2021 Irish & Scottish Sampler - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Dublin Arrival | Dalkey Castle | Dalkey Village
Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Visit Dalkey Castle, built in 1390, where 500 years of history are brought to life with costumed actors in a fun and interactive tour. Your leisurely stroll in this heritage town will follow in the footsteps of international best-selling writer Maeve Binchy to the Memorial Garden in her honor and past the favourite pub of U2's Bono, a local resident. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group at your Castle Hotel and enjoy some free time for dining independently.


Day 2: Dublin Tour | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Take a panoramic tour of central Dublin to see rows of stately Georgian houses lining elegant squares. Pass Trinity College and then Leinster House, where both houses of the government convene. In the afternoon enjoy some free time in Dublin to explore as you wish. In the evening, head to Taylors Three Rock for an Irish night with a traditional dinner and lively show.
(B, D)

Day 3: Brú Na Bóinne | Belfast Panoramic Tour | Hillsborough Castle
Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre to learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, followed by a visit to one of these ancient tombs, constructed over 5,000 years ago. Embark on a panoramic tour of Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built. Visit the stately Hillsborough Castle, the home of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Northern Ireland.
(B, D)

Day 4: Nine Glens of Antrim | Giant's Causeway | Crosskeys Inn
Travel along part of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a scenic region with lovely views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. Discover the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava that has given rise to many legends. Enjoy lunch with your group in Ireland's oldest thatched roof pub, the Crosskeys Inn - a *CIE Tours Exclusive*.
(B, L)

Day 5: Ferry to Scotland | Pollok House | Pitlochry
Take a ferry ride to Scotland and head to the outskirts of Glasgow. Enjoy a visit to Pollok House, a grand country house that gives a real flavor of life in the 1930s. Continue northwards into the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands to your historic hotel in Pitlochry. The hotel still retains many original features, with unique guest rooms and spacious grounds.
(B, D)

Day 6: Whiskey Tasting | St. Andrews
Tour Blair Athol Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample a “wee dram.” Continue to St Andrews on the east coast. This town is renowned as the “Home of Golf” and for Scotland's oldest university. Take a short walking tour and spend some time exploring on your own. August 2-16 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.
(B)

Day 7: Edinburgh City Tour | Edinburgh Castle | Scottish Evening*
Take a panormic tour of Edinburgh. See the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200 year old Georgian New Town and walk along the Royal Mile where you will see the closely clustered medieval houses. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle where the Crown Jewels of Scotland are housed. Spend some free time exploring independently before enjoying a traditional Scottish dinner with lively entertainment. Enjoy a free evening for independent dining on August 2-16 departures.
(B, D*)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

CIE Tours Authentic Local Experiences:

• Cozy up by the turf fire under the thatched roof of Crosskeys Inn. This atmospheric stone-walled pub a CIE Tours Exclusive, dates back to 1654.
• Enjoy reserved seats for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 2 - 16 departures
• Visit Brú na Bóinne to learn about the Neolithic people who built the ancient passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth - older than the pyramids and mysterious marvels to this day

Dining Experiences:

• 7 breakfasts (B) 1 lunch (L) and 4 dinners (D)

* Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.

Trip Highlights:

• Irish Night in Dublin
• Blair Atholl Distillery
• Crosskeys Inn - CIE Tours Exclusive
• Dalkey Castle
• Edinburgh Castle
• Scottish Evening *
• Giant's Causeway
• Pollock House
• Scenic Glens of Antrim
• St Andrews
• Hillsborough Castle

Hotels - 7 Nights:

• Herbert Park Hotel| Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Royal Marine Hotel
  Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 4*

  Originally built in 1863, this hotel today offers 228 air-conditioned guestrooms, all featuring modern decor in natural shades with burgundy touches and light-wood furnishings. Experience fine dining or casual bar food and enjoy the award-winning Sansana SPA and Pier Health Club. Dun Laoghaire has many shops and restaurants to explore. The property overlooks Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay and is located eight miles from Dublin city center. Dublin International Airport is 16 miles away, and can be reached by car or airport coach in approximately 45 minutes. Hotel parking.

• Maldron Hotel | Belfast (2 nights)
  
  

  The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Galway (2 nights)

  Retreat and unwind at this hotel, where guests enjoy sophisticated surroundings highlighted by black granite and walnut accents. At Restaurant Marinas chefs use the finest quality ingredients to design creative dishes. 282 rooms are decorated in a choice of 3 styles. Scandinavian, Maritime and Classic and offer all modern conveniences The hotel features premier services at the Spirit One Spa. Set on Lough Atalia Road, it's a 5-minute walk from Eyre Square in the center of Galway city with views out to Galway Bay. Hotel parking.

• Atholl Palace Hotel | Pitlochry (1 night)
  
  

  Great Southern Killarney Hotel
  Killarney | 4*

  This hotel first opened in 1854 and it still offers old-world charm but now coupled with up-to-date luxurious facilities and friendly service. Enjoy great food in the elegant dining room and relax in the bar or the many sitting areas. The bedrooms are spacious and well equipped. A fully-quipped leisure center awaits you. The hotel is set on 20 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens yet right in the center of Killarney and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Hotel parking.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel| Edinburgh (2 nights)
  
  

  Granville Hotel | Waterford | 4*

  This family-run hotel is one of Ireland's oldest with significant historical connections, old-world charm and unique features. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to making your stay pleasant and memorable. Enjoy delicious menus in the attractive dining room. The bar is a lively meeting place, often with live music. Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms make for a great stay. Set on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford city. Within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald's Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal. Parking nearby.

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Dublin | 4*

This lively, modern hotel offers an excellent standard of hospitality with two bars and two restaurants and 500 fully-equipped guest rooms, making it Dublin's largest hotel. With its many facilities and great location, it makes an ideal base for exploring Dublin. Free internet access. Located on Upper Leeson Street, this hotel is a 20-minute walk to Grafton Street. There is a city bus service right outside the hotel and it is within easy walking distance of Dublin's “Georgian Mile” and the Grand Canal.