Spirit of Ireland & Scotland. As a Traveler. The Authentic. Unseen by the throngs of tourists from cruise ships & buses. The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” ~ Daniel J. Boorstin
Dear friend and fellow traveler:
being, whispering to you like long-lost friends, wanting you to stop in for a visit.
I would like to extend my personal invitation for you to discover once again the authentic ~ as a traveler. Join me on the trip of a lifetime, and one you won’t soon forget. If you’ve ever been to Ireland or Scotland, then you can relate to the above sentiment - these destinations leave a lasting impression on travelers. Once you’ve been, it never quite leaves you. They become a part of your very
And if you’ve never been, then you only have to imagine places where heroes fought for freedom, or experience the streets of Dublin, or see the castle in Edinburgh to awaken inside of you the part that longs to see and experience a place where history is so alive, it speaks to you from every town square, every museum, and even the very stones beneath your feet.
Frances Mayes wrote, “…most trips have an underlying quest. We’re looking for something. What? Fun, escape, adventure-but then what?” Everyone travels for different reasons, but my question for you would be what are you looking for? No matter what the answer to that may be, I can guarantee one thing-this trip can be life-changing. To experience another culture, to open your eyes to another part of the world, to step in another’s shoes, if even for a few days, it changes you, even if only a little. Come, if you dare, and you may just leave with a little bit of Ireland & Scotland etched on your soul as well. I do look forward to traveling with you to these beautiful countries. Please drop me a line with any question you might have! Sincerely, Mark Story, Program Director, Story Land & Sea Tours Host of Mark Story World Adventures SMALL GROUP TOUR
A True Small Group of 6 to 16 Travelers ~ Hotels Really in Center of Town ~ Unique Dining Venues — No Set Menus ~ No Up-Selling while Traveling
Spirit of Ireland & Scotland Small Group: 13 Days, 12 Days Land 10 Nights
Your Adventure Begins. Today is your flight date from North America, Canada, Australia or New Zealand - Your flight is not included, however we do have an air department that could provide you a quotation. You will cross the Atlantic Ocean tonight enroute to Europe. Please Note: "Day 1" is the published tour date and is the date you will arrange your air travel to depart your home airport. Your Small Group Tour will commence on Itinerary Day 2 upon arrival into Galway, Ireland.
Arrive Shannon, Ireland airport City: Welcome to Galway Upon arrival into Galway, check in to your hotel. if you have arrived early, have no fears. You can drop your bags and set off to wander Galway City's cobble-stoned streets and feel yourself stepping back in time to Medieval Ireland. Known the world over for its friendly people, charming streets, shopping and nightlife, Galway will refresh flagging spirits like no other place. Visit the famous Galway Farmers Market in Church Lane for lots of great Irish delicacies and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Arriving to the Hotel at around 2:30 pm. We will join our guests from the Best of Ireland Tour here. Our hotel is in the city center, so the guests who arrive early have lunch options and things to do. We get everyone checked in and plan for a 5:00 walkabout and/or reception for all to come together. Welcome dinner tonight. Accommodation: "G" Hotel, or similar.
The Cliffs of Moher
Galway Connemara Drive After a wonderful Irish breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver and guide in the lobby as we set out to explore the Connemara area of Ireland. Now we are entering the wild beauty of Connemara, mountains start to rise and there are vast, open, breath-taking spaces in the Maam Valley, a spectacular region that divides up the Maamturk mountains of Connemara. Dropping down into the village of Leenane where the film “The Field” directed by John B. Keane was filmed, Killary Fjord (Ireland’s only fjord) unfolds. Here you can see the salmon and mussel pots floating on the surface of the water where the fish are farmed here. Arriving now at the highlight of the tour, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, one can absorb the tranquil atmosphere while walking in one of Ireland’s most peaceful scenic areas. Returning to Galway in the late afternoon, the balance of the day is your. Optional dinner tonight. Accommodation: "G" Hotel, or similar..
Galway To Killarney The Cliffs of Moher & Ross Castle We depart Galway for Killarney and do the Cliffs of Moher, a sheer precipice that stretches for 5 miles along the Wild Atlantic, on the way. The Cliffs of Moher rise to a height of 668 feet above the Atlantic and is one of the most impressive coastlines in Ireland. In nesting season the cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds. After check in we offer the jaunting carts to Ross lake where we will do a Story exclusive at Ross Castle Ruins. (photo next page) Note: The jaunting carts may be on the following day depending on weather. Dinner included tonight! Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or Similar.
Ross Castle
Killarney & Ring of Kerry Enjoying the Kingdom of Kerry Optional Dining: Join your Tour Captain for dinner.
This morning we’re off to explore some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry from the town of Kenmare. We'll take in a sheep dog demonstration which is quite fascinating. This afternoon enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. For Golfers maybe 18 holes on the Killeen Course at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club or perhaps horseriding a trek through The Killarney National Park. Bikes are available to rent and enjoy a self-guided route along part of the Ring of Kerry. Join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner in this town known for its traditional Irish music and pubs. Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or Similar.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle and Dublin Exploring Blarney Castle & Gardens Included Dinner Tonight: Tonight's dinner is included in Dublin.
