Beauty of Ireland & Scotland

Welcome to Ireland! At the Cork airport, a John Hall’s Alaska representative greets and escorts you to your awaiting transportation before your travel to Kinsale – a historic fishing town on the southern coast of County Cork. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the town. Enjoy two evenings at the Actons Hotel.
NOTE – For guests arriving early, luggage can be stored at the hotel until closer to the 4pm check-in.

Dinner | Overnight: Actons Hotel

Today, tour Blarney Castle, built in 1446. If you dare, climb the spiral stairs to the top of the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone – said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all who do. On the castle grounds, stroll the Castle Gardens and Rock Close. There is free time in the town of Blarney and at Blarney Woollen Mills before traveling to Cobh, a main emigration port during the great famine. The Queenstown Story portrays the hardships of sailing to the “New World.” Annie Moore, the first emigrant processed when Ellis Island officially opened on January 1st, 1892 sailed from Cobh, it is also the last port of the Titanic. Enjoy dinner back in Kinsale this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Actons Hotel

Travel the southern coast to Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point for a visit to the award-winning Maritime Museum. A short walk, 99 stairs, and across the Arched Bridge leads to a lighthouse. Afterward, continue along the coast via lovely lazy towns and villages to one of Ireland’s few planned towns – Kenmare and its Gaelic name Neidin (Little Nest), named because of its fine setting nestling among the mountains of Cork and Kerry. Follow a 20-mile stretch of the famous Ring of Kerry, with stunning views over the Killarney Lakes and Ladies Views. Enjoy two evenings at the Killarney Park Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Killarney Park Hotel

This morning, experience the unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited by National Geographic as ‘the most beautiful place on earth.’ Visit the Dingle Crystal Workshop, founded by Sean Daly who designs, cuts, and signs each individual piece of crystal. Travel around Slea Head and take in views of the Atlantic coast and beehive huts (early monastic settlements) dating back over a thousand years. On the westernmost point, view the Blasket Islands and locations for such films as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. Before returning to Killarney, enjoy lunch in Dingle and free time to explore the local craft shops and Dingle Crystal shop. Dinner in Killarney is at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Killarney Park Hotel

Recall the historic years of 1939-1945, when Foynes was the center of aviation, at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. On a guided tour, go inside a full-scale replica of a Boeing 314 flying boat, the only one of its kind in the world. In 1943 Irish Coffee originated in this building, enjoy one and learn how to make them perfectly. Continue to Newmarket-on-Fergus to the luxurious Dromoland Castle. Once the royal seat of the O’Brien clan, this refurbished 16th-century castle retains priceless reminders of its past. This afternoon, enjoy the castle’s many activities – fishing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, horseback riding, health spa, and golf (one of the finest 18-hole parkland golf courses in the country). This evening, savor a private dinner in the elegant surroundings of the castle’s Terrace Room. (Resort attire required for dinner – pants for men, also jacket/tie are recommended and available on loan by Dromoland Castle; dress or pantsuit for women).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Dromoland Castle

Travel to the majestic Cliffs of Moher rising 600 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years. Continue through the lunar-type landscape of The Burren, a limestone plateau formed 320 million years ago under a tropical sea, which takes its name from the Irish word ‘bhoireann’ meaning ‘stony place’ or ‘rocky place.’ At Rathbaun Farm, enjoy a traditional ploughman’s lunch and a guided tour. Farm owner Fintan Connelly demonstrates sheep shearing and herding. From here, continue across the Irish midlands to Dublin for two evenings and dinner at the Castleknock Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Castleknock Hotel

Founded as a Viking settlement and Ireland’s capital, travel to the banks of the river Liffey for a tour of Dublin City. Witness the 18th-century houses of Georgian Squares, Phoenix Park, statue-filled O’Connell Street, and fashionable Grafton Street. At the heart of Dublin’s history for over 800 years, visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and in the Old Library at Trinity College view the famous Book of Kells. Round out the day at the Guinness Brewery, founded in 1759. Take in a guided tour and a delicious pint in the 360-degree rooftop bar. Enjoy free time in the city before dinner in a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Castleknock Hotel

Travel to Belfast this morning for a tour of the city including City Hall, one of the finest Classical Renaissance buildings in Europe, the Linen Hall Library, which has been lending books for over 200 years, and the Grand Opera House, often described as the most beautiful Victorian theatre in the world! Along the way, pass by the many murals Belfast is famous for. Wind up your tour with a visit to Titanic Belfast, a new state-of-the-art visitor center that tells the story of the RMS Titanic, her completion in Belfast, and her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. In the linen quarter in the heart of Belfast, overnight at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Grand Central Hotel Belfast

Scotland awaits! Journey to the port of Belfast where you board a ferry for a 2 ½ hour sailing across the North Atlantic to Cairnryan in Scotland. Upon arrival in Scotland, travel the coast road to Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, regarded as the national poet of Scotland. Following a stop at Burns Cottage, continue to Glasgow for an overnight and dinner at the Grand Central Glasgow.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Grand Central Glasgow

This morning includes a panorama tour of Glasgow, often described as Great Britain’s finest Victorian city. Departing Glasgow, travel north along the bank of Loch Lomond, into the Scottish Highlands. Continue through the historic glen of Glen Coe to Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Then wind your way around the foothills of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis (4,406ft) to Fort Augustus. Journey along the banks of Loch Ness – keeping your camera ready for a Nessie sighting – before arriving in Inverness, the capital of the highlands. Enjoy an overnight and dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel

This morning, travel to Fort George, an 18th-century fortress built to control the Scottish Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745. The current fortress has never been attacked and has remained in continuous use as a garrison. No visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to a distillery. In the heart of Scotland’s whiskey-making country, stop at a distillery for a guided tour and a wee dram. With the taste and aroma of whiskey still in the air, continue south through the scenic Grampian Mountains to Aviemore, then on to Pitlochry, the geographical center of Scotland. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and settle in for two evenings at the luxurious Atholl Palace Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel

The day is yours to spend how you please – and many options without leaving the grounds. There are several walks and jogging routes around the gardens, four all-weather tennis courts, and a 9-hole Pitch ‘n’ Putt course (putters and balls available at reception). Set in the old servant’s wing, the Atholl Palace Museum charts the history of the hotel, or take a stroll to the Black Spout Waterfall. The hotel leisure center includes a spa bath, plunge pool, steam room, sauna, and gym, or indulge in a spa treatment in the Lavender Spa. The motorcoach is available to facilitate activities such as fishing in a nearby lake, golfing at the Pitlochry Golf Course, one of Scotland’s finest inland golfing facilities, or exploring in town. Please note, some activities incur an additional cost.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel

Hit the road for Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews the home of golf, but also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and home to Scotland’s oldest university. Following a stop at St. Andrews, continue to Scotland’s Secret Bunker. A tunnel hidden beneath a Scottish Farmhouse leads to an underground nuclear command bunker built in 1951 and operational until 1993 – Scotland’s best-kept secret for over 40 years. Continue south to Edinburgh for two evenings at the Dalhousie Castle Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Dalhousie Castle Hotel

This morning, tour historic Edinburgh. Travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House – the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear tales of some truly intriguing characters – the body snatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and take in breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts. There is free time in the city before returning to the hotel. Cap off your holiday with the Spirit of Scotland Show – a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of Scottish cuisine.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Dalhousie Castle Hotel

After breakfast, wrap up your packing for an 11am check-out. Luggage will be held until time for your transfer to the Edinburgh airport.

Breakfast