The Best of Scotland and Ireland

We begin our Celtic adventure in Edinburgh, meeting at our hotel where we spend the first night. The heart of this monumental city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, and award-winning modern architecture. Until the late 18th century Edinburgh consisted mainly of what is known as the Old Town, including the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. The wide neoclassical streets, buildings and gardens of the New Town were designed in the Georgian period. Besides its fascinating history, the city offers incredible views, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a vibrant culture.

• Dinner

We take the train to Inverness, a city nestled at the north end of the Great Glen where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth. Known as the 'gateway to the Highlands', the city boasts a handsome sandstone castle, thriving culinary scene, and warm and welcoming locals - as well as a fantastic location. We get a taste of Scotland with a visit to the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting, before checking into our hotel for two nights.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a journey to Kyle of Lochalsh on the wonderful Kyle Line, a journey that takes us through stunning Highland scenery. Here, we visit the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, nestled on a tiny island in Loch Duich and joined to the mainland by a small and elegant bridge. The photogenic castle is a popular tourist icon in Scotland, and has been used in many films. Next, we continue to Fort Augustus where we enjoy an entertaining 'Clansman Show'. We learn about the culture of the Highlands of old, discovering how families lived, dressed and survived here.

• Breakfast

We transfer to Mallaig this morning, stopping to admire the excellent views over Glenfinnan Viaduct, a historic viaduct which featured in three of the 'Harry Potter' movies. There's some free time before we board the iconic Jacobite Steam Train and travel to Fort William, our base for the night. Recapturing a golden era of steam rail travel for a new generation of visitors and enthusiasts, the Jacobite Steam Train was introduced in 1984 and takes us through beautiful scenery, passing dramatic mountains, skirting the shores of lochs and winding past quaint villages and railway stations.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We re-join the wonderful West Highland Line for a journey to the vibrant city of Glasgow, an epic rail adventure that takes us through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. We watch from the comfort of the carriages as the scenery outside the window changes dramatically, with the rugged Highlands giving way to the modern metropolis of one of Scotland's largest cities. Once in Glasgow, we're treated to a delicious afternoon tea at a local tea room before checking into our hotel.

• Breakfast
• Afternoon tea

We bid farewell to Scotland today. We travel to Cairnryan then board the ferry to Belfast, taking a guided coach tour of the city on arrival. Birthplace of the RMS Titanic, and standing on the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast is Northern Ireland's capital city and has a rich industrial heritage. After getting to know the city, we check into our hotel for the next two nights.

* Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We visit the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a stunning natural tunnel of beech trees that's one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. We continue to Ballycastle where there's some time for lunch. Later, we enjoy a visit to Giant's Causeway, one of Northern Ireland's most beloved attractions. Here, perfectly hexagonal columns of basalt rock rise from the sea and we have plenty of time to admire this iconic natural sight.

• Breakfast

Today we visit Hillsborough Castle, an official government residence and the spot where Queen Elizabeth II resided while visiting Northern Ireland. Enjoy some time to look around the glorious royal residence, set within 100 acres of gorgeous gardens of meticulous ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and gently trickling waterways. Later, we take a coach to Dublin, crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland. Here, we board the train to Cork, where we check into our hotel for the night.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We explore Ireland's most famous castle today, Blarney Castle. The castle's most renowned attraction is the Blarney Stone. Also known as the Stone of Eloquence, anyone kissing the stone is said to be given the 'gift of the gab'. There's also a selection of beautiful gardens in the castle's extensive grounds to explore. This evening, we're treated to a holiday highlight as we're whisked off to watch a Celtic Steps show, a lively performance of traditional Irish music and dance.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We take a coach trip around part of the stunning Ring of Kerry, taking in some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery in the whole of Europe. The route around the Ring of Kerry is 112 miles in its entirety and passes through picturesque villages and breathtaking natural scenery. We pay a visit to the Kerry Bog Village Museum to learn more about Ireland's rural heritage, before taking a trip back in time with a ride on Killarney's Jaunting Cars, a traditional mode of transport here since the early 19th century.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We transfer to Tarbet, crossing to Killimer by ferry. Here, we visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most iconic natural attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Puffins and razorbills nest in the cliffs, while dolphins and sharks can often be spotted in the sea. We continue to the Burren Centre, a fascinating visitor centre, where we learn more about the local history.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel by rail to Dublin, where there's free time to discover the colourful city. With its myriad of cultural offerings, historical monuments and famed entertainment scene, Dublin is one of Europe's finest cities, brimming with things to see and do. You could visit the Trinity College Library, Ireland's largest library, to see the Book of Kells. Or maybe discover St Patrick's Cathedral, which was founded in 1191 and has the title of the National Cathedral of Ireland. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys Pub, the perfect way to end our explorations.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, where our tour comes to an end.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

• Breakfast