Today we head to Dublin with a stop at Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence (some call the gift of Gab) and time to pillage the adjacent woolen mills. Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word “Blarney� was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close, and its surroundings, is a curious place of ancient trees and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of worship in pre-Christian days. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch's Kitchen, Druid's Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll in one of the country's most spectacular gardens. (cont.)
(Day 6 cont.)
Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual trees and plants.There will be time for lunch and shopping at the nearby Blarney Woolen Mill's, the largest in Ireland. Our destination this afternoon is Dublin. Upon arrival we will check in, freshen up and join the Tour Captain for a guided orientation walkabout of your Dublin surroundings.
Welcome to Dublin. Story Way速 Dining: Join the Tour Captain for an included dinner this evening. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin, 2 Nights
Dublin Immersion Today’s Highlights: Trinity College, The Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral Optional Dinner Tonight: Pub Crawl with Tour Captain through Dublin. Visit Brazen Head, Dublin's oldest Pub. After your full Irish breakfast this morning meet the Tour Captain and our expert local guide in the lobby to commence our walking tour exploring the city center. Enjoy an informed and fun perspective of life and history in Ireland’s capital. The walking tour will end at Trinity College Library where we include entrance fees to see the famous Book of Kells. In the afternoon you may choose to visit Kilmainham Gaol, The Guinness Storehouse, The Dublin Writers Museum or any of the great museums and galleries.
Short Flight to Scotland Arrive Edinburgh Included Dining: EDINBURGH WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT, the Story速 Way! Join your Tour Captain for a Welcome Dinner in Edinburgh, Scotland. Exclusive: Tonight, join in a Story速 original experience with our Reception and Welcome from the Tour Captain from one of our classic perspectives ~ unique vantage point to survey Edinburgh in the company of your fellow travelers.
WELCOME ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Edinburgh. You will learn where the major landmarks are located in relation to our hotel, the best ATM machines for exchange rates, and other helpful information for your stay. There will be time to for independent exploration of the Royal Mile or the Georgian New Town before our 7:00 pm welcome reception. Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Light Your Small Group Tour Vacation to Scotland & Ireland is underway! After our reception, we'll walk to our Welcome Dinner in Edinburgh, where you'll taste the finest cuisine from the region.
Edinburgh Castle
Story Way速 Dining: Enjoy our welcome dinner at an exclusive restaurant this evening with your Tour Captain. Our approach to dining is truly unique: We've collected our favorites dishes from the incredible restaurants we visit for each included dinner. No buffets here! Your Tour Captain is there to make sure your dining experience goes smoothly. For the 5 total included dinners, your Tour Captain will select a variety of appetizers, featuring regional cuisine, and will select your wine for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region you're traveling ~ and yes, there is always a Scottish or Irish Beer available. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Royal Mile Hotel, Edinburgh, 2 Nights Special Event in August: Make note, our August departures include a special included evening to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo..
Explore Edinburgh Edinburgh Optional Dining: You may opt to join your Tour Captain tonight for dinner (departs from lobby usually about 7:45pm) or opt to explore on your own throughout Edinburgh.
About the Walking on our Tours We do walk on our small group tours of Scotland & Ireland. We walk a lot, but it's unhurried and there are ample opportunities to sit and relax. You must be physically capable of walking and experiencing the many cobblestone-paths and lanes of Scotland. After a full Scottish breakfast we will meet our Blue Badge guide and driver for our driving/walking tour of Edinburgh's highlights, culminating with the tour of the Edinburgh Castle. Afterwards you will have the rest of the day to explore the many areas of Edinburgh such as the Grass Market area with it many famous pubs and eateries. You can take in the National Museum or the National Galleries or simply take a walk in the beautiful Princes Park. You are invited to join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner tonight, or explore on your own..
Into the Highlands & the West Coast - Oban The Scottish Highlands Included Dining: Join your Tour Captain tonight for dinner at the fantastic Manor House restaurant. .
After breakfast, meet your Tour Captain in the lobby and then board our very comfortable small-group motor coach and greet again our expert driver-guide as we are bound for the Highlands. An amazing day awaits us as we depart this morning at 8:30. We make our way from the city, crossing the Firth of Forth into the Kingdom of Fife, entering Perthshire where we will make a stop in the picturesque Scottish town of Pitlochry for a little coffee and shopping. We will travel deep into the Highlands today passing the village of Dalwhinnie, across the Cairngorm mountains to Ft William, along Loch Linne through Glencoe and on to Oban to our magnificent Manor House for the next two nights. Arriving in the late afternoon we will check in and enjoy the beautiful Loch Feochan right at our doorstep. Story Way速 Dining: Join the Tour Captain for a welcome dinner tonight at this fantastic Manor House restaurant. Accommodation: Knipoch House Hotel or Similar, 2 Nights
Mull & Iona Day Trip The Islands of Mull & Iona Optional Dining: Join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner tonight or explore on your own.
