Scotland and Ireland Highlights

Your journey begins today with your arrival in Scotland's history-filled capital, Edinburgh. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel where you will meet your Tour Escort and fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner. Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre (D)

This morning, board your train bound for Inverness. Upon arrival, a coach will be waiting to take you to the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. You will learn about how whisky is made, and the different methods of keeping the liquor in specific wood barrels. Maybe even ask about the ‘angel's share' if you're curious! Afterwards, return to Inverness and check in to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Inverness, River Ness Hotel (B/D)

During today’s journey along the Kyle Line, pass the picturesque, white-washed houses in the village of Plockton. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Enjoy a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich, joined to the mainland by a small bridge.

The island was part of Clan Macrae’s territory and in the 13th century they built Eilean Donan Castle, which was initially designed to defend the clan’s land from invading Vikings, but which actually saw more battles between the warring Scottish clans. Continue by coach to Fort Augustus for an entertaining 'Clansman Show'. Learn about the culture of the Highlands of old, discovering how families lived, dressed and survived, before returning to your hotel. (B)

Insider Experience: Today, enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in Europe, the Kyle Line. Enjoy countless photo opportunities as you wind through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and seaside towns.

Travel to Mallaig, where you will enjoy some free time for lunch before boarding the Jacobite Steam Train. After today's Insider Experiences, you'll arrive in Fort William. A coach will transfer you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Stay: Fort William area, Cruachan Hotel or similar (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit the Glenfinnan Monument. On board the Jacobite Steam Train, climb into the mountains around Glenfinnan, the line's most picturesque section and cross one of Britain's most iconic engineering works – the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. A magical experience, it's no wonder this train was featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

After breakfast, transfer to the station. An Insider Experience takes you to Glasgow. Then, take a short walk from the station to your hotel. Later, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at a local tea room. Stay: Maldron Hotel Glasgow City (B)

Insider Experience: Travel one of the world's most incredible railway lines, the West Highland Line. The route descends from craggy mountains, crosses the wild Rannoch Moor and skirts the western banks of Loch Lomond.

After breakfast transfer to Cairnryan to board your ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour before transferring to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Belfast Europa Hotel (B/D)

Today, set off on a full-day excursion. Visit the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a stunning natural tunnel of beech trees known as one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Continue to Ballycastle, a small town on the north-easternmost coastal tip, classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After some free time for lunch, visit the incredible Giant's Causeway, a spectacular formation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, – the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Enjoy free time exploring here before returning to Belfast. (B)

This morning after breakfast, a coach will take you on an excursion to Hillsborough Castle. Later, transfer to Dublin station to board a train and travel through Ireland's lush rolling countryside to the historic town of Cork. Stay: Cork, Maldron Hotel South Mall (B/D)

Today we visit Blarney Castle – one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Legend has it that a kiss of the Blarney Stone will bless you with the gift of the gab, so give it a peck if you dare. Continue to Kinsale, where some leisure time allows you to explore the streets that wind down towards the harbour, admiring the colourful houses and quaint shops. Later continue to Killarney and check in to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Killarney, Castlerosse Park Resort (B/D)

Insider Experience: After dinner, you'll be whisked away to the Celtic Steps Show for an enthralling evening of Irish music and dance.

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive around the beautiful Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. Also visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum. A special treat is in store this afternoon with a 'Jaunting Cars' carriage ride, before you return to your hotel. (B/D)

This morning, a coach will take you to Tarbet for a ferry crossing to Killimer in County Clare. Journey to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher where you can enjoy some time at leisure. Continue along the coastline of County Clare, crossing the karst scenery of the Burren. Enjoy an excursion to the Burren Visitor Centre where you will learn about the origins of this incredible landscape. Indulge in a delicious dinner this evening. Stay: Galway, Nox Hotel (B/D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before being transferred to Galway Station to board your train bound for Dublin. Upon arrival be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon. Stay: Dublin, Belvedere Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys, a Dublin institution.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)