| Scottish Dream Tours Presents Welsh, Irish and Scottish Castles, Tearooms and Pubs Tour July 12th -27th, 2010 Bradford-On-Avon, Chepstow Castle, Cardiff, Museum of Welsh Life, Caerphilly Castle, Castle Coch, Kidwelly Castle, Tenby, Manorbier, Pembroke Castle, St David's, Picton Castle, Johnstown Castle Garden, Waterford Crystal Factory, Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny Castle, Browne's Hill Dolmen, Kildare, Dublin, Newgrange Megalithic Passage, Irish Linen Centre and Museum, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, Moffat Woollen Mills, Traquair House, Abbotsford House, Scottish Borders, Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Bentley's Tearoom, Royal Mile, Princes Street, Open Top Tour Bus 16 Days on a small intimate tour of Wales, Ireland and Scotland. This tour is 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. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. We will stay in delightful and elegant city guest houses and fine country house hotels and an overnight in a wee castle! Includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, all listed meals, all entrance fees and admissions, all taxes and guided minibus travel $4695US per person. $995US single supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Sold out |
Day 1 - July 12th, 2010 - Arrive London Heathrow where you will be met but our adventure starts in South Wales
and Monmouthshire. Along the way we stop at The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-On-Avon for Afternoon Tea.
We then continue to Wales where we visit Chepstow Castle, superbly set high upon its river cliff above the Wye, Chepstow
still guards one of the main river crossings from southern England into Wales. Few castles in Britain tell the story of medieval
fortification, from beginning to end, as does this mighty stronghold. After getting settled into our accommodation in Cardiff
we will gather for a Welcoming Dinner to kick off this tour. Get an early nights rest for the full days adventure before us.
Overnight Cardiff. (L,D)
Day 2 - After breakfast we will take a tour of the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus complete with guide. Then it is off to
the Museum of Welsh Life, an open air Celtic village within 100 acre parklands. The village includes worker's cottages,
farmhouses, a tollhouse, a chapel, an old schoolhouse and a Tudor mansion. We will Stop for Tea at Gwalia Tea Rooms
situated atop an old fashioned ironmongery and in what once was the corn store. Following tea we will visit Caerphilly
Castle just north of Cardiff. Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe and the second largest in
Britain after Windsor. A late 13th century castle, it was considered a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning. Then
back to Cardiff where we will partake of a true Welsh Mediaeval Banquet in the Castle. Overnight Cardiff. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – After breakfast we will visit Castle Coch. The name means Red Castle in Welsh and is truly a fairytale creation
designed by William Burges for the 3rd Marquis of Bute. Our journey then finds us driving along the southern coast of
Wales to the Gower Peninsula and The Mumbles, a seaside resort and picturesque fishing village where we will stop for
Lunch at Madison's Tearooms. Then it is off to Kidwelly Castle one of the finest castles in South-West Wales.
Dominating a long disputed region, the strong and splendid castle developed during more than three centuries of Anglo-
Norman/Welsh warfare: a chronicle in stone of medieval fortress technology. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Following a hearty breakfast we take some time to explore Tenby steeped in ancient history surrounded by an
imposing stone wall, built in the 13th century. While here we will visit the Tudor Merchant's House, a 15th century relic of
Tenby's prosperous seafaring days. Traditional Fish & Chips on the Wharf in Tenby. After lunch we drive to the
village of Manorbier taking us through some of the most scenic parts of Pembrokeshire winding dramatically along leafy
hedged lanes towards the coast. Then we are off to Pembroke and Pembroke Castle. Mighty Pembroke Castle impresses
by its sheer size and dominance of location. Pembroke is a Norman stronghold dating to the time of William the
Conqueror, however most of the present castle dates from the 13th century. Dinner on your own tonight in Tenby.
Overnight Tenby. (B,L)
Day 5 – After breakfast we head to Picton Castle. The Castle is a most unusual ancient building being in design half
fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. On the way To St. David’s we will drive along one of Wales
most beautiful coastlines. We will stop for Tea at Oriel-Y-Felin Tea Room before we reach St. David's. St David's is the
smallest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of under 2,000 people. It lies on the River Alun, on Saint David's
peninsula in Pembrokeshire. St David's is the de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales and birthplace of Saint David, the
patron saint of Wales. We will visit St. David’s Cathedral built upon the site of St David's 6th century monastery. Other
attractions in the city include the 13th century Tower Gate, the Celtic Old Cross and a number of art galleries. Dinner and
Overnight St David's. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - After breakfast we head toward Fishguard for our ferry crossing to Ireland. Our First stop in Ireland will be
Johnstown Castle Gardens. The exquisite 19th century Victorian castle, which gives the estate it's name, is nestled within
50 acres of ornamental grounds. Stroll through the wooded grounds with over 200 different kinds of trees and shrubs, or
relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers and waterfalls. We will stop at The Tearooms at New Ross for some
refreshment before we continue on our scenic drive to Waterford. Pub Dinner at Doolan's in Waterford. Overnight
Waterford, Ireland. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Following breakfast we will take some time to explore Waterford. Then we go to Waterford Crystal Factory.
