Celtic Highlights
Voyage to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast & beyond
This 12-night escorted journey brings you the best of Scotland, England's Lake District, North Wales and the Emerald Isle. See everything from the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond to the Queen's Holyrood Palace to the home of the Beatles.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class air to Glasgow (GLA)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 1 night in Glasgow at the Radisson Blu Glasgow
- 1 night in Inverness at the Mercure Inverness Hotel
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at The George Hotel
- 1 night in Liverpool at the Novotel Liverpool Hotel
- 2 nights in Dublin at The Gibson Hotel
- 1 night in Killarney, Ireland at the Riverside Hotel
- 1 night in Limerick, Ireland at the Clarion Limerick Hotel
- 1 night in Sligo, Ireland at the Radisson Blu Sligo Hotel
- 1 night in Belfast at the Stormont Hotel
- 1 night in Glasgow at the Novotel Glasgow Hotel
- Glasgow, Culloden Moor, Balmoral, Edinburgh, Glasmere, Liverpool, Caernarvon, Holyhead-Dublin, Dublin, Kildare, Rock of Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Knock, Derry, County Antrim, Belfast, Belfast-Cairnryan
- Full English Breakfast daily
- 7 three-course dinners with wine and choice of menus, including a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Glasgow
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
Great Ways to Explore
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You will explore the Emerald Isle and the United Kingdom in this multi-country guided vacation.
- Don't miss a thing with a local guide bringing you to all of the highlights in both countries, you can truly see it all.
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A highlight of this tour is Liverpool, where you will see into the life, times, culture and, music of the Fab Four.
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Comfortable accommodations throughout this special getaway.
-
While in Edinburgh, take in a performance of bagpipes and highland dancers and try an order of the well-known Haggis!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class air to Glasgow (GLA)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 1 night in Glasgow at the Radisson Blu Glasgow
- 1 night in Inverness at the Mercure Inverness Hotel
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at The George Hotel
- 1 night in Liverpool at the Novotel Liverpool Hotel
- 2 nights in Dublin at The Gibson Hotel
- 1 night in Killarney, Ireland at the Riverside Hotel
- 1 night in Limerick, Ireland at the Clarion Limerick Hotel
- 1 night in Sligo, Ireland at the Radisson Blu Sligo Hotel
- 1 night in Belfast at the Stormont Hotel
- 1 night in Glasgow at the Novotel Glasgow Hotel
- Glasgow, Culloden Moor, Balmoral, Edinburgh, Glasmere, Liverpool, Caernarvon, Holyhead-Dublin, Dublin, Kildare, Rock of Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Knock, Derry, County Antrim, Belfast, Belfast-Cairnryan
- Full English Breakfast daily
- 7 three-course dinners with wine and choice of menus, including a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Glasgow
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges
-
You will explore the Emerald Isle and the United Kingdom in this multi-country guided vacation.
- Don't miss a thing with a local guide bringing you to all of the highlights in both countries, you can truly see it all.
-
A highlight of this tour is Liverpool, where you will see into the life, times, culture and, music of the Fab Four.
-
Comfortable accommodations throughout this special getaway.
-
While in Edinburgh, take in a performance of bagpipes and highland dancers and try an order of the well-known Haggis!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Glasgow!
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in Scotland's largest city. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel. (Dinner)
Check-in - Radisson Blu Glasgow
The recipient of numerous architectural awards, the stunning Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow sits close to world-class shopping and the city's financial district. A fine Glasgow hotel in the city centre, this accommodation offers 250 guest rooms and suites with upscale amenities, such as bathrobe and slippers and Free high-speed Internet access. This hotel in Glasgow also features fine dining at Collage Restaurant, two relaxing bars and a ground-floor conference area that includes the Megalithic event venue able to seat 800 guests.
Day 2. Glasgow - Fort William - Inverness
Your Celtic adventure starts in earnest with a city drive, taking in the fine 12th century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares. On the way this morning: the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, wild Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, lovely Loch Linnhe, and Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. This afternoon, look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster! Spend the night in Inverness, the Highland capital. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Mercure Inverness Hotel
Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel, situated in the heart of the vibrant city center on the banks of the River Ness. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, this modern hotel is just a 6-minute walk from Inverness train station and a stone's throw from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants.
