Trace the dark waters of the Highlands’ most storied lake and scan the waters of Loch Ness from scenic viewpoints hemmed by misty glens. Follow the Caledonian corridor to Inverness, the compact city at the River Ness with views to its red-sandstone castle.

Get your bearings in the capital of the Scottish Highlands, where Gaelic heritage, Jacobite tales and modern Highland life meet in friendly pubs, riverside paths and bustling small-city streets.

Survey Scotland’s largest city on an orientation that showcases the Gothic Glasgow Cathedral, imposing civic buildings and the statues that line George Square. Historic shipbuilding prowess frames a modern city rich in design and music.

From medieval sanctuaries to grand Victorian avenues, discover how Glasgow reinvented itself as a cultural powerhouse. Elegant facades and contemporary creativity coexist in a city known for its warmth and wit.

See traditional craftsmen at work in one of the world’s oldest working potteries. Watch delicate moulding, fettling and hand-painting that transform clay into lustrous Belleek parianware, inspired by riverine motifs from the Erne.

Founded in 1857, Belleek’s techniques blend innovation and heritage. Kilns, tools and exquisite finishes reveal why these pale, translucent pieces grace dining tables far beyond Fermanagh.

Stand atop the Cliffs of Moher as Atlantic swells hammer the buttresses far below. Watch puffins wheeling in season and trace the serrated line of Ireland’s west as sunlight breaks through drifting cloud.

Enhance your visit at the Atlantic Edge exhibition, where interactive displays decode the cliffs’ geology, wildlife and oceanic weather. The elements here set an invigorating scene in any season.

Visit Blarney Castle, a 15th-century fortress wrapped in gardens and legends. Climb the battlements to kiss the Blarney Stone—said to bestow persuasive eloquence—by leaning back over its parapet with the aid of an attendant.

Exploring the grounds reveals ferny glades, watchful towers and the storied Stone of Eloquence. Folklore, fresh air and fine views crown this quintessential Irish experience.

See Cardiff’s modern waterfront at Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd before returning to the civic heart with its grand museums and City Hall. In the castle quarter, view Cardiff Castle rising above Bute Park.

Learn how coal fortunes and cultural ambition reshaped the Welsh capital. From Roman fort to Victorian fantasy interiors, Cardiff balances heritage with a confident contemporary rhythm.

Explore Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its intricate stone carvings and layers of legend. Discover the Apprentice Pillar, Green Men and symbolism that have inspired scholars—and novelists—for generations.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Guardians will share the chapel’s medieval craft, mystery-laden iconography and links to Scotland’s noble families.

Cruise Loch Lomond between wooded islands and Highland slopes while the skipper shares tales of Rob Roy MacGregor. Glide towards the storied cave and admire Trossachs panoramas.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Brisk air, smooth waters and camera-ready viewpoints capture the romance of Scotland’s most celebrated loch.

Cruise Lake Windermere past wooded inlets and boathouses, then board a heritage steam train for a nostalgic journey along a lakeside branch line. Windows frame ever-changing Lakeland scenes.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. The pairing of classic boat and vintage carriages brings Cumbria’s golden age of leisure to life.

Dine to a live cabaret of song, dance and storytelling as performers tap, fiddle and sing through Ireland’s musical traditions. Expect a lively atmosphere and perhaps an Irish coffee to finish.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. A spirited showcase of talent and humour rounds off the Dublin evening in style.

Cruise the River Shannon along reed beds and castle-crowned bends, watching birdlife skim low over mirrored water. Hear how the river shaped trade, travel and myth across the midlands.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Gentle motion, fresh air and rippling reflections create a serene interlude on Ireland’s longest river.

• 15 Breakfast (B)
• 5 Dinner (D)

• Visit the town of Shakespeare’s birth
• View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles
• View the remains of the Roman wall
• View the Jedburgh Abbey ruins
• Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes Princes Street, the Royal Mile and views of the Castle
• View the 18th green on St. Andrews Old Course
• Visit the famous battlefield
• Visit the capital of the Scottish Highlands
• View the most famous loch of them all
• View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour
• Visit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754
• Visit this picturesque region
• View the timbered buildings known as the ‘Rows’
• With your Local Specialist, see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, the Georgian Squares and Trinity College
• View the Cistercian Abbey
• Visit the Belleek Pottery Centre
• View the 15th-century castle
• See Galway Cathedral
• View the cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery
• Kiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle
• Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
• See the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall, the National Museum, and view Cardiff Castle
• Visit the Georgian spa town
• View the Royal Castle

• Deluxe coach travel
• Selected hotel dinners, with optional meals to purchase
• 3-star stays

