IRELAND ITINERARY
Day 1 - Edinburgh to Portstewart
Leaving Edinburgh and heading through Scotland’s Largest city Glasgow, travel down the beautiful Ayrshire coast to the ferry at Troon. Whilst crossing the Irish Sea sail past the beautiful Isle of Arran, the famous Mull of Kintyre and the distinctive volcanic plug, Ailsa Craig before arriving at the port of Larne in Ireland.
Hear about the dramatic history of this Island before visiting and taking in the views from Belfast Castle. Visit murals in both Unionist and Republican areas of the city and learn about ‘The Troubles’ that have shaped the political landscape of Northern Ireland. Its then North to the stunning beaches and coastline of County Antrim. Hear Celtic mythology at the world famous Giants Causeway, it’s then the short journey to scenic Portstewart passing the impressive Dunluce Castle.
Day 2- Portstewart to Donegal
Starting with a dramatic morning walk through Downhill, the ruined home of the Bishop of Derry enjoy some beach football before heading to Northern Ireland’s second city – one of the finest preserved walled cities in Europe - Derry. Visit the sites of ‘the Seige of Derry’ and the infamous ‘Bloody Sunday’, before a relaxed pub lunch. Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland, travel through the Hills of Donegal towards the west coast and our destination for the night - the lovely Donegal town.
Day 3- Donegal to Clifden
Hear about the “wee folk” and make a wish at the faerie bridges whilst watching the surfers catch the North Atlantic swell at Bundoran. See the landscape that inspired the writings of W.B. Yates at Glencar Lake and waterfall. In Sligo, overlooked by the ancient and legendary Queen Maeve’s Tomb, hear of Ireland’s darkest days at the moving famine graveyard before visiting The National Famine Memorial in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, where legend has it that Saint Patrick cast the snakes out of Ireland. Spend the night in picturesque Clifden surrounded by the stunning hills and mountains of Connamara.
Day 4- Clifden to Doolin
After a walk past standing stones to the coastal ruin of Clifden Castle head round the bay in the shadow of the impressive 12 pin mountains to Galway - Ireland’s fastest growing city and explore the lively pubs, streets and shops. Then its off to the pretty market town of Athenry, as featured in the famous song, and a picnic by the castle and abbey. Back to the coast and a chance to try the popular mead at Dunguire Castle. Stop in the unique rocky landscape of the Burren, before getting dizzy looking over the Cliffs of Moher and settling into Doolin - arguably the folk music capital of Ireland.
Day 5- Doolin to Dublin
See the gifts and messages left at St. Bridget’s Shrine and the famous names on the ‘signature tree’ before heading through the heart of Ireland and crossing the longest river in the British Isles - the Shannon. It’s then on 
to Dublin the capital and Ireland’s biggest city and a chance to visit it’s many attractions including the Guinness factory, Kilmainham Jail, the many art galleries and museums, and of course the pubs of lively temple bar.
Day 6- Dublin to Edinburgh
Take the morning to explore the city (or recover) before heading up over the river Boyne scene of the most well known battle in Irish history. It’s then over the border and a visit to the beautiful town of Hillsborough, the official residence of the British Monarchy in Northern Ireland and also home to an impressive fort. Go through Belfast on the way to the port of Larne to catch the ferry back to Scotland.
SCOTLAND ITINERARY
3 amazing days in the Highlands, and 3 days on the islands of Skye, Harris & Lewis. Loch Ness, Braveheart country, Glencoe, Highland castles, stunning mountains and glens, history and legends, mystic stone circles, some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wilderness, and ancient Island culture.
Day 1:
L
eaving Edinburgh we head straight up to the Highlands via Stirling and the Trossachs forests (“Braveheart Country”). Hear all about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor. Then it’s into magnificent Glencoe (the massacre of Clan MacDonald) and beautiful Glenshiel, and up to Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) – you’ll hear all the history and legends, with plenty of time off the bus.
Day 2:
A day to explore the magical Isle of Skye! We start off with a fantastic seafood & seal cruise with local fisherman Neil. Once on the Isle you will take in the Cuillin Mountains, Lealt Falls, stunning Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Later on this evening we will take the stunning ferry journey over to the Isle of Harris where we will spend the evening on the south part of the island at An Botham.
Day 3:
The morning will be spent on Harris checking out Rodel Church, great coastal walks and some of the best beaches (yes, we have beaches!), in the world. Then we make our way up into Lewis and over to the west coast where an amazing original Blackhouse (renovated for comfort!) is our home for the next 2 nights.
Day 4:
A great day on Lewis with time spent at a recently discovered Iron Age fort, the amazing 4,000 year old Callanais Standing Stones (second only to Stonehenge), exploring the ancient Brochs (fortified dwelling houses) of the Hebrides and witnessing the traditional making of Harris tweed! Then if we have enough energy left late afternoon (of course we will!) there is a superb coastal walk to Dalmore bay, next to the Blackhouse.
Day 5:
This morning you will have time to spend in Stornoway, the capital of Lewis, before taking the ferry back to the mainland. Then its destination Loch Ness, stopping at the wild CorrieshallochGorge and the rambling Rogie Falls. The hostel we stay at is within walking distance of the infamous Loch (so midnight strolls to Urqhart castle are feasible!)
Day 6:
A full day, with time at Loch Ness before heading to tragic Culloden Battlefield. Then its southwards for a walk in Perthshire and a visit to Edradour Whisky Distillery (Scotland’s smallest distillery). Finally, back to Edinburgh, tired and happy Scotland fans