Each of the 118 rooms come with flat screen TVs, complimentary WiFi, tea/coffeemaking facilities and views of the River Ness or Old Town. Explore the beautiful surroundings, including legendary Loch Ness six miles away or keep yourself in peak fitness with a workout in out fully-equipped gym. Enjoy a meal at the traditional brasserie with a bar.
Day 3. Inverness - Culloden - Braemar - Edinburgh
At Culloden Visitor Centre, hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish clans. Drive through the Grampian Mountains to Balmoral Castle, the Queen's residence during hunting season (when available). Then, through Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years, and in the afternoon, via Perth to Edinburgh. Tonight, don't miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (Breakfast)
Check-in - The George Hotel
The George Edinburgh has been titled as an elegant Grade 2 listed building, equipped with business facilities such as 8 conference and event suites, including the magnificent Kings Hall with a capacity of 270 people. The George Edinburgh also has a new addition to introduce, Panorama, aptly named for its breath-taking views. No other hotel room in Edinburgh reaches the standard of stylish and sophisticated heights of The George Edinburgh's luxury bedrooms, with no finer place to rest after a long day of sightseeing, shopping the bustling districts or simply meandering at your leisure. The hotel offers superb and a truly personalised dining option with the Tempus Bar and Restaurant, serving seasonal produce with a menu that caters for the guests cravings and any dietary requirements. For elegance and opulence in abundance, The George Edinburgh looks forward to welcoming each guest to their award winning Hotel.
Day 4. Edinburgh
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old New Town and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the Old Town, drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels, then explore Holyrood Palace (except when the Queen is in residence). Later, a unique optional excursion: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this evening.
NOTE: For departures on August 10, 17, and 24, tickets are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo.
Day 5. Edinburgh - Gretna Green - Grasmere, England - Liverpool
On the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills you'll stop at Gretna Green. Then, leave the land of the Scots and journey into England through the tranquil Lake District to Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth. Be sure to try a local favorite; Grasmere Gingerbread! In Liverpool, visit the award-winning Beatles Story, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture, and music of the Fab Four. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Novotel Liverpool
Each of the 209 chic rooms has wireless internet and satellite TV. Try the modern cuisine and range of drinks at Elements Restaurant and Bar. The hotel's leisure facilities include an indoor heated pool and fitness suite. 10 fully equipped meeting rooms can host up to 100 guests for meetings or weddings.
Day 6. Liverpool - North Wales - Dublin, Ireland
Travel to lovely Betws-y-Coed, then through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park and over the breath taking Llanberis Pass. After a stop at Caernarvon, cross the Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey for a photo stop at tongue-twisting Llanfair. At Holyhead, board your ferry and cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. For a first taste of Ireland, why not join an optional Irish cabaret evening including dinner, dance, song, and laughter? (Breakfast)
Check-in - The Gibson Hotel
The spacious rooms are beautifully designed with a modern, light and airy decor and floor-to-ceiling windows. The air conditioned rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and some have private balconies with city views. Coda Eatery offers stylish yet informal dining with simple, good food made with locally sourced ingredients. The Wine Wall offers a wide range of wines from around the world. There is a fabulous bar terrace, where guests can enjoy a drink and stunning views, and also a modern grounds space for guests to relax in.
Day 7. Dublin
An orientation drive in the Irish capital includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, you might want to take in an optional dinner outing to the Guinness Storehouse. (Breakfast)
Day 8. Dublin - Kildare - Cashel - Blarney - Killarney
Drive across the Curragh to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on racecourses across the globe. After your guided tour, enjoy a local favorite; tea and scones at the Japanese Gardens Restaurant. On the way to Killarney, stop at the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached, and in Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - The Riverside Hotel-Killarney
This boutique property has a restaurant and a bar/lounge. For a surcharge, guests have access to an airport shuttle. Guest parking is complimentary. The staff can arrange secretarial services and currency exchange. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and 24-hour room service. Riverside Hotel has 69 guestrooms. Guestrooms have televisions. Guestrooms provide complimentary wireless Internet access and direct-dial phones. Guestrooms feature coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries. Additional amenities include irons/ironing boards, trouser presses, and wake-up calls. In addition, amenities available on request include a turndown service and extra towels/bedding. Housekeeping is offered. Cribs (infant beds) are available.
