Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Newark International Airport on Continental Airlines at 8pm
 
Day 2

Arrive into Edinburgh Airport at 7.45am. Collect our luggage and pass through customs and onto the Arrivals Hall where we will meet our driver/guide and the one and only Seamus Kennedy. We will travel the short distance to our hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh city, to relax or go explore the city on foot. Overnight: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh (B, D)
 
Day 3

    After our first Scottish breakfast a local guide will meet us this morning for a tour of Edinburgh including Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Queen's official Scottish residence Holyroodhouse. The tour will end at Edinburgh Castle. The afternoon will be at our leisure. Visit the historic castle on our own or perhaps a little shopping or sample some fine Scotch whisky in the Scottish Whiskey Center. A music session with Seamus tonight after dinner either in our hotel or a local pub. Overnight: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh (B, D)
 
Day 4

Leaving Edinburgh, we will travel north. Visit the mighty Stirling Castle, captured from the English by William Wallace and again by Robert the Bruce. Then on to the bustling market town of Perth on the River Tay. Some time here for lunch and independent exploration of the city's streets and colorful public gardens. It also has excellent shopping and galleries. Our next stop will be Tomatin for a guided tour of the distillery, established in 1897, where we'll enjoy a dram of Tomatin single malt!
And maybe a wee session in the Hootenanny Pub tonight…you never know. Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (B, D)
 
Day 5

After breakfast, travel the short distance to the Culloden Visitor Center. Walk around the battlefield where, on April 16, 1746, British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and his hopes to restore the Stuarts to the British throne. Here, Seamus will sing songs about the battle and Prince Charlie's subsequent exile. Onward to Cawdor Castle & Gardens, dating from the late 14th century, with three stunning gardens, the Walled Garden, the Flower Garden and the Wild Garden. Return to Inverness. Overnight Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (B, D) Overnight: Kingsmill Hotel, Inverness (B, D)
 
Day 6

Leaving the Highlands behind us we will journey south. At Fort Augustus, a short cruise on Loch Ness for beautiful scenery and a possible monster-sighting, and on through Fort William to stop at Spean Bridge Woollen Mills, which offer a good selection of quality Scottish goods. At Glencoe Seamus will sing the moving song about the Campbell massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, and at the beautiful Loch Lomond, hear him sing the lovely ballad of the same name. Arriving in Glasgow, we'll drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers and nearby Glasgow Cathedral. After dinner in our hotel dining room, how about some music with Seamus and one of his Scottish musical friends? Overnight: Jurys Hotel, Glasgow (B, D)
   
 Day 7

This morning depart Glasgow and drive south through the Southern Uplands and along the coastline. Take a ferry ride across the narrow channel between Scotland and Ireland. Arrive in Larne, just outside Belfast. Travel south to Newry. Time to freshen up or do some exploring on our own before dinner. Overnight: Canal Court Hotel, Newry (B, D)
 
Day 8
Our first stop today will be at Navan Fort just outside Armagh, perhaps the most venerable ancient monument in Northern Ireland. It can be identified with virtual certainty as Émain Macha was the seat of the ancient kings of Ulster,and here lived the mythical hero Cú Chulainn before going out to face the army of Queen Maeve. We'll visit Armagh Cathedral in the heart of the Ecclesiastical Capital on the hilltop where St Patrick built the first stone Church in 445. Onward to Downpatrick, the burial place of St. Patrick, St. Columba and St. Bridget. Tour the St. Patrick Center where a series of interactive displays we help us better understand St. Patrick's history and his legacy. Return to our hotel in Newry. After dinner enjoy a bit of 'craic' with Seamus. Overnight: Canal Court Hotel, Newry (B)
 
Day 9

    After breakfast, we'll go south into the Boyne Valley to the Brú Na Bóinne Visitor Center (11am) where we will learn about the fascinating Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. We'll tour the site at Knowth a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. There will be time here for lunch on our own. We will stop briefly (but remain on bus) at site of the Battle of the Boyne. . Our next stop just outside of Drogheda is the Battle of the Boyne Center. Learn about the 1690 conflict between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II for dominance over the British throne and religious power in Ireland.Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (B, D)
 
Day 10
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour around Dublin City. You will see elegant Georgian squares and houses, colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Next a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, which was built in 1796 and closed as an active prison in 1924; now it houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism. Take a guided tour of Trinity College, one of the oldest centers of learning, dating to the 16th century, and see the renowned illuminated manuscript from the 9th century the Book of Kells. The afternoon and evening will be free to explore Dublin on our own. Ask Seamus about what pubs to visit. He might even grab his guitar and take you to a good one. Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (B)
 
Day 11
Today you may choose to spend the day at your leisure in the city or join our fellow travelers for an afternoon trip to the enchanting Powerscourt House & Gardens. The finest designed gardens in Ireland set to dramatic effect at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Bring your camera for some terrific nature shots. Some time to relax before dinner and your final night of entertainment with Seamus Party Piece Time!! Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (B, D)    
 
Day 12

This morning depart Dublin Airport. There will be some time to shop in the Duty Free before boarding our flight home. Depart Dublin on Continental Airlines at 9am. Arrive into Newark International Airport at 11.25am approx. (B)

More information from Isle Inn Tours :

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips