| Scottish Dream Tours Presents 15 Day Scotland & Ireland Fall Discovery Tour October 11th - October 25th, 2010 Dublin City Tour, Malahide Castle, Locke's Distillery Tour, Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, Galway, Strokestown Park House and Famine House, Boyle Abbey, Sligo, Belleek Pottery, Old Bushmills Distillery, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling Castle, Edradour Distillery, The Queens View, Castle Menzies, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Perth, St. Andrews, Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, Edinburgh City Tour, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of the Holyrood House, Highland Dinner and Show and much more! A small intimate tour of Scotland and Ireland limited to 8 - 10 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. With a small tour size we can veer off the main tourist areas and get a real feel for these warm wonderful countries. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. You may find yourself staying in a delightful city guest house, a warm country house hotel or farmhouse and a 200 year old coaching Inn all in the same visit. Full Irish breakfast each morning and all meals as indicated in itinerary. All accommodations. Guided minibus tour with luggage handling. All sightseeing including any entrance fees. All taxes and service charges. No hidden costs! $4295US per person double occupancy. $795US per person single supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on this tour. Deposit by PayPal |
Day 1 - October 11th - Arrive in Dublin with time enough for some sightseeing and shopping in Ireland's Capitol City.
You will take an Open Top Bus Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make while on the
tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral, St.
Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming Pub Dinner to kick off the tour! Overnight
Dublin. (D)
Day 2 - This morning we drive to Malahide on the northside of the city to Malahide Castle, a stunningly picturesque
fortress that stands amidst a profusion of massive oaks, mighty chestnuts and towering sycamores. The castle is one of the
oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family. This was a
remarkable tenure by a single family and is one of the longest in Ireland. We then return to Dublin for some free time
to shop and explore before a Pub Dinner and Music Night in Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 3 - We leave the big city behind today was we head toward the west. First stop today is Locke's Distillery Museum
which houses last remaining example of a small pot distillery in Ireland established in 1757. The distillery made pot still Irish
Malt Whiskey for almost 200 years. This afternoon we visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, an early Christian
site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a
cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian
grave slabs. Then it is on to Galway and Galway Bay. Pub Dinner and Overnight Galway. (B,D)
Day 4 - This morning we visit Cong and Cong Abbey. The most fascinating remains of this 12th century Augustinian
abbey are the Gothic chapter house, stone bridges and the monks' fishing-house overhanging the river. Next we
travel through the beautiful National Park in the heart of Connemara, a combination of bogland, lakes and
mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a
romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. Afternoon Tea in DerryInver before a stop in Clifden, framed by
the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Once we return to Galway you will take some time to investigate the
city and enjoy a night out on your own. Galway is the center for the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively
university city which lies on the banks of the River Corrib which flows from Lough Corrib. Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 5 - Our first destination today is Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion which has been faithfully
restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and professionally guided tours allow visitors to browse freely
through the stately surroundings. There is also a Famine Museum which uses a combination of original documents and
images from the Strokestown Park collection to explain the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840's. We
stop in Boyle before a visit to Boyle Abbey, an impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in
the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Although a ruin, Boyle Abbey
nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in
Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 6 - This morning we visit the little border village of Belleek where the world famous Belleek Pottery was founded in
1857. We will stop at the visitors' centre and museum where you can view this fine Parian China. Our next stop is Donegal
and Donegal Town. Donegal is a thriving market town at the head of Donegal Bay. While here we will visit the 17th
Century ruins of Donegal Castle which dominate the town and was the seat of the powerful O'Donnell Chieftains. This
afternoon we visit Inishowen and the Donagh High Cross, an 8th century Celtic Cross measuring 11ft 6ins and is
considered one of the best examples of low relief carving from the early medieval period in Ireland. Dinner and
Overnight near Derry. (B,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop this morning will be Old Bushmills Distillery which is the oldest distillery in the world! We will
tour the distillery and end up with whiskey sampling in the 1608 bar. This afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast and
The Giants Causeway where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and into the sea. No matter how many times I
have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Lunch in Carnlough before we are off
to Belfast for an evening free in the city. Overnight Belfast. (B,L)
Day 8 - Today we spend in Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city and one of my favorite European cities! We'll take
a Tour of the City aboard an Open Top Bus. Get on and off at your own pace and take in the sights of the city. You
may want to take in a lunch stop at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a flamboyant Victorian drinking palace. You may
also want to visit City Hall and St. Anne's Cathedral. This afternoon we visit Carrickfergus Castle a Norman castle
situated in the town of Carrickfergus on the shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and
French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in
the whole of Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Belfast. (B,D)
Day 9 - This morning we take the ferry across to Stranraer, Scotland. Our first stop in Scotland is at Culzean Castle.
Standing on a cliff's edge, this 16th century keep stands in an extensive parkland estate and is Robert Adam's finest
masterpiece. We now head north over the River Clyde and to the shores of bonny Loch Lomond. After a lovely drive
through the Trossachs our next stop is the wee Trossachs Village of Callander where we will find dinner waiting.