The original glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. After lunch we will take a
coastal drive. The Dungarvan & Copper Coast Drive embraces the panoramic seascapes, cliffs, bays and coves between
Dungarvan and the major seaside resort of Tramore as well as more intimate Seaside Resorts with Blue Flag Beaches,
Clonea and Bunmahon. We will stop in Tramore for Afternoon Tea. We then continue our lovely scenic drive that
will find us back in Waterford with an afternoon and evening free. Overnight Waterford. (B,L)
Day 8 - This morning we travel north to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny. Before we visit
Kilkenny we will stop and visit Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the fortified
medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a tour of Kilkenny Castle, occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-
paneled dining room and the Chinese bedroom. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th century Coaching Inn
haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare and Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Dinner on your own tonight in
Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 10 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you will want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. The afternoon is free for Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We will meet this evening
for Dinner and Traditional Music Night. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 11 – Our first stop of the day is at Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The
kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly
decorated with megalithic art. We next stop in Lisburn for Tea at Jacob Marley's Tea Rooms and a visit to the Irish
Linen Centre and Museum in a 17th century Market House where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to
sell. The centre tells the story of the Irish Linen industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving
and a display of historic linen treasures. We then head off to catch our ferry to Scotland. This evening will find us in
Dumfries which will be home for the next two nights. Evening free for dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 12 - This morning we will visit Burns House before a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Tea at the Solway Tearoom before visiting Dundrennan Abbey founded in the 12th century
and where Mary Queen Of Scots spent her last night before fleeing to England in May 1568. We will return to Dumfries
where you will have the Pub Dinner at the Globe in Dumfries. The Globe was a frequent haunt of Robert Burns.
Overnight Dumfries. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. Our next stop
will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching over 900 years. We will
Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour of the house. We next visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home
to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford house's many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he
immortalized in word. Dinner and Overnight in a wee Scottish Castle in Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. We will take Afternoon Tea at Bentley's Tearoom in
Juniper green before heading in to Edinburgh for an afternoon and evening free to explore the city. Overnight
Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where on
your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie' along with
Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile
we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the
Ceremony of the Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,D)
Day 16 - Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home.(B)
and Monmouthshire. Along the way we stop at The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-On-Avon for Afternoon Tea.
We then continue to Wales where we visit Chepstow Castle, superbly set high upon its river cliff above the Wye, Chepstow
still guards one of the main river crossings from southern England into Wales. Few castles in Britain tell the story of medieval
fortification, from beginning to end, as does this mighty stronghold. After getting settled into our accommodation in Cardiff
we will gather for a Welcoming Dinner to kick off this tour. Get an early nights rest for the full days adventure before us.
Overnight Cardiff. (L,D)
Day 2 - After breakfast we will take a tour of the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus complete with guide. Then it is off to
the Museum of Welsh Life, an open air Celtic village within 100 acre parklands. The village includes worker's cottages,
farmhouses, a tollhouse, a chapel, an old schoolhouse and a Tudor mansion. We will Stop for Tea at Gwalia Tea Rooms
situated atop an old fashioned ironmongery and in what once was the corn store. Following tea we will visit Caerphilly
Castle just north of Cardiff. Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe and the second largest in
Britain after Windsor. A late 13th century castle, it was considered a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning. Then
back to Cardiff where we will partake of a true Welsh Mediaeval Banquet in the Castle. Overnight Cardiff. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – After breakfast we will visit Castle Coch. The name means Red Castle in Welsh and is truly a fairytale creation
designed by William Burges for the 3rd Marquis of Bute. Our journey then finds us driving along the southern coast of
Wales to the Gower Peninsula and The Mumbles, a seaside resort and picturesque fishing village where we will stop for
Lunch at Madison's Tearooms. Then it is off to Kidwelly Castle one of the finest castles in South-West Wales.
Dominating a long disputed region, the strong and splendid castle developed during more than three centuries of Anglo-
Norman/Welsh warfare: a chronicle in stone of medieval fortress technology. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Following a hearty breakfast we take some time to explore Tenby steeped in ancient history surrounded by an
imposing stone wall, built in the 13th century. While here we will visit the Tudor Merchant's House, a 15th century relic of
Tenby's prosperous seafaring days. Traditional Fish & Chips on the Wharf in Tenby. After lunch we drive to the
village of Manorbier taking us through some of the most scenic parts of Pembrokeshire winding dramatically along leafy
hedged lanes towards the coast. Then we are off to Pembroke and Pembroke Castle. Mighty Pembroke Castle impresses
by its sheer size and dominance of location. Pembroke is a Norman stronghold dating to the time of William the
Conqueror, however most of the present castle dates from the 13th century. Dinner on your own tonight in Tenby.