Day 9. Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Adare - Limerick
Follow the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a spectacular 100-mile panoramic drive around the island's south western tip. Have your camera ready for sparkling seascapes, brightly colored farmhouses, subtropical vegetation, and the breath taking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. This afternoon, travel through the quaint village of Adare to Limerick. A suggestion for a very special night out: an optional medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. (Breakfast)
Check-in - Clarion Hotel-Limerick
Clarion Hotel Limerick is now Clayton Hotel Limerick! Read more about the Clayton Hotel Limerick here.
In central Limerick, this modern Clarion Hotel offers stylish rooms with views of the Shannon River. Guests have free use of the luxury health club, with its swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. Sanovitae Health & Fitness Club features a modern, fully equipped gym. Guests can also relax in the steam room. The light and modern rooms boast luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets and international cable TV. Private bathrooms offer luxury toiletries, power showers, and steam-free mirrors. Made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, European food is served in Sinergie Restaurant. Kudos Bar offers a range of exotic Asian cuisine, and 24-hour room service is also available. Belissimo Hair & Beauty salon is across from the hotel, and guests of the Limerick Clarion Hotel receive a 10% discount.
Day 10. Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Knock - Bundoran
Today you will head to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher that rise about 668 feet above the Atlantic. Through the limestone plateau of The Burren you reach Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy cae and bar culture. Visit Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world, then spend the night in Bundoran. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Great Northern Hotel
This 4-star hotel is on 130 acres in the popular tourist town of Bundoran. Overlooking Donegal Bay, it has a golf course, a health club, a restaurant and 2 bars. The Great Northern Hotel is on a historic and challenging 18-hole championship golf course. The on-site health club has a modern gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. All rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone and private bathroom. Many rooms also boast views of the coast or golf course. Guests can dine with views of the golf course in Tir Connaill Restaurant. The relaxed Bistro Bar and Atlantic Bar are both open throughout the day and serve varied dining menus.
Day 11. Bundoran - Derry, Northern Ireland - Giant's Causeway - Belfast
First highlight today is Derry, situated on the banks of the Foyle River, and a local favorite walk on the old city walls in the company of a Local Guide. After lunch, take your photographs of Dunluce Castle, then visit the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, composed of thousands of strangely symmetrical basalt columns jutting out to sea. Stay in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland's seat of government. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - The Stormont
Overlooking the grounds of Stormont Castle, in the leafy suburbs of Belfast, this luxurious 4-star hotel has a fitness center and a bistro restaurant. There is free parking and a 24-hour front desk. The modern bedrooms at The Stormont Hotel each have a work desk, a cozy sitting area and a TV with satellite channels. The bathrooms feature a shower and a hairdryer. La Scala Bistro serves a modern European menu in contemporary surroundings. Hearty breakfasts are available daily, and the stylish cocktail bar offers a range of creative drinks and snacks.
Day 12. Belfast - Glasgow, Scotland
On this morning's Living History tour in the company of a Local Guide, learn more about this fascinating city where the Titanic was built. Board your Ferry for the crossing of the North Channel to Cairnryan on the west coast of Scotland. Back in Glasgow, celebrate the success of your journey with a farewell dinner with wine at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Check-in - Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel
Conveniently located in the heart of Glasgow, this contemporary hotel offers luxurious comfort and modern amenities. Open the door to your spacious room and find sleek decor, crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and much more! Work all your stresses away in the fitness center, then unwind in the steamy sauna. When you work up an appetite, feel free to dine in the on-site restaurant, or kick back with a pint in the classy bar!
Day 13. Depart Glasgow
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Fly home!
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