Collette > Ireland and Scotland

Ireland and Scotland
13 Days starting from $2,449

Countries Visited:
Ireland, Scotland

 

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3428
   
 
About This Tour


Explore the Celtic cultures, ancient castles, and lively pubs of beautiful Ireland and Scotland. Begin in Dublin, where you will enjoy a jovial evening of traditional Irish cuisine and music and see the world-famous St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city's trademark rows of Georgian town homes. Traveling through central Ireland, visit Belleek Pottery, internationally known for its highly decorative Parian China. Continue on to Donegal Town, where you can browse the many craft and woolen shops of the town square. A short journey brings you to the spectacular Glenveagh National Park, where Glenveagh Castle sits within 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and woodland. In historic Derry, a walking tour features the magnificent medieval city walls, St. Augustine's Cathedral, and the Guildhall. En route to Belfast, see Northern Ireland's magnificent Giant's Causeway which resembles a cobbled road leading into the sea. And of course, you can't leave Ireland without visiting the oldest distillery in the world to learn the art of making Irish whiskey and participate in a tasting! A ferry carries you across the sparkling sea to Scotland, the land of kilts and bagpipes. Explore the regal capital of Edinburgh, where you'll see the 11th century Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels. On the mystical Isle of Iona, you will see Iona Abbey, the birthplace of Scottish Christianity and burial place of early Scottish Kings. You'll also enjoy a delightful sheep dog demonstration and learn about the country's agricultural industry. Finally, visit the magnificent Stirling Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
11 Breakfast(s), 8 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

DUBLINMcEniff Grand Canal Hotel
BUNDORANGreat Northern Hotel
DERRYGreat Southern City Hotel
BELFASTEuropa Hotel
EDINBURGHThe George Hotel
OBANOban Caledonian Hotel
FALKIRKMacdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Begin your journey through the history, culture and scenic wonders of Scotland and Ireland with an overnight flight.

Day 2
Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Scotland’s regal capital city, Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3
Edinburgh
The beauty and charm of Edinburgh comes to life during a locally guided tour of the city. Visits are included to the majestic Edinburgh Castle - home of the Scottish crown jewels - and the famous Palace of Holyroodhouse (except when the Queen is in residence), which was once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. On a free afternoon you can shop along Princes Street or perhaps visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums.

Day 4
Edinburgh - Stirling - Oban
This morning you depart Edinburg for Stirling Castle. First erected 900 years ago, the castle was formerly the royal residence for the House of Stewart where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543. Next, travel through the Scottish countryside where the famous Scotsman, Rob Roy, came of age in the 16th century. Your next stop gives you the opportunity to learn about Scottish farm life with a fascinating and delightful sheep dog demonstration (weather permitting). Continue to Oban, a charming port town known as the “Gateway to the Western Isles.”

Day 5
Oban - Isle of Mull - Iona - Oban
A ferry crossing brings you to the Isle of Mull. Behold spectacular landscapes as you travel toward Fionnphort, where a passenger ferry takes you to the mystical Isle of Iona. Enjoy a visit to Iona Abbey*, the birthplace of Scottish Christianity and burial place of early Scottish kings. Upon your return to Mull, stop at Duart Castle** and enjoy a guided visit of the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean of Duart. Return by ferry to Oban this evening.

Day 6
Oban - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Troon
Begin your day with a stop in the beautiful town of Inveraray with its Georgian architecture, white painted walls, flowing arches and “chocolate-box” castle. Next, travel through the beautiful Trossachs National Park before enjoying a delightful scenic cruise on Loch Lomond, subject of Andrew Lang''s song, "The Bonnie Banks O'' Loch Lomond." Continue to the coastal resort of Troon where you will take in unobstructed views of the lovely Isle of Arran. Your hotel is adjacent to the world-famous Old Course at Royal Troon, host to the Open Golf Championship which is typically held every seven years. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal and a ceilidh (a social gathering with traditional music, dancing and storytelling).

Day 7
Troon - Ferry Crossing - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Depart Troon this morning*** and embark on a journey to the Scottish port of Stranraer. Bid farewell to Scotland as you board a high-speed ferry that will carry you across the sea to Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast. This evening, enjoy a visit to the Cultúrlann McAdam O’Fiaich - an Irish language arts and community center supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. The Cultúrlann is headquartered in West Belfast, which suffered greatly during many years of political strife. This groundbreaking program is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ireland’s underprivileged children and the revitalization of Northern Ireland.