Overnight Tenby. (B,L)
Day 5 – After breakfast we head to Picton Castle. The Castle is a most unusual ancient building being in design half
fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. On the way To St. David’s we will drive along one of Wales
most beautiful coastlines. We will stop for Tea at Oriel-Y-Felin Tea Room before we reach St. David's. St David's is the
smallest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of under 2,000 people. It lies on the River Alun, on Saint David's
peninsula in Pembrokeshire. St David's is the de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales and birthplace of Saint David, the
patron saint of Wales. We will visit St. David’s Cathedral built upon the site of St David's 6th century monastery. Other
attractions in the city include the 13th century Tower Gate, the Celtic Old Cross and a number of art galleries. Dinner and
Overnight St David's. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - After breakfast we head toward Fishguard for our ferry crossing to Ireland. Our First stop in Ireland will be
Johnstown Castle Gardens. The exquisite 19th century Victorian castle, which gives the estate it's name, is nestled within
50 acres of ornamental grounds. Stroll through the wooded grounds with over 200 different kinds of trees and shrubs, or
relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers and waterfalls. We will stop at The Tearooms at New Ross for some
refreshment before we continue on our scenic drive to Waterford. Pub Dinner at Doolan's in Waterford. Overnight
Waterford, Ireland. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Following breakfast we will take some time to explore Waterford. Then we go to Waterford Crystal Factory.
The original glass factory was founded in 1783 and visitors can follow all stages of production. After lunch we will take a
coastal drive. The Dungarvan & Copper Coast Drive embraces the panoramic seascapes, cliffs, bays and coves between
Dungarvan and the major seaside resort of Tramore as well as more intimate Seaside Resorts with Blue Flag Beaches,
Clonea and Bunmahon. We will stop in Tramore for Afternoon Tea. We then continue our lovely scenic drive that
will find us back in Waterford with an afternoon and evening free. Overnight Waterford. (B,L)
Day 8 - This morning we travel north to investigate Ireland's loveliest inland village of Kilkenny. Before we visit
Kilkenny we will stop and visit Jerpoint Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Ireland. Built in 1160, the fortified
medieval complex flourished until the dissolution of the Monasteries. Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at the Kilkenny
Ormonde before a tour of Kilkenny Castle, occupied right up to 1935. High spots of the tour include the library, the wood-
paneled dining room and the Chinese bedroom. Dinner tonight at Kyteler's Inn, a 14th century Coaching Inn
haunted by Dame Alice Kyteler. Overnight Kilkenny. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - On our way to Dublin today we will stop at Browne's Hill Dolmen which has the biggest capstone in Europe,
weighing 100 tons. The stone dates back to 2000 BC. Our next stop is Kildare and Afternoon Tea at the Kildare
Courtyard Hotel before continuing on to Dublin. Once in Dublin we will take the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing,
shopping and exploring the many restaurants to be found in Dublin. Dinner on your own tonight in
Dublin. Overnight Dublin. (B,L)
Day 10 - Following breakfast you will tour the city aboard an Open Top Tour Bus. After the tour you will want to spend
time possibly taking in Trinity College and the Book of Kells and also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ
Church Cathedral. The afternoon is free for Shopping on Grafton Street or Henry Street. We will meet this evening
for Dinner and Traditional Music Night. Overnight Dublin. (B,D)
Day 11 – Our first stop of the day is at Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb. Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The
kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly
decorated with megalithic art. We next stop in Lisburn for Tea at Jacob Marley's Tea Rooms and a visit to the Irish
Linen Centre and Museum in a 17th century Market House where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to
sell. The centre tells the story of the Irish Linen industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving
and a display of historic linen treasures. We then head off to catch our ferry to Scotland. This evening will find us in
Dumfries which will be home for the next two nights. Evening free for dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 12 - This morning we will visit Burns House before a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Tea at the Solway Tearoom before visiting Dundrennan Abbey founded in the 12th century
and where Mary Queen Of Scots spent her last night before fleeing to England in May 1568. We will return to Dumfries
where you will have the Pub Dinner at the Globe in Dumfries. The Globe was a frequent haunt of Robert Burns.
Overnight Dumfries. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. Our next stop
will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching over 900 years. We will
Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour of the house. We next visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home
to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford house's many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he
immortalized in word. Dinner and Overnight in a wee Scottish Castle in Peebles. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. We will take Afternoon Tea at Bentley's Tearoom in
Juniper green before heading in to Edinburgh for an afternoon and evening free to explore the city. Overnight
Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 15 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where on
your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie' along with
Edinburgh Castle. Get on and off at your own pace. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile
we will gather for a Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the
Ceremony of the Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,D)
Day 16 - Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home.(B)
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