• York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
• Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Inverness: Visit the site of the final Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated in 1746. Walk the battlefield and learn how this short but brutal conflict changed the course of Scottish history. 
• Glencoe: Drive through Glencoe, a Highland valley known for steep mountains, open moorland and clan history. Your Travel Director shares context on the area’s past as you follow the road through one of Scotland’s best-known landscapes, with views that show the scale and character of the Highlands.
• Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. 
• Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
• Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, the city walls and the famous black-and-white Rows.
• Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
• Belleek: See traditional craftsmen at work at the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, one of the oldest working potteries in the world.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through County Donegal, watching its green countryside and rugged landscapes unfold beyond the window.
• Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
• On your scenic drive through the Dingle Peninsula, green slopes climb towards weathered sandstone peaks as glimpses of the Atlantic appear between the hills.
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. 
• Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
• Cross the Irish Sea by ferry, watching Ireland recede as the coastline of South Wales comes into view.
• Cardiff: Learn more about Wales’ capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Costsaver

Stroll historic streets as you join a guided orientation of York’s medieval heart. Take in the soaring west front of York Minster and wander the narrow, timbered lanes of The Shambles, once home to the city’s butchers. Follow segments of the old Roman and Viking layers that still shape the street plan.

Hear how merchants, monks and monarchs left their mark on this former walled stronghold. Spot the city walls and the picturesque pause for photos and reflection by the Minster’s Gothic stonework, animated by centuries of craftsmanship and stained glass.

See Scotland’s capital on a city drive as you join a guided panoramic tour along Princes Street and the Royal Mile, past elegant Georgian terraces and closes that tumble toward the Old Town. Capture views of Edinburgh Castle poised on Castle Rock and Scotland’s royal residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Absorb Auld Reekie’s contrasts—from medieval wynds to Enlightenment squares. Hear stories of philosophers, poets and princes whose legacies shaped the city’s skyline and spirit, set against the volcanic crags of Arthur’s Seat.

Explore the coastal university town where learning and links golf share the spotlight. Walk cobbled lanes near the University of St Andrews and make your way to the legendary fairways to view the 18th green on the Old Course, framed by the North Sea breeze and stone clubhouses.

Hear how golf evolved here across windswept dunes and tidal sands since the 15th century. The North Sea shoreline and collegiate atmosphere give this small town an outsized cultural pull.

Walk the battlefield where the 1746 clash between government troops and Jacobite forces ended a cause and reshaped the Highlands. Wander among clan grave markers on the windswept moor and feel the silence that follows the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Interpretive displays illuminate tactics, weaponry and the short but brutal conflict that changed the course of Scottish history. The heathered landscape and low sky set a poignant tone for remembrance.

Drive through Glencoe, the Highland valley where sheer ridgelines rise from peat-dark moors and waterfalls stitch the slopes. Catch sight of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, and mirror-like Loch Linnhe as the road threads spectacular scenery.

Hear of the 1692 betrayal that turned this serene place into the “Glen of Weeping”. The landscape’s drama, cloud-torn light and deep history make this one of Scotland’s most stirring routes.

Step into lore at Gretna Green’s historic blacksmiths where eloping couples once wed over the marriage anvil. Browse displays that recall 18th-century runaway weddings and the cross-border romance that made this village famous.

Hear tales of handfasting and Scotland’s more permissive marriage laws that drew lovers from England. The rustic setting and intimate stories make this a charming cultural stop.

Follow country lanes edged by drystone walls and fells to England’s largest lake, Windermere. Capture reflections of wooded hills and slate-roofed villages, and soak in the lakeside atmosphere that inspired poets and painters.

Hear nods to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter as misty mountain passes give way to gentle valleys. This tranquil circuit highlights the timeless charm of Cumbria’s landscapes.

Walk sections of Chester’s Roman city walls and admire the black-and-white timbered galleries of The Rows. See the ornate Eastgate Clock and the cathedral precinct, where centuries of craftsmanship animate sandstone carvings.

Founded as the fortress of Deva Victrix, Chester’s layered past spans legionaries, merchants and medieval guilds. Lively streetscapes mix heritage with contemporary cafés and boutiques.

Explore Ireland’s capital on a city drive taking in St Patrick’s Cathedral, stately Dublin Castle and the cobbles of Trinity College. Glimpse gracious Georgian squares punctuated by brightly painted doors and fanlights.

Hear how monastic scholars and modern writers shaped the city’s spirit. Trinity is home to the Book of Kells, a masterpiece of medieval illumination, while church spires and quayside warehouses chart Dublin’s mercantile rise.

Visit the evocative remains of 12th-century Boyle Abbey, a Cistercian foundation where sturdy nave arcades and austere stonework reflect the order’s disciplined aesthetic. Arches and capitals display early Gothic forms emerging from Romanesque roots.

Learn how monastic estates shaped settlement and farming in medieval Ireland. Today the abbey’s roofless silhouette and quiet cloister garth invite contemplation amid shifting western skies.

Follow Atlantic byways to discover rugged cliffs and wild beaches, where surf bites at headlands and machair grasses ripple in the wind. Camera-worthy viewpoints reveal offshore islets and sweeping, empty strands.

Hear about fishing villages, folklore and the resilient communities of Ireland’s northwest. The interplay of light, weather and sea underlines Donegal’s reputation as the rugged Atlantic edge of the island.

