, there is time to shop in Princes Street. Selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at the castle. (B)

DAY 15 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Edinburgh Airport. (B)