Ireland and Scotland Tour 2023 (Sold Out)
Discover Ireland and Scotland Tour 2023
- Sightseeing galore including:
- Trinity College
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- EPIC Museum Dublin
- Dingle Sheepdog Demonstration
- Cliffs of Moher
- Galway Cathedral
- Corrib Princess & the stunning Lough Corrib
- Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
- Clonmacnoise Abbey
- Edinburgh Castle
- Glencoe Visitor Center
- Kilt Rock
- Falls of Dochart
- Inveraray Castle
- Stirling Castle
- Blarney Castle and much more!
- 14 nights hotel accommodations
- 18 meals included
- Deluxe motor-coach transportation
- Round-trip airfare from Salt Lake City (transportation from other cities can be arranged)
- Professional Tour Manager plus a local Tour Guide to accompany the group
$5890 double occupancy
$1385 single supplement
(All rates are per person – call for triple occupancy rate)
Call Knight Tours and Cruises (435) 563-5874
Be sure to enroll early as this tour is limited in size.
Tour Itinerary
Monday, April 10th –Your excitement begins with an overnight, international flight to Dublin, Ireland.
Tuesday, April 11th – Welcome to Dublin! Take a deep breath and breathe in the fresh Irish air. You’re in the capital of Ireland and this veritable melting pot of culture and tradition is a joy to explore. Busy streets packed with Dubliners from all over the world show that the “’Cead Mile Failte” (“a hundred thousand welcomes”) is still strong here. Today we will visit Trinity College & Book of Kells. Trinity College attracts over two million visitors each year. You’ll be able to stroll around the cobblestone squares, wander the magnificent library and feast your eyes upon the world-famous Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the word’s most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. We will also visit St. Patrick’s cathedral. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint between 1220 and 1260, St Patrick’s Cathedral offers visitors a rich and compelling cultural experience and is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest Cathedral in the country.
Our final stop today will be at EPIC Ireland Museum. EPIC tells the dramatic story of the people who have left the island of Ireland, how these people spread around the globe, and how they influenced and shaped the world. It is a story of rich and poor, destinations near and far. It is a story of 10 million epic journeys. You’ll find this fascinating.
Wednesday, April 12th – Today is a leisure day in Dublin. Your body will appreciate a slower-paced schedule to help get acclimated to the local time. Some suggestions for your day are as follows:
- Located in central Dublin, between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green public park, Grafton Street is one of the main shopping streets with international and national brands. A bit like Dublin city itself, Grafton Street presents something of an enigma to visitors. In other major capitals, people gather along grand boulevards to shop, lunch and drink the evening away. In Dublin, we head to Grafton Street, a narrow winding road that’s been at the heart of the city’s social life for more than a century.
- Tucked between Dame Street and the Liffey, the famous – and infamous! – Temple Bar area has been a tourist hotspot since the 80s. The areas pedestrianized streets are a living, breathing hub of music, markets and munchies, entertaining and feeding the thousands of travelers that flock here to see what all the fuss is about. It’s a fabulous spot for people watching, and the food isn’t too shabby either. For some of the best food in the city, head for Gallagher’s Boxty House which specializes in delicious traditional Irish cuisine – you won’t be disappointed!
Thursday, April 13th – After a full Irish breakfast we will depart Dublin and travel south. Just a stone’s throw from Cork, the world-famous medieval stronghold built 600 years ago by legendary Irish chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, Blarney Castle, sits impressively amongst 60 beautiful acres of stunning gardens and sweeping valleys. Most people visit here to plant a kiss on the legendary Blarney stone – according to ancient superstition, puckering up on the 330-million-year-old limestone is said to bestow the kisser with the ‘gift of the gab’, aka a pretty good way with words. Tempted? Reaching the stone involves a steep climb up a narrow spiral staircase, and once you reach the top, you bend backwards over a very, very high drop to kiss the stone – don’t worry, there’s a strategically placed safety grill and supervisor on hand to prevent your untimely death. But of course, Blarney Castle has more to offer than getting to first base with a slab of stone … Explore the castle’s beautiful grounds and discover the haunting Dungeon, the eerie Witch’s Stone, and the mysterious Wishing Steps – if you can walk down and back up these steps with your eyes closed whilst you make a wish, then your wish will come true within a year. There’s also the delightful Fern Garden and Arboretum, and the fascinating Poison Garden, a garden in which the plants are so toxic that they’re kept in large, cage-like structures … Probably one of the most unique and quirky castle experiences in Ireland!
Friday, April 14th – Stretching 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on the south-west coast on Ireland’s magnificent Wild Atlantic Way, is the delightful Dingle Peninsula. It’s on Dingle that you’ll find an endless array of landmarks, walks and experiences that make a visit here a simply unmissable part of your Irish sojourn. There’s simply so much to explore and discover on Dingle that we promise you’ll find it very hard to say ‘goodbye’.
