B= Breakfast
L= Lunch
D= Dinner
August 22: Depart USA from Boston, Mass. at 7 p.m. to
Shannon Airport, Ireland.
August 23: Welcome
to Ireland. Arrive at
Shannon Airport at 6 a.m. Transfer to the town of Bunratty to enjoy a full
Irish breakfast at a local hotel. Visit the Bunratty Castle, which is one
of the most complete and authentic medieval castles in Ireland and enjoy
a tour of its grounds - the Bunratty Folk Park, which is a living museum.
Travel south to your hotel in Kerry County, stopping en route in Adare, regarded
as one of Ireland's most picturesque villages. Check in to Sneem Hotel for
dinner and a well-deserved rest after a long journey. (B/D)
August 24: Dingle
Peninsula. After a full Irish breakfast, enjoy some of the finest scenery to be seen in Ireland in West Kerry. This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre-Christian monuments and Christian churches and also for its truly spectacular road passing through the Slieve Mish chain of mountains. Discover the Gallarus Oratory, the most impressive early Christian monuments of the area, which had withstood the passage of time over 1,200 years. Dinner and overnight at Sneem Hotel. (B/D)
August 25: Ring of
Kerry. After breakfast in the hotel, depart for the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland to enjoy the spectacular scenery of mountains, peat bogs, lakes, views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Later, visit the Kells Sheep Farm and enjoy a superb demonstration of sheep herding. Dinner and overnight at the Sneem Hotel. (B/D)
August 26: Blarney Castle & Cork.
Attracting visitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's
oldest and most historic castles, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster.
It is also famous for its Blarney Stone - the Stone of Eloquence -, which is
believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all who kiss
it. Later, continue to Cork - the Republic's second largest city - for an orientation
tour and some time at leisure. Overnight and dinner at the Sneem Hotel. (B/D)
August 27: To Dublin. This morning, after breakfast and check-out, depart Kerry and travel to Ireland's capital, Dublin. En route, visit Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular landmarks. Upon arrival in Dublin, check in at the Mespil Hotel. (B/D)
August 28: Boyne Valley. It is the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth, and Loughcrew Cairns. Visit Hill of Tara, which was once the residence of The High Kings of Ireland. Later discover the Bru Na Boinne Visitor Centre and Newgrange, a Megalithic Passage Tomb that was built about 3200 BC. These sites were built without tourists in mind, so we need to respect the rules and restrictions and sometimes be flexible with our timetable and expectations. However there is no shortage of magical destinations to visit here. On the way back to Dublin, journey through the seaside village of Malahide. Dinner and overnight at the Mespil Hotel in Dublin. (B/D)
August 29: Dublin. After
breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin. Start with the north side and
its striking monuments such as the General Post Office, O'Connell Street, and
the Phoenix Park. The south side appears more sophisticated with Oscar Wilde's
House, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Christchurch Cathedral. The afternoon
will be at leisure. Overnight and dinner at the Mespil Hotel. (B/D) (BD)
August 30: To Scotland. After checkout and a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your flight to Glasgow. Upon arrival, meet your Scottish guide and driver who will take you to Inverness by motor coach. Stop en route at Pitlochry for a break. Arrival in Inverness at around 6:00pm. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Ramada Jarvis Inverness or similar. (B/D)
August 31: Findhorn
Spiritual Community. This day will be entirely dedicated
to the visit of this spiritual community. This pioneering center has led the
New Age movement for over thirty years. Enjoy a tour of the Cluny Hill College,
a visit of the eco-houses, windmills, the Park and a wonderful brunch prepared
by the local cooks. On the way back to the hotel, journey past historic Culloden
Battlefield. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Ramada Jarvis Inverness or similar.
(B/L/D)
September 1: To Edinburgh. After
a Scottish breakfast and checkout, journey to Edinburgh. En route, drive by
the mysterious Loch Ness and stop in Drumnadrochit for a "Nessie picture." You
will also have the opportunity to discover Fort William, the largest town in
the west highlands of Scotland. Arrival in Edinburgh toward late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Jarvis Mount Royal or similar. (B/D)
September 2: Rosslyn
Chapel. After breakfast, depart for a half-day excursion to the Rosslyn
Chapel. Originally named the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew, it is famous
for its decorative art and its mysterious associations with the Knights Templar,
the Holy Grail, and the Freemasons. Our guide there will reveal the fascinating
600-year-long esoteric legends of the chapel, castles and surroundings. The
afternoon will be at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Edinburgh at Hotel
Jarvis Mount Royal or similar. (B/D)
September 3: Edinburgh. Today
will be dedicated to the visit of Edinburgh. Your driver will take you around
the Royal Mile, which includes Edinburgh Castle, the crown jewels, and Holyrood
Palace. The afternoon will be at leisure. A final celebratory dinner will conclude
the tour. Overnight at Hotel Jarvis Mount Royal or similar. (B/D)
September 4: Return
flight. After breakfast
and checkout, transfer to Glasgow Airport for your flight back to the USA.
Arrival in Boston at 4:05 p.m. (B)