This morning we are off by Ferry to the Islands of Mull and Iona. The Isle of Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland in the council area of Argyll and Bute. Mull is the fourth largest Scottish island and has an area of 338 square miles. The coastline of Mull is almost 300 miles long. The population of Mull, Iona and Ulva is around 1,800 people which is probably doubled in the summer because of the many tourists that visit Mull each year. Much of the population lives in Tobermory, the only burgh on Mull until 1973, and its capital. Traveling through Mull our destination is the small Island of Iona. In 563 Saint Columba, exiled from his native Ireland, founded a monastery on Iona with 12 companions. From Iona they set about the conversion of pagan Scotland and much of northern England to Christianity. Iona’s fame as a place of learning and Christian mission spread throughout Europe. Iona itself is three miles long and a mile and a half long. Iona can be reached by ferry from Fionnphort on Mull and will bring the visitor to Baile Mor which means Big Town. Iona differs much from Mull, there are no tall mountains but instead there are some lovely white beaches. Interesting sites on Iona are Iona Abbey which is home to the St John’s Cross in the Abbey museum, Iona Nunnery, St. Martin's Cross and several other Celtic Crosses. We ferry back to Oban later in the afternoon and take time to enjoy shopping and an optional dinner in town before traveling back to our accommodations for the night. Tonight, join your Tour Captain for an optional dinner in town before traveling back to our accommodation for the night.
Stirling Castle
Stirling To Stirling & all things Braveheart Included Dining: Join your Tour Captain for a farewell to Scotland dinner.
This morning we depart this beautiful part of Scotland only to experience more amazing scenery as we travel along the fabled Loch Lomond in route to Stirling. We will make our way to the home of Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to tour the Castle. In the distance you will see the monument erected to Sir William, The Wallace Monument. We spend our last night in Scotland in the fabled city. Tonight is our special gathering and farewell to Scotland dinner. Stirling Castle A great symbol of Scottish national pride, Stirling Castle has been named one of Europe's iconic sights. Enter the world of Scotland's Renaissance, with many castle highlights, museums, and characters of the palace dressed in the roles of kings and queens. The guide experience at Stirling is strictly controlled, but we've worked it out so that you have the very best available. Of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Scotland's Freedom Heroes What a oratorical experience you are about to have at Stirling: an adventure in history presented by the best of Scotland's guides takes us through the high points of Scotland's dramatic quest for independence. Included Story Way速 Dining: Enjoy a farewell to Scotland dinner tonight with the Tour Captain. Accommodation: Hotel Colessio, 1 Night
Departure Day Good Travels! Opt for our Edinburgh Airport Departure. ## Tour Ends ## Other extensions also available. Please enquire with Reservations. To reach us by telephone, call toll free 1-877-865-6711 Story Land & Sea速 ## Tour Ends ##
We also feature Small Group Tours to Italy ~ Visit us online at www.StoryLandSea.com
Small Group Tour Information YOUR DELUXE TRUE SMALL-GROUP TOUR INCLUDES:
~ All Breakfast with coffee, juice, tea and bottled water. ~ 5 dining “events” included with regional wine and cuisine. Welcome Dinner in Galway kicks off the tour, and Farewell Dinner in Stirling caps with the perfect finale experience. ~ Baggage handling, hotel taxes, hotel service charges (items of a personal nature not included). ~ Gratuities are included for your Local Guides and Drivers. (Customary gratuities for your Tour Captain are not included and should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis. )
~ Wireless headsets to hear your guide clearly and distinctly in select public places – select itineraries. ~ Deluxe, air-conditioned mini-coaches with panoramic windows and comfortable seating. ~ Certain departures include Class Rail Travel with Reserved Seats. ~ Services of Tour Captain and authorized ® local Story Land & Sea Certified Guides. ~ Quality hotel properties with private baths, and non-smoking rooms.
~ All Sightseeing and Admissions described in itinerary
13 Days Round-Trip Air (not included), 12 Days Land, 10 Nights Hotel Accommodations. Extend your tour with 4 days, 3 nights to London or other exciting destinations. Inquire with reservations.
Walking Tour: We walk a lot on this trip. This tour is designed to immerse yourself in the life and history of the destinations. In order to achieve this, we walk at a leisurely, enjoyable pace.
Tour Begins: Shannon, Ireland. Optional Arrival Transfer is available. Please inquire with reservations: We will pick you up at the Shannon Airport and transfer you to our hotel in Galway.
Dates & Rates: Tour price is per person based on double occupancy. Solo supplement applies for a private room to yourself. Triple occupancy is available at double occupancy per person rate.
Tour Ends: Stirling, Scotland. Optional Departure Transfer is available. From Stirling hotel to Edinburgh Airport. Inquire with reservations.