The Thistle and the Shamrock

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, Thursday June 11: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 12: Killarney

Fly into Shannon and travel through the Irish countryside to Killarney. The remainder of the day is free to unpack, relax and explore this picturesque town. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 13: Killarney

Experience Ireland at its most beautiful as you travel around the Ring of Kerry. The drive along the Ring’s 100-mile scenic loop includes stops for photos as well as an opportunity to watch a peat cutting demonstration and a sheepdog demonstration showcasing this talented canine’s herding skills. Before you return to Killarney, visit Muckross House, a stately Victorian home with magnificent gardens and breathtaking views of the lakes that surround Killarney. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 14: Dublin

Today's journey brings you first to fabled Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone. Continue to the Rock of Cashel to visit the imposing ruins of Cormac's chapel, offering panoramic views of rolling green hills. Your final destination tonight is Dublin. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 15: Dublin

Sightseeing this morning shows you the busy streets and tranquil Georgian squares of Dublin. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. Wander around old Dublin or visit one of its many excellent museums this afternoon. Later you will visit the Guinness Storehouse. This evening you will enjoy an Irish Evening filled with folklore, traditional food, singing and dancing. Audience participation is encouraged! (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 16: Belfast

This morning you'll drive into Northern Ireland and head for Belfast, where a visit to the Titanic Exhibition Centre awaits. The RMS Titanic was built in Belfast's shipyards and the locals love to say about the ship, “She was fine when she left here.” An afternoon guided sightseeing tour showcases this bustling city marked by a divided past and a hopeful future and includes a visit inside City Hall. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 17: Glasgow

Cross the Irish Sea by ferry and arrive at Stranraer, from where you'll journey north to the town of Alloway in Ayrshire. Here, immerse yourself in the life of Scotland's National Poet with a visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, including the humble cottage where he was born and interactive museum exhibits showcasing artifacts and handwritten manuscripts. Then continue to Glasgow and begin to experience its bustling, industrious culture. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 18: Highlands

Glasgow's rich heritage comes alive this morning on your guided panoramic sightseeing tour viewing the city's cathedral, George Square and famed Victorian and art nouveau architecture. Then travel north to visit Stirling Castle, scene of one of William "Braveheart" Wallace's most famous victories. Continue to the Highlands. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday June 19: Highlands

This morning you'll visit Eilean Donan Castle, a cultural icon of Scotland, to learn about the 13th century castle's role in the history of the Scottish highlands. Next you'll cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, one of the jewels of Scotland, to view highlights usch as the bustling port and thriving cultural center of Portree and the dramatic landscape of the Old Man of Storr. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday June 20: Edinburgh

This morning's drive brings you to Pitlochry, where you visit Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. You will also visit the Edradour Distillery, one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland producing only 18 casks each week. Then continue to Edinburgh, a journey that provides stunning views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. The evening's highlight is a traditional haggis tasting and dinner. Haggis is Scotland's national dish—a savory pudding made from sheep's “pluck” and spices—and it's served with a side order of history that's as interesting as the dish itself. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday June 21: Edinburgh

A guided sightseeing tour shows you Princes Street, Charlotte Square and the Royal Mile. A visit to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland, is included. This afternoon you may want to learn about local literary history at the Writers' Museum or shop for woolens, tartans and sheepskins. (B,D)

Day 12, Monday June 22: Edinburgh

This morning take an excursion to Hadrian's Wall, the Roman Empire’s northernmost defense against marauders in northern Britain. Portions of the once 80-mile-long wall still stand—a testament to Roman engineering. Return to Edinburgh this afternoon. (B,D)

Day 13, Tuesday June 23: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)