Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Highlights Ireland & Scotlandof

DONEGAL DONEGAL 1

Loch Ness 1

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Glencoe Pitlochry

Loch Lomond

GLASGOW GLASGOW 1 2

St Andrews

EDINBURGH

Giant’s Causeway SCOTLAND

Derry~ Londonderry 2

BELFAST BELFAST

Check off all the travel highlights on this in-depth Scotland and Ireland trip, filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you’re hopping across the mythical stones of the Giant’s Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.

Westport

Kylemore Abbey Cong

GALWAY GALWAY 2

IRELAND N.IRE

1

DUBLIN DUBLIN

YOUR MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS

EXPLORE Dublin, Derry_Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh with Local Specialists. DISCOVER Galway and Glasgow. VISIT Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Kylemore Abbey, Westport, Donegal, the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, a Whisky Distillery, Pitlochry and Edinburgh Castle. VIEW the 18th hole at St Andrews. SEE Ailsa Craig.

INCLUDED EXTRAS

Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 | FÁILTE TO DUBLIN

You’re in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland’s whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the ‘Emerald Isle’ and Scotland. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. (WR) Hotel: The Samuel

DAY 2 | JOURNEY TO HARBORSIDE GALWAY

Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for this and more as you’ll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s iconic sights, tumultuous history and even a few hidden gems. Tread in the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, James Joyce and Bono as you pound the cobbled pavements in search of Dublin’s many stories. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbor city of Galway. (B) Hotel: Maldron Sandy Road

DAY 3 | ADMIRE STUNNING CONNEMARA

Connemara’s ‘savage beauty’ takes center stage on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green that once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you’ll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made. (B)

DAY 4 | ONWARDS TO DONEGAL

See first-hand why the rugged beauty of Cong was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne’s award-winning The Quiet Man. Connect With Locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm on a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts – Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly-whipped cream and jam. Continue to Donegal – the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. (B,BMG) Hotel: Central

DAY 5 | VENTURE TO DERRY~LONDONDERRY & BELFAST

Start your day with a visit to Derry~Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along its ancient walls. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to Giant’s Causeway. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience here will help to conserve this iconic landmark. Continue to Belfast, your home for the next two nights. (B) Hotel: AC by Marriott

DAY 6 | DISCOVER COLORFUL BELFAST

Explore Northern Ireland’s trendy capital today, starting with a visit to Titanic Belfast, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship. Your Local Specialist will join you for a sightseeing tour through the city. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure or perhaps consider joining a Local Specialist ‘Cabbie’ who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. (B)

Blair Athol Distillery

On this trip, there are highlights for all the senses. There are spectacular sights to see, the history of ancient buildings to feel, the salt-air of coastal towns to smell and tales of Pirate Queens to hear. And to taste? How about a wee dram of 12 yearold single malt at Pitlochry’s famous Blair Athol distillery? There’s no better way to learn all about the world’s finest and smoothest Scotch whisky.

VACATION PLANNER

11 DAYS | 14 MEALS

START: Dublin END: Edinburgh CODE: BHIS

2023 Departures Apr 01,08,15,22,29 May 06,13,20,27 Jun 03,10,17,24 Jul 01,08,15,22,29 ● Aug 05 ● ,12● ,19,26 Sep 02,09,16,23,30 Oct 07

● Edinburgh Tattoo 4-26 August 2023: We’ve included Tattoo tickets when you’re in Edinburgh during these dates. See the

Edinburgh Military Tattoo panel on page 102 for further details.

WANT TO TRAVEL IN 2024?

If you’re looking even further ahead, this trip departs every Saturday from April to October 2024. Visit our website for dates and prices.

Hairy Coo

DAY 7 | CROSS THE IRISH SEA TO GLASGOW

Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. (B)

Hotel: Maldron

DAY 8 | UNCOVER LOCH NESS & THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a ‘Glen of Weeping’. Then, on to Fort William before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. (B,D)

Hotel: Highlander

Please Note: Hotels in the Scottish Highlands are generally simpler establishments typical of the region.

DAY 9 | CONTINUE TO ELEGANT EDINBURGH

It’s never too early for a wee dram when you travel the wilds of Scotland. Your day begins with a visit to Pitlochry and to a whisky distillery where you’ll Dive into Culture and learn how Scotland’s golden goodness is made. Continue to the home of golfing gods, St Andrews. You’ll view its famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh. Tickets to see the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates. (B) Hotel: Novotal Edinburgh Park

DAY 10 | EXPLORE EDINBURGH

Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through the medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades. See the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own before joining your travel companions for a rousing Farewell Dinner to toast your memorable journey together. (B,FD)

DAY 11 | JOURNEY HOME

Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your vacation has sadly come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at brendanvacations.com/transfers. (B)