Alexandria Choral Society - Ireland/Scotland Tour

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Sunday June 22: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 23: Dungarvan

Céad Míle Fáilte! Arrive on the Emerald Isle this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager at Dublin airport. Travel south with an en route stop in the town of Kilkenny, to explore this pretty town and take a self-guided tour of the Castle. Continue to Dungarvan to your overnight hotel with an independent dinner.

Day 3, Tuesday June 24: Under Own Arrangements

After breakfast at your hotel, spend today with your hosts in Dungarvan, including a concert arranged by your own contacts. Stay overnight with your hosts via your direct homestay arrangements. (B)

Day 4, Wednesday June 25: Dublin

After breakfast with your hosts, gather at a central point for your journey back to the capital city, Dublin. Meet with a local guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin. Check in to your hotel for the next two nights, and take dinner together. (D)

Day 5, Thursday June 26: Dublin

This morning after breakfast take a tour of the famous Guinness storehouse, to learn all about how this iconic Irish drink is produced: your tour includes a tasting of this unique brew! After an independent lunch, take a self-guided visit of the 1000-year-old Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of the city, before an early dinner. Later, perform your next concert in a church or cathedral in the city (B,D)

Day 6, Friday June 27: Belfast

Check out of the hotel this morning and board your bus to make the journey north into Northern Ireland and to its capital, Belfast. This afternoon you'll visit the Titanic Museum to learn all about the famous last voyage of the ill-fated vessel. After exploring the city with your tour manager, check in to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday June 28: Edinburgh

After breakfast check out of your hotel and make the short journey to Cairnryan Port, where you'll board the ferry for the crossing to Scotland. On arrival continue driving to Scotland’s marvelous capital city of Edinburgh. En route and subject to timing, you may stop for a short break to stretch the legs in the famous golfing town of Troon. On arrival in Edinburgh, check in to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner together in Scotland's capital!. (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday June 29: Edinburgh

Today's journey will take you through the Trossachs, famous for its local legend, Rob Roy McGregor. You will first visit Stirling for lunch on your own and to visit to the famous Castle that is a fundamental landmark in Scottish history. Continue on to Alexandria's twin city of Dundee, where you will give your final concert of the tour in collaboration with a local choir. Have dinner with your hosts before a late return to Edinburgh. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday June 30: Edinburgh

This morning, a local guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Edinburgh. You will see Princes Street, Charlotte Square, Holyrood Palace, the famous Royal Mile and finally Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy some time at leisure for lunch. Then transfer to St Giles' Cathedral for your final concert performance at 1:30pm. After the performance, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday July 1: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)