8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Platinum Tour

Your tour starts with a traditional Scottish afternoon tea at your hotel in Dunblane, 40 miles north of Glasgow. Your beautifully restored Victorian-style hotel is set on 10 acres of private grounds and offers an indoor pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. In the evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink before dinner. (D)

Travel to the historic town of Stirling to visit Stirling Castle. Captured in the 13th century from the English by William Wallace and then by Robert the Bruce, Stirling Castle has featured largely throughout Scottish history. Drive through the stunning scenery of the Trossachs National Park before returning to your hotel for some leisure time before dinner. (B, D)

Drive across the haunting Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful places. Drive along the scenic shore of Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle, once the largest in Scotland. Leave the castle and embark on a short cruise on Loch Ness to admire enchanting scenic views. Continue north to Inverness where you can rest and relax in your hotel before dinner. (B, D)

Visit Johnstons of Elgin to discover the 220-year-old story of Scottish innovation and luxury, and learn how local craftspeople have collaborated with generations of herding communities from Mongolia, China, Afghanistan, Australia, and Peru to create the finest woolen and cashmere cloth and accessories. Next up is a visit to a Speyside distillery, to experience all stages of the whisky-making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturing – ending with a wee dram to sample. Discover the beauty of Cawdor Castle with its extensive gardens. This has been a family home for over 600 years and is the reputed place of the murder of Duncan, Thane of Cawdor, immortalized in Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.” Enjoy leisure time before joining your group for dinner at your hotel, in the center of Inverness. (B, D)

Travel through lush countryside with a stop in one of the scenic villages before visiting Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth” and childhood home of the late Queen Mother. This is a majestic building filled with priceless artifacts and furnishings, and you’ll enjoy a special tour. Drive across the Tay Bridge to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” You’ll enjoy a free evening. (B)

Take a walking tour with your tour director to see the highlights of St Andrews, including the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the British Golf Museum. Visit St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral, which has been a site of worship since the 8th century. See the collection of medieval sculpture, carved stones, and other relics. Or you may choose to enjoy a morning off in St Andrews for golfing or a spa visit. Drive across the Queensferry Crossing into Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital city. Enjoy dinner on your own in the city. (B)

Explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of the city of Edinburgh. Your afternoon is free for independent exploring. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. On August 7 & 14 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.   >