What a treat we’ll have this afternoon! Set on a traditional Irish working farm with the breathtaking backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way, the wonderful sheepdog demonstrations on Dingle are a unique opportunity to watch a skilled farmer working his highly-trained sheepdogs in the same way that generations before him have done – there have been sheep roaming this wild and untamed landscape for centuries. You’ll also get to meet the farm’s donkeys, goats, and even a very friendly llama, so prepare to be smitten! Aside from the animals, there’s the chance to explore the farm’s remarkable Famine Cottages, home to the Long and then the Kavanagh family who lived here during one of the worst famines to grip Western Europe, the 7-year Irish Potato Famine … Today, the largest cottage remains poignantly preserved, giving visitors a truly fascinating insight into what life must have been like for the cottage’s occupants during some of the worst years in Irish history.
Saturday, April 15th – Just north of Dingle, the smallest of Ireland’s six national parks, the UNESCO Geopark of Burren stretches across the northern part of County Clare like a vast lunar landscape, wild and windswept and utterly captivating!
Towering over the wild sea swells below and slicing into the wild Atlantic Ocean at the southwestern edge of County Clare, the 700ft high Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most celebrated landmarks, will steal your breath away. A designated UNESCO Geopark, most people come here for the sheer drama and beauty of the 5-miles long dark limestone landscape and the epic views across the ocean that stretch beyond the Aran Islands and hills of Connemara. This evening we will enjoy a special dinner – a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle.
Sunday, April 16th – This morning we will travel to Galway. Upon arrival we will enjoy a 90-minute scenic cruise on Lough Corrib, which takes us along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake. Looming over the wonderfully picturesque River Corrib, Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive and most visited landmarks. And with its spectacularly decorated dome, Romanesque arches, exquisite mosaics and beautiful stained-glass windows, it’s easy to see why!
Monday, April 17th – Today we will travel through the beautiful Connemara Region – a land of lakes, rivers, bogs, mountains and small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. From the awe-inspiring peaks of Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanagh (four of the iconic Twelve Bens), to the magnificent Gleann Mór (Big Glen) through which the River Polladirk flows, to the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage, it’s in places like this that magical memories are made. During the tour we will visit Kylemore Abbey.
Tuesday, April 18th – We’ll travel through the middle of Ireland on our way back to Dublin. Enclosed with a walled field and home to a myriad of early churches, soaring crosses, round towers, and intricate gravestones, the ruins of the haunting Clonmacnoice Abbey on the banks of the River Shannon is one of Ireland’s most significant monastic cities, and the Nun’s Church, one of the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture in Ireland – stunning!
Tonight, we will enjoy a truly authentic Irish night with dinner at Merry Ploughboys, a traditional Irish Pub. This folk group has been “singing it like they mean it” for 30 years. With gusty and engaging vocals backed by arrangements of fiddle, mandolin and guitar and often joined by uilleann pipes, whistle or tenor banjo. What a fun evening!
Wednesday, April 19th – This morning we will transfer to the Dublin airport for a short flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. Once there we will enjoy a private guided walking tour and unlock Edinburgh’s fascinating past – the culture, politics, and people of Scotland’s capital!
Where the buses can’t take us, and the guide books don’t show us is where this city’s stories lie in – the streets, alleys, courtyards and homes of Old Edinburgh. We’ll visit the sites that are tucked away to see the secrets and tell the tales.
We will also visit Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most popular visitor attraction and it’s most iconic building, to explore its treasures and enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Sitting on the historic Mound in Edinburgh, Whiski Rooms will be our charming restaurant that serves delicious traditional Scottish dishes. Elegantly decorated and playing up Scottish heritage, the room is covered in antiques, tartan patterns and pictures from the Highlands.
Thursday, April 2oth – You will have a free day today to explore Edinburgh. The Scottish capital brings a charm in each of its corners and alleys. The center of Edinburgh is divided into two parts, the Old Town and New Town and collectively have both been declared World Heritage Sites in 1995. The Royal Mile is the main artery in the Old Town that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. We recommend perhaps a visit to the Edinburgh Castle or the Mary King’s Clos (admission fees are on your own).
Friday, April 21st – Built on the towering volcanic plug that is Castle Hill, and with dazzling views across to the iconic Wallace Monument and wild Highlands beyond, Stirling Castle is one of the most impressive – and important – castles in Scotland. An unmissable experience, jump back in time to meet the costumed cast of 16th-century castle life; roam the Great Hall and kitchens; discover the sensational centuries-old sculptures and tapestries – then unwind and explore the simply enchanting gardens. This jewel of Scotland was a favored residence of Stewart kings and queens (Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here), and it’s easy to see why – this ‘huge brooch clasping Highlands and Lowlands together’ is simply delightful!
Killin is a small village at the Falls of Dochart, a spectacular series of rapids, at the western end of Loch Tay. The village makes an excellent base for walks in the surrounding mountains of Breadalbane while Loch Tay is a popular destination for both its salmon fishing and watersports. Killin sits at the edge of the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, so you can enjoy a lovely mix of wildlife spotting, outdoor activities and walking.
Next we’ll visit the Glen Co Visitor Center. This eco-friendly visitor center, nestled in a woodland glade, is an essential starting point for our adventures in Glencoe and Glen Etive.
