EUROPE
Fabled Landscapes of Scotland and Ireland 10 days from $5,145
Travel to the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and western Ireland on a self-driving journey that showcases mystical mountains and geological wonders, castles and ancient ruins, and charming towns from Glencoe to Galway. HIGHLIGHTS �
Take a private tour of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, and meet the estate manager for a dram of Scottish whisky.
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Explore Rothiemurchus Estate with a ranger on a private excursion by Land Rover.
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Go hiking with a private guide in Ireland’s magnificent Glendalough valley.
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Tour Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and enjoy an evening of storytelling at a historic pub.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – Glasgow, Scotland and Glencoe Arrive in Glasgow, pick up your rental car, and drive into the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe. In the afternoon, ride a gondola into the Nevis Range and go hiking around Loch Leven and Glencoe. Days 2 & 3 – Isle of Skye Enjoy a scenic drive to Mallaig to catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye. The afternoon is yours to discover the island. You might visit Armadale Castle or see the wild rock formations on the Trotternish Peninsula. The next day, meet a guide for a walk or hike that suits your pace, and gain insights into the history and geology of Skye. Then take a private tour of Dunvegan Castle and its fabulous gardens. Go boating on the castle’s loch and join the estate manager for a whisky in the Great Hall.
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Day 4 – Plockton and Grantown-on-Spey Enjoy a kayaking excursion from the village of Plockton, then continue east to a historic resort town on the edge of Cairngorms National Park. Day 5 – Cairngorms National Park and Dublin, Ireland Set off on an adventure in the family-owned Rothiemurchus Estate, exploring by Land Rover with a private ranger guide. Return your rental car to the Edinburgh airport and fly to Dublin. This afternoon, go on a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Day 6 – Glendalough and Dublin Head south on a guided excursion to enchanting Glendalough. Tour the ruins of the 6th-century monastery here and go hiking in the Wicklow Mountains. Back in Dublin, enjoy an evening of folklore and storytelling at one of the city’s oldest pubs. Day 7 – Ennis Collect your rental car and drive to Ennis. Get a fascinating look at the region’s history at the 15thcentury Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre. Day 8 – County Clare and Galway See the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and visit the mystical moonscape of the Burren. Make your way to Galway and enjoy time to get to know this lively city. Days 9 & 10 – Connemara National Park and Galway Spend the day in Connemara National Park. Visit craft workshops, drive the Sky Road for coastal views, see Kylemore Abbey, or hike along Ireland’s only fjord at Killary Harbour. Enjoy a final evening in Galway before your flight out of Shannon the next day.
SMITHSONIANJOURNEYS.ORG/TAILOR-MADE I 855.215.8690
WHERE TO STAY Glencoe House Historic mansion overlooking Loch Leven and Glencoe Village featuring private suites. Duisdale House Former hunting lodge with gardens overlooking the sea on the Isle of Skye. The Grant Arms Victorian hotel with a focus on wildlife, in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey. Number 31 Boutique guesthouse on a quiet, residential street in Dublin. Old Ground Hotel Historic manor house in Ennis decorated with art and antiques. Park House Hotel Situated near Galway’s vibrant pedestrian streets.