Day 8
Belfast - Antrim Coast - Giant’s Causeway - Glens of Antrim - Belfast
This morning, enjoy a locally guided tour of Belfast''s many sights. Next, venture along Northern Ireland’s stunning Antrim Coastal Route. Stop to visit the most famous natural sight in Northern Ireland, the wondrous Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Return to Belfast traveling along the scenic back roads of the Antrim Glens.

Day 9
Belfast - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry
Travel to Derry where a local guide leads you on a walking tour of the "Maiden City" featuring the medieval city walls, St. Augustine''s Cathedral and the Guildhall. This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Inishowen Peninsula. Continuing on through Malin village, you will arrive at Malin Head, Ireland''s northernmost point with its beautiful panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. Return to Derry via the Slieve Snaght hills.

Day 10
Derry - Donegal County - Bundoran, Republic of Ireland
Today’s journey showcases the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Visit the spectacular Glenveagh National Park, a natural wonderland with over 40,000 acres of mountains, lakes and woodland. Enjoy a guided visit to the Scottish-styled Glenveagh Castle, set amidst the natural, colorful splendor of one of the finest gardens in Ireland. Next, visit Belleek Pottery, internationally known for its highly decorative Parian China. Later this afternoon, cross the border into the Republic of Ireland en route to the beautiful coastal resort town of Bundoran.

Day 11
Bundoran - Dublin
Travel through central Ireland to Strokestown Park, where you will visit the Famine Museum documenting the hardships experienced by tenant farmers during the Great Irish Famine. This afternoon, discover why Dublin is referred to as the "Fair City" during a locally guided tour highlighting its many attractions. Visit the world-renowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes, a Dublin trademark.

Day 12
Dublin
Today is at leisure for you to further explore Dublin''s delightful atmosphere and cultural treasures. Consider a trip to Trinity College, home of the magnificent Old Library, as well as the famous 8th-century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an Irish Night, a memorable experience featuring great local cuisine and traditional Irish entertainment.

Day 13
Dublin - Tour Ends
This morning your unforgettable journey through Scotland and Ireland comes to a close in Dublin.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
11/1/2008 - 11/13/2008
$2,449
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3/21/2009 - 4/2/2009
$2,449
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4/18/2009 - 4/30/2009
$2,549
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5/16/2009 - 5/28/2009
$2,849
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6/20/2009 - 7/2/2009
$2,849
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8/8/2009 - 8/20/2009
$3,099
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9/12/2009 - 9/24/2009
$2,849
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9/19/2009 - 10/1/2009
$2,849
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10/17/2009 - 10/29/2009
$2,749
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11/7/2009 - 11/19/2009
$2,599
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3/6/2010 - 3/18/2010
$2,599
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4/10/2010 - 4/22/2010
$2,699
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Package Notes:
Groups arriving into Edinburgh between August 1-23 will be provided with tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show.
Due to tour scheduling return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 AM.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
*In the event that the passenger ferry to Iona does not operate due to inclement weather, a visit to the island capital of Tobermory will be substituted.
**Duart Castle is included from May to October only, and this is reflected in the tour price.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers who bought air from the tour operator will depart from Glasgow airport in Scotland. All transfers from the tour operator will depart from Drymen for the Glasgow airport.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

This tour includes Dublin, Derry, Belfast, Edinburgh, Oban, and more.
Explore centuries of Celtic culture and tradition on this program devoted to Ireland and Scotland.
Experience the rugged natural beauty of Donegal and Glenveagh National Park.
See the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, along the northeast coast of Ireland.
Enjoy a scenic cruise on beautiful Loch Lomond and see its numerous islands.
Visit Iona Abbey - where the Book of Kells was produced, and where many early kings from Scotland and Ireland are buried.

Package Notes:
Groups arriving into Edinburgh between August 1-23 will be provided with tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show.
Due to tour scheduling return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 AM.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
*In the event that the passenger ferry to Iona does not operate due to inclement weather, a visit to the island capital of Tobermory will be substituted.
**Duart Castle is included from May to October only, and this is reflected in the tour price.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Air passengers who bought air from the tour operator will depart from Glasgow airport in Scotland. All transfers from the tour operator will depart from Drymen for the Glasgow airport.
Itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
   
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