Explore the heart of Galway around lively Eyre Square, where buskers soundtrack colorful shopfronts. Walk to the Spanish Arch on the River Corrib and view the city’s modern cathedral rising above the quays.

Hear tales of traders, tribes and seafarers that shaped this west-coast hub. Glimpses of Claddagh culture, seafood cafés and stone-cut lanes reveal a city equally proud of tradition and creativity.

Drive the Dingle Peninsula through a patchwork of stone-walled fields, Gaelic signposts and Atlantic-facing coves. Pastures drop to surf-lashed sands while mountain passes reveal distant, wave-cut headlands.

Hear of ancient settlements and monastic traditions that left ogham stones and early Christian sites scattered across the hills. Glimpses of the Blasket Islands and colorful fishing villages round out a route beloved by filmmakers and poets.

Tour the House of Waterford Crystal to watch master blowers and cutters shape molten glass into brilliant facets. Follow each stage, from fiery furnace to hand-guided wheels that etch signature patterns.

Since 1783, Waterford’s craft has illuminated banquets and ballrooms worldwide. End amid glittering showrooms where sparkling displays showcase the precision that made this Irish name synonymous with elegance.

Admire honey-coloured crescents and terraces as you explore Bath’s Georgian architecture. Stroll near Pulteney Bridge and the Abbey while elegant facades curve in harmony with the surrounding hills.

Hear how mineral springs drew Romans and Regency society alike. View the exterior of the Roman Baths complex and picture steaming pools that made this city a byword for style and sociability.

Walk atmospheric lanes beneath flag-festooned shopfronts and riverside pathways in royal Windsor. From vantage points in town, view Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, commanding the Thames.

Hear about state occasions, St George’s Chapel and the castle’s Norman foundations. The town’s blend of parkland, boutiques and pageantry adds a fittingly regal finale to your journey.

Step inside Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street to see timbered rooms where the Bard’s story began. Explore exhibits that trace his family life, early schooling and the burgeoning playhouse scene of Elizabethan London.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Browse the garden and displays at the Visitor Centre for deeper context on the world’s most performed playwright.

Step inside Edinburgh Castle to explore centuries of fortress life high above the city. See the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret’s Chapel and the great cannon Mons Meg.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Panoramic ramparts and evocative halls reveal royal ceremony, siegecraft and the pageantry of Scotland’s past.

Visit the ancient village of Torphichen to see echoes of the Knights Hospitaller, whose preceptory once anchored this quiet landscape. Learn how crusading orders shaped landholding, charity and defense across medieval Scotland.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Atmospheric ruins and village lanes set the scene for stories of chivalry, pilgrimage and power.

Tour Blair Castle, ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl. Step through portrait-lined corridors and discover the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last remaining private army, commemorated in uniforms and regalia.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Landscaped grounds and richly appointed rooms chart 700 years of Highland politics, hospitality and pageantry.

Experience a working Highland farm as expert shepherds whistle commands and border collies arc across the hillside to gather a flock. Learn about breeds, shearing and hill farming traditions.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Close-up encounters and spirited dogs make for engaging rural storytelling amid rugged scenery.

Enjoy a comedy night that channels classic Glaswegian wit while supporting local creatives and community initiatives. Expect fast one-liners, sharp storytelling and a warm, convivial welcome.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® option is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Laughter and authentic Glaswegian banter offer an entertaining window into the city’s character.

Savour a gastropub dinner featuring Irish produce—think stout-braised beef or smoked salmon—paired with a pint or craft pour. Musicians strike up reels and jigs as locals trade stories and the craic flows.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Toast Dublin’s hospitality in a convivial setting where food, song and laughter mingle.

Explore Glendalough, the “valley of the two lakes,” where St Kevin founded a monastery amid forests and water. See the round tower, churches and carved crosses set against Wicklow’s hills.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Spiritual echoes and serene scenery highlight Ireland’s early Christian heritage in the island’s “Garden County.”

Watch traditional Irish dancers cut precise rhythms to fiddle and flute, with the bodhrán’s heartbeat driving toe-to-heel footwork. Local musicians and singers round out a lively showcase.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Energy, artistry and community pride animate this evening of County Kerry culture.

Join a guided walk through Waterford’s Viking Triangle, tracing lanes near Reginald’s Tower and medieval walls. Hear how Norse traders, Normans and craftsmen forged Ireland’s oldest city.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. Conclude with a convivial drink in a characterful pub—where stories of glass, ships and saints linger by the hearth.

Tour Cardiff Castle, from its Norman keep to Victorian Gothic interiors dressed in gilded detail. Climb battlements for city views and step through themed chambers rich in symbolism.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. The castle’s layers—from Roman fort to romantic revival—tell Wales’s capital story in stone.

Enjoy a Welsh evening of song, stories and warm humour, where choral harmonies and harp strings showcase the nation’s proud traditions. Expect convivial hosting and a celebratory mood.

This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour. A memorable cultural send-off that pairs performance with big-hearted Welsh hospitality.