Spirit of Ireland & Scotland… (trip)
Spirit of Ireland & Scotland Small Group Tour
- Ireland, Scotland, and United Kingdom
- Culture & Nature
| from $5,279* per person | 13 Days | May-October |
| Luxury accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Story Land & Sea® | 16 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom
0 testimonials about this trip.
1 testimonial about the provider, Story Land & Sea®:
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Reviewer: Laurie P
located in
Cortland,
NY
USA
There were absolutely no financial surprises on this trip! We booked the Deluxe package and added the Amalfi Extension. We came a day early, and stayed a day late…and are super glad that we made both of those decisions. Other additions that we added were transfers to/from the airports, the Uffizi in Florence, ferry to Capri, Pompei guided tour, and our flights. All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners were included in our cost. On the included dining nights appetizers were ordered for the table, and then we each ordered from the menu. The wine and limoncello flowed freely all night, and I never saw any attempt to slow it down. Most nights that we did not have an included dinner our tour captain invited us to join her for dinner at our own costs. Generally we went, as did many others in our group. Mark Story, the owner of Queenslander oversees a very organized/logically planned program. All of our hotels (details later) were in the center of the action and very lovely. All luggage was moved seamlessly from place to place.The earliest time we left in the morning was 8AM…very different from other tour companies that I had researched. A few times during our travels it rained, and Queenslander picked up the taxi cost. The tour had a great blend of included tour time, and free time to explore on our own. Generally hubby took a one hour nap every night before dinner to reenergize!!We had a slight problem when QLT booked our flights and a spelling error occurred. It was caught immediately by Queenslander, but Air Canada would not deal with it until 72 hours before travel. (We had booked last December). 72 hours prior Ron Gholston had to end up rebooking the entire flight for a change fee of almost $400. Queenslander paid that without a question, and Ron handled everything very professionally. This was the type of customer service that we encountered every time we contacted Queenslander.Jodie Hedrick was our Tour Captain. There were only 16 of us in the group. We all came from very diverse backgrounds and got along famously. Jodie was such a caring, knowledgeable person, and was gifted at working with many different personalities. Everyone felt very special on this trip. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel with such a travel enthusiast. Her enthusiasm was infectious.VENICE: This was our favorite city of the trip. Private water taxi was the transfer, with a greeter to meet us at the airport. We stayed at Hotel Saturnia & International. We had a huge room. The hotel is very close to Piazza San Marco. Included tours: Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Basillica San Marco, Gondola Ride, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and a water taxi to visit of the Island of Murano. In addition, we independently visited the Campanile, the Opera House, the amazing Rialto market, and walked miles and miles getting lost in Venice and loving every second of our experience!!FLORENCE: We arrived via the Silver Bullet fasttrain. Our hotel was Helvetia & Bristol which was a quick walk to the Duomo. Included tours: Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia (David…the most impressive thing I have ever seen!!), and the Basillica di Santa Croce. Independently we went to the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and the Market.CORTONA and the Tuscany Region: We traveled here by small bus and stopped at San Gimignano for a few hours. This is a very cute, medieval town, but it rained our entire stay. Independently we did the Church of Santa Maria. We had an included lunch at Castello della Paneretta; a winery that included wine tasting. The Cortona hotel was our favorite hotel of the trip. We stayed at the Villa Marsili. Stunningly gorgeous, and we had a very large room.ROME: We traveled to Rome by small bus, stopping in Assisi for a few hours along the way. We visited the St. Francis Basillica. Our hotel in Rome was Grand Hotel de la Minerve. It was located 10 yards from the Basilica of Maria Sopra Minerva, and 100 yards from the Pantheon (we visited both independently) Included tours: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiore, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel. We also walked to see the Castel Sant’Angelo at night from the bridge. Beautiful!SORRENTO and the Amalfi Coast: This gorgeous area of Italy was our favorite area of the trip. We loved the food in southern Italy the most, although all of the food was great throughout our vacation. We drove the Amalfi Coast Highway (the “Mama Mia” Highway-so named for its very winding curves.) Our stay here was at the beautiful Hotel BelAir which is literally cut into the cliffs, so the views are absolutely amazing. Free view of Mt. Vesuvius every morning from the balcony! We took the ferry to Capri for the day. Luckily while we were waiting for the ferry, a gentleman by the name of Salvatore Cioffi offered to guide us on the island for a fee. This was worth every penny, and without his help we would have spent a lot of time wandering aimlessly around. His private transportation took us to Anacapri so we could ride the chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro. Stunning, and one of those “Wow” experiences. I highly recommend his tour services if you want to see this island in its totality. We also spent the morning at Pompei.Overall, we had the time of our lives on this celebrating retirement vacation. No company is perfect, but Queenslander is very close. The only discussion I heard from anyone throughout the trip was the comparison of individual hotel rooms. I believe everyone was happy with the hotels themselves, but some guests had suites, and some had smaller rooms than others, and it actually was quite simply the luck of the draw. The hotels themselves are limited in types of rooms available for groups. This really is not a Queenslander problem, but worth mentioning that guests will all have individually different rooms, and some rooms will be better than others.Queenslander Tours are worth the money spent in my opinion. Generally you get what you pay for, and I am so happy we made the decision to book with Queenslander. I’ll be happy to answer any questions about our trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bound for Ireland
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.
Protect Your Vacation: We very much encourage trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: 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 at your leisure.
Optional dinner tonight.
Accommodation: "G" Hotel, or similar.
Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher
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.
Note: The jaunting carts may be on the following day depending on weather.
Dinner included tonight!
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or Similar.
Day 5: 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 horse-riding 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.
Day 6: 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. 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® Dining: Join the Tour Captain for an included dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin, 2 Nights
Day 7: 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.
Optional dining tonight with your Tour Captain or explore at leisure.
Day 8: Arrive Edinburgh
Included Dining: EDINBURGH WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT, the Story® Way! Join your Tour Captain for a Welcome Dinner in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Exclusive: Tonight, join in a Story® 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.
Story Way® 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.
Day 9: 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.
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Day 10: 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® Dining: Join the Tour Captain for a welcome dinner tonight at this fantastic Manor House restaurant.
Accommodation: Knipoch House Hotel or Similar, 2 Nights
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Day 11: 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.
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Day 12: 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® Dining: Enjoy a farewell to Scotland dinner tonight with the Tour Captain.
Accommodation: Hotel Colessio, 1 Night
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Departure Day 13: Good Travels!
Opt for our Edinburgh Airport Departure.
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Other extensions also available. Please enquire with Reservations.
To reach us by telephone, call toll free 1-877-865-6711
Story Land & Sea®
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