Saturday, April 22nd – Pack your camera, hop aboard, and settle down to enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys aboard the exquisite Jacobite Steam Train. Delighting and enchanting adventurous passengers since 1984, this jaw-dropping journey through the heart of Scotland’s dramatic west coast will take you up close to its magnificent mountains and crystal-clear lochs as you meander through some of Scotlands most spectacular landscapes. Starting at Fort William and ending at Mallaig, the highlight of this very special journey has to be the crossing of the thrilling Glenfinnan Viaduct, the location where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 and which was later immortalized in the Harry Potter films as the route to Hogwarts. If you’re super lucky, the train may linger on the Viaduct a short while to allow you to take in the truly dazzling views towards the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel. An utterly unique journey that will stay with you long after you alight!
The Isle of Skye takes its name from the old Norse sky-a, meaning ‘cloud island’, a Viking reference to the often-mist-enshrouded Cuillin Hills. It’s the second-largest of Scotland’s islands, a 50-mile-long patchwork of velvet moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. This region is one of Scotland’s top tourist destinations.
Situated on a tiny island where three great sea lochs converge, and surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery, you’ll find Hollywood hotspot, tourist must-see and fortress extraordinaire, Eilean Donan Castle – the ultimate Scottish legend, built by the Macrae Clan in the 13th Century to defend against hordes of marauding Vikings. An unforgettable day in an unforgettable place!
Sunday, April 23rd – We’ll travel south to Oban Bay, which is possibly one of the most beautiful in Scotland. One of the most interesting things about Oban is the curious circular monument, similar to the Colosseum, which sits on a hill, it is McCaig’s Tower, with the best views of the town and the islands that unfold in front of its coast. Another unavoidable visit is Dunollie Castle .Today in ruins, this medieval fortress is an icon of the history of the area. It was once home to the kings of Scotland and since the 12th century it has been the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall, one of the oldest in the country.
Then it’s on to the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne where the river Aray flows into Loch Shira. We get to explore one of Scotland’s most exquisite and enchanting stately homes there, Inveraray Castle. The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll – chiefs of the Clan Campbell whose family have resided in Inveraray since the early 15th century -the spellbinding stories and secrets of this centuries-old home are spectacularly told throughout its many rooms.
Scotland does many things well, but it excels at landscapes and lochs. With its incredibly calm and clear waters reflecting the sky above, and dramatic, awe-inspiring mountains decorating its shores, a cruise on Loch Lomond is a truly unique experience in one of the most stunning settings in the world. This one-hour circular tour of the loch’s iconic South basin affords the most spectacular Scottish vista of the magnificent Ben Lomond, sweeping you alongside some of the Loch’s glorious stately homes and castles that you’ll spot dotted along the shoreline
Sunday, April 23rd – We’ll travel south to Oban Bay, which is possibly one of the most beautiful in Scotland. One of the most interesting things about Oban is the curious circular monument, similar to the Colosseum, which sits on a hill, it is McCaig’s Tower, with the best views of the town and the islands that unfold in front of its coast. Another unavoidable visit is Dunollie Castle .Today in ruins, this medieval fortress is an icon of the history of the area. It was once home to the kings of Scotland and since the 12th century it has been the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall, one of the oldest in the country.
Then it’s on to the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne where the river Aray flows into Loch Shira. We get to explore one of Scotland’s most exquisite and enchanting stately homes there, Inveraray Castle. The ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll – chiefs of the Clan Campbell whose family have resided in Inveraray since the early 15th century -the spellbinding stories and secrets of this centuries-old home are spectacularly told throughout its many rooms.
Scotland does many things well, but it excels at landscapes and lochs. With its incredibly calm and clear waters reflecting the sky above, and dramatic, awe-inspiring mountains decorating its shores, a cruise on Loch Lomond is a truly unique experience in one of the most stunning settings in the world. This one-hour circular tour of the loch’s iconic South basin affords the most spectacular Scottish vista of the magnificent Ben Lomond, sweeping you alongside some of the Loch’s glorious stately homes and castles that you’ll spot dotted along the shoreline
Tonight, we will dine as a group at The Butterfly and the Pig. Its funky décor consists of mismatched furniture and vintage wallpaper in a relaxed, welcoming place to catch up with friends for a drink or bite to eat. Their kitchen takes pride in producing everything they make from scratch – they are famous for their quirky menus. The Dining Room downstairs is home to signature dishes alongside awesome sized versions of the humble classics: steak pie, fish and chips and a truly great burger.
Monday, April 24th – Visit the city of Glasgow today, the largest city in Scotland and full of architectural gems such as the medieval cathedral dedicated to St. Mungo, George Square and Glasgow College of Art. You will have a sightseeing tour of Glasgow.
An unmissable visit in this city is its university. The University of Glasgow was founded in the mid-15th century and traditionally accommodated students from wealthy families. Through the installations of the University, Nobel prizes, prime ministers and even illustrious figures in the history of humanity such as the economist Adam Smith and Albert Einstein, who gave some of his first lectures on the theory of relativity in his classrooms, have walked.
Tuesday, April 25th – This morning we stay, “Cheerio” to Scotland and transfer to the Edinburgh airport for our flight back home filled with glorious memories from our visit to Ireland and Scotland.
