TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Dublin, Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher

• Blarney Castle

• Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

• Waterford Crystal Factory

• Historic Trinity College

• 14 Meals Included

• Top Quality Accommodations

• St. Andrews

• Ireland and Scotland Historical Tour

• Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe - Amazing Scenery

• Nights in: Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh

RATES PER PERSON

*Flights Included:
Double: $7,400
Single: $8,400

INCLUDED IN TOUR

• Professional tour director

• Professional motor coach driver

• All flights and transfers

• Local departures

• Step on guides for city tours

• Top quality accommodations – 4 Star and above

• Luxury motor coaches

• Many meals on tour, equal amount of breakfasts and lunches/dinners

• Tips on all meals

• All taxes, fees, visas, etc. included in total price of tour

• Personalized service

• Final documents for trip details, 8 weeks prior to departure

• Luggage handling

• Much, much more!

NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR

• Every meal not included – guests are informed about how much more money to expect to pay for meals prior to departure

• Tips for tour director and driver
  ($7 - $10 per person per day is recommended. Bluebird Guided Tours also tips our tour directors and drivers individually)

• Baggage Fees when flying (~$25 per direction per bag)

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, other personal costs, etc.)

This vacation is the extended version of the Incredible Ireland Tour. Join us for a memorable tour of Scotland and Ireland with local guides this September on the vacation of a lifetime! 
 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Flight to Ireland
Fly to Dublin, Ireland. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served in flight. Arrive into Dublin the following morning. 

Flying to Ireland

Day 2: Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and kick off the day by touring the capital of Ireland. This historical port city has many stories imbedded in the Georgian-style buildings and landmarks. Stop at Oscar Wilde’s prestigious Trinity College, home of the famous 1,200-year-old Book of Kells. Also today, see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and tour Dublin Castle. End the evening a little early, as some may be jetlagged from the journey.

Holiday Inn Express, Dublin

Day 3: Clonmacnoise/Galway
*Included Breakfast and Lunch
Begin the day with an included authentic Irish breakfast. Then, travel inland toward Clonmacoise, St. Ciaran’s Monastery which was founded in 546 and situated on River Shannon. This preserved religious landmark has ruins of seven churches and a large number of Early Christian gravestones. It is a beautiful example of Irish history and countryside. After, enjoy an included lunch at Connolly’s Rathbaun Farm – which still functions as a sheep farm. Evening ends with a walking tour of Galway from the local guide. Check into hotel in Galway for the next 2 nights.

Jurys Inn, Galway

Day 4: Connemara
*Included Breakfast 
Travel through the Connemara region and experience mountainous coastlines, beautiful rivers, and untouched lakes. Kylemore Abby is the next destination, which is an Irish Benedictine Abbey that has been home to nuns for almost a century. After lunch, continue to Moycullen and visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, a favorite stop for those interested in Irish jewelry. After traveling back to the hotel, disperse for dinner in the area. For those interested in late night ‘Irish River Dance’ and music, take the opportunity to attend Trad on the Prom! 

Jurys Inn, Galway

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher
*Included Breakfast
The incredible scenery of the rugged Burren in County Clare begins the day. This landscape is known to resemble the moon more than Ireland. After viewing the rugged landscape, travel to the Cliffs of Moher, which rises more than 700 feet up from the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, step back in time and visit the thatched roof village of Adare. Then, it’s onto Killarney, one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland.

International Hotel, Killarney

Day 6: Killarney
*Included Breakfast and Dinner
Tour the countryside of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn cart, better known as a ‘jaunting cart.’ This day also includes a cruise on the largest of the lakes in the park, Lough Leane. For those interested in a full day (and bit more strenuous) experience, opt to take the Gap of Dunloe Tour which goes right in the thick of Ireland’s largest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks, by jaunting cart and boat. Finish the day with some traditional Irish folk music and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Irish Night, which includes a fabulous meal of authentic Irish cuisine!

International Hotel, Killarney

Day 7: Ring of Kerry
*Included Breakfast and Dinner
The 100-mile tour of the southwestern tip of Ireland is known for many things, including sparkling coastlines and dynamic mountain stops speckled with colorful Irish farmhouses. Today, travel around Kerry Peninsula, also known as the Ring of Kerry. This route provides scenic views of the true Ireland. Dinner is included again tonight at the hotel restaurant, Danny Mann’s.

International Hotel, Killarney

Day 8: Blarney Castle
*Included Breakfast
Journey this morning to the town of Blarney, home to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone. Kissing it promises the ‘Gift of Gab.’ Following a visit to the castle, arrive to one of Waterford Crystal’s production facilities in Waterford. After a guided tour through the facility, travel to the fantastic hotel in Kilkenny for the night.

Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny

Day 9: Kilkenny Castle and Dublin
*Included Breakfast and Dinner
Kilkenny Castle is the first attraction of the day. This thirteenth century castle functioned as a fortress and is a symbol of the medieval city. After touring the castle, return to the Dublin area to see more of the city. Finish the evening with a departing dinner from the Republic of Ireland.

Holiday Inn Express, Dublin

NORTHERN IRELAND

Day 10: Belfast and Titanic Museum OR Fly Home
*Included Breakfast 
Today, some will return to the United States but most will depart for Northern Ireland and its capital city of Belfast. The trip is only a couple hours north, but it will definitely feel like another country under the rule of the crown. Today features a tour of the historically rich city of Belfast and a visit the Belfast Titanic Museum.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast

SCOTLAND

Day 11: Glasgow
Depart in the morning by ferry across the Irish Sea into Scotland. After a 3-hour ride, the ferry arrives into Cairnryan early in the afternoon. Travel to Glasgow and enjoy a fantastic introduction to the country with a tour of Scotland’s largest city. The tour of Glasgow is followed by some free time in the city center area. 

Jurys Inn, Glasgow

Day 12: Scottish Highlands
*Included Breakfast and Lunch
Today, visit the picturesque Loch Lomond, located in the heart of The Trossachs National Park. Enjoy beautiful views while traveling towards Glencoe. Make a few stops for spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and sights of Ben More, one of Scotland’s tallest mountains. Enjoy an included lunch at the haunted Drover’s Inn. Then, travel to the capital city of Edinburgh for the evening. Today is a highlight of the trip!

Crown Plaza, Edinburgh

Day 13: Edinburgh City
*Included Breakfast
Today starts with a tour, by a local guide, that showcases some of Edinburgh's famous sights like Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat. After the tour, enjoy a lunch and some free time in the city center. Finish the day with a social hour at a local Scottish pub.

Crown Plaza, Edinburgh

Day 14: St. Andrews and Perth
*Included Breakfast and Dinner
Travel north today into the city of St. Andrews, the origin of golf. In 1754 the rules of golf were made here, marking it a holy ground for fans of the game. After a tour of the old course, travel back to Edinburgh for our last evening together at the Taste of Scotland. This is a delicious meal along with beautiful music and dancing. This is a great opportunity to try one of Scotland's famous cuisines, haggis.

Crown Plaza, Edinburgh

Day 15: Fly Home
Say good-bye to the charming people of Scotland and fly home. Arrive home in the evening from your original departure location. It was a pleasure traveling with all of you and we hope to see you again soon!