Dinner and Overnight Callander. (B,D)
Day 10 - Following breakfast this morning we take some time to enjoy Callander. Callander is full of wonderful shops,
woollen mills and delightful tearooms. Lunch in Callander before we visit Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is one
of the grandest of all Scottish Castles and Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here. We next begin our journey into the
Highlands and the to the beautiful Highland Village of Pitlochry. Our first stop is Edradour Distillery where we
will visit a traditional working distillery which is also the smallest in Scotland. Our journey then takes us to the Highland
village of Pitlochry. Dinner on your own tonight in Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L)
Day 11 - Our first stop this morning is The Queen's View named after Robert The Bruce's wife Isabel but made popular
by Queen Victoria. This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will become a favorite of yours. After a
spectacular drive through the moors we find ourselves in Aberfeldy to take in the shops and find some lunch. Next we visit
Castle Menzies, a spectacular sixteenth century castle, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and
importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on
his way to Culloden in 1746. We then return to Pitlochry where the evening's highlight will be Dinner and then a
Performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre! Overnight Pitlochry. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we leave the Highlands behind on the way to Perth and Scone Palace, the home of the Earls
of Mansfield. Once the crowning place of Scottish Kings, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in Scotland's
history. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone,
Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in Scotland's crown. You will want to visit
the Grounds and Gardens as well. We will stop in the bustling town of Cupar on our way to visit St. Andrews.
Sightseeing will include the Old Course, St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The Castle was the former Bishops'
Palace, the residence of the Archbishops of St Andrews. The Cathedral itself dates from around 1160, and was
consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce in July 1318. Dinner and Overnight Kingdom of Fife. (B,D)
Day 13 - Our journey today will take us south toward Edinburgh but not before stopping in Dunfermline and visiting
Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of
Malcolm Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body (apart
from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried here as well. Lunch in Dunfermline before our journey to Edinburgh.
The evening is free for exploring Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the many eateries to be found in the city.
Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 14 - This morning you will take in all the sights of Edinburgh and the best way to see the city is by bus, so we will
board an Open Top Tour Bus and enjoy all the highlights of the city. You may want to depart the bus at both Palace of
the Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle. You will have the afternoon free for shopping on Princes Street
and The Royal Mile. Tonight we will enjoy an Evening of Food, Fun, Highland Dance, Song and of course
Bagpipes! Overnight Edinburgh. (B,D)
Day 15 - This morning we make our way to Edinburgh International for your journey home. (B)
You will take an Open Top Bus Tour with hop on and off service this afternoon. Stops you may want to make while on the
tour are Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, Old Jameson Distillery, Christ Church Cathedral, St.
Patrick's Cathedral. This evening we will gather for a Welcoming Pub Dinner to kick off the tour! Overnight
Dublin. (D)
Day 2 - This morning we drive to Malahide on the northside of the city to Malahide Castle, a stunningly picturesque
fortress that stands amidst a profusion of massive oaks, mighty chestnuts and towering sycamores. The castle is one of the
oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family. This was a
remarkable tenure by a single family and is one of the longest in Ireland. We then return to Dublin for some free time
to shop and explore before a Pub Dinner and Music Night in Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 3 - We leave the big city behind today was we head toward the west. First stop today is Locke's Distillery Museum
which houses last remaining example of a small pot distillery in Ireland established in 1757. The distillery made pot still Irish
Malt Whiskey for almost 200 years. This afternoon we visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, an early Christian
site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a
cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian
grave slabs. Then it is on to Galway and Galway Bay. Pub Dinner and Overnight Galway. (B,D)
Day 4 - This morning we visit Cong and Cong Abbey. The most fascinating remains of this 12th century Augustinian
abbey are the Gothic chapter house, stone bridges and the monks' fishing-house overhanging the river. Next we
travel through the beautiful National Park in the heart of Connemara, a combination of bogland, lakes and
mountains. Along the way we visit Kylemore Abbey sheltered by the slopes of the Twelve Bens, this lakeside castle is a
romantic, battlemented Gothic Revival fantasy. Afternoon Tea in DerryInver before a stop in Clifden, framed by
the grandeur of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Once we return to Galway you will take some time to investigate the
city and enjoy a night out on your own. Galway is the center for the Irish-speaking regions in the West and a lively
university city which lies on the banks of the River Corrib which flows from Lough Corrib. Overnight Galway. (B,L)
Day 5 - Our first destination today is Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion which has been faithfully
restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and professionally guided tours allow visitors to browse freely
through the stately surroundings. There is also a Famine Museum which uses a combination of original documents and
images from the Strokestown Park collection to explain the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840's. We
stop in Boyle before a visit to Boyle Abbey, an impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in
the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Although a ruin, Boyle Abbey
nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in
Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Sligo. (B,D)
Day 6 - This morning we visit the little border village of Belleek where the world famous Belleek Pottery was founded in
1857. We will stop at the visitors' centre and museum where you can view this fine Parian China. Our next stop is Donegal
and Donegal Town. Donegal is a thriving market town at the head of Donegal Bay. While here we will visit the 17th
Century ruins of Donegal Castle which dominate the town and was the seat of the powerful O'Donnell Chieftains. This
afternoon we visit Inishowen and the Donagh High Cross, an 8th century Celtic Cross measuring 11ft 6ins and is
considered one of the best examples of low relief carving from the early medieval period in Ireland. Dinner and
Overnight near Derry. (B,D)
Day 7 - Our first stop this morning will be Old Bushmills Distillery which is the oldest distillery in the world! We will
tour the distillery and end up with whiskey sampling in the 1608 bar. This afternoon we take in the Causeway Coast and
The Giants Causeway where 37,000 basalt columns extend from the cliffs and into the sea. No matter how many times I
have seen this, the sheer wonder and magic of the columns never fails to impress! Lunch in Carnlough before we are off
to Belfast for an evening free in the city. Overnight Belfast. (B,L)
Day 8 - Today we spend in Belfast, Northern Ireland's largest city and one of my favorite European cities! We'll take
a Tour of the City aboard an Open Top Bus. Get on and off at your own pace and take in the sights of the city. You
may want to take in a lunch stop at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a flamboyant Victorian drinking palace. You may
also want to visit City Hall and St. Anne's Cathedral. This afternoon we visit Carrickfergus Castle a Norman castle
situated in the town of Carrickfergus on the shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and
French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in
the whole of Ireland. Dinner and Overnight Belfast. (B,D)
Day 9 - This morning we take the ferry across to Stranraer, Scotland. Our first stop in Scotland is at Culzean Castle.
Standing on a cliff's edge, this 16th century keep stands in an extensive parkland estate and is Robert Adam's finest
masterpiece. We now head north over the River Clyde and to the shores of bonny Loch Lomond. After a lovely drive
through the Trossachs our next stop is the wee Trossachs Village of Callander where we will find dinner waiting.
Dinner and Overnight Callander. (B,D)
Day 10 - Following breakfast this morning we take some time to enjoy Callander. Callander is full of wonderful shops,
woollen mills and delightful tearooms. Lunch in Callander before we visit Stirling and Stirling Castle. Stirling is one
of the grandest of all Scottish Castles and Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here. We next begin our journey into the
Highlands and the to the beautiful Highland Village of Pitlochry. Our first stop is Edradour Distillery where we
will visit a traditional working distillery which is also the smallest in Scotland. Our journey then takes us to the Highland
village of Pitlochry. Dinner on your own tonight in Pitlochry. Overnight Pitlochry. (B,L)
Day 11 - Our first stop this morning is The Queen's View named after Robert The Bruce's wife Isabel but made popular
by Queen Victoria. This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland and will become a favorite of yours. After a
spectacular drive through the moors we find ourselves in Aberfeldy to take in the shops and find some lunch. Next we visit
Castle Menzies, a spectacular sixteenth century castle, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and
importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on
his way to Culloden in 1746. We then return to Pitlochry where the evening's highlight will be Dinner and then a
Performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre! Overnight Pitlochry. (B,D)
Day 12 - This morning we leave the Highlands behind on the way to Perth and Scone Palace, the home of the Earls
of Mansfield. Once the crowning place of Scottish Kings, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in Scotland's
history. A breathtakingly beautiful place of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone,
Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in Scotland's crown. You will want to visit
the Grounds and Gardens as well. We will stop in the bustling town of Cupar on our way to visit St. Andrews.
Sightseeing will include the Old Course, St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral. The Castle was the former Bishops'
Palace, the residence of the Archbishops of St Andrews. The Cathedral itself dates from around 1160, and was
consecrated in the presence of Robert the Bruce in July 1318. Dinner and Overnight Kingdom of Fife. (B,D)
Day 13 - Our journey today will take us south toward Edinburgh but not before stopping in Dunfermline and visiting
Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Dunfermline Abbey was founded about 1070 by Queen Margaret, wife of
Malcolm Canmore. Margaret was made a saint, and she and Malcolm were buried here. Robert the Bruce's body (apart
from his heart, which is at Melrose) is buried here as well. Lunch in Dunfermline before our journey to Edinburgh.
The evening is free for exploring Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the many eateries to be found in the city.
Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 14 - This morning you will take in all the sights of Edinburgh and the best way to see the city is by bus, so we will
board an Open Top Tour Bus and enjoy all the highlights of the city. You may want to depart the bus at both Palace of
the Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle. You will have the afternoon free for shopping on Princes Street
and The Royal Mile. Tonight we will enjoy an Evening of Food, Fun, Highland Dance, Song and of course
Bagpipes! Overnight Edinburgh. (B,D)
Day 15 - This morning we make our way to Edinburgh International for your journey home. (B)
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