CIE Tours
OFFER ID 1542511
Luxuriate in this grand tour
Explore some of the most historic cities and towns of Scotland and Ireland . Be enchanted by the Isle of Skye, St Andrews, Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry.
Trip Highlights:
• Sean’s Bar in Athlone – CIE Tours Exclusive
• Glasgow
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Isle of Skye
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
• Titanic Belfast
• Edinburgh Castle
• Inveraray Castle
• St. Andrews
• Cliffs of Moher
• Marine Bar in Dungarvan – CIE Tours Exclusive
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Hotels:
• Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel
• Ballachulish Hotel
• Muthu Newton Hotel
• Atholl Palace Hotel
• Norton House Hotel & Spa
• Royal Marine Hotel
• The Galmont Hotel & Spa
• Great Southern Killarney Hotel
• Granville Hotel
• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
14 nights from $4,845 per person
Special Promotion: Save Up to $1,000 Per Couple on All Guided Vacations to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, and Italy for 2025 Travel
Valid on new bookings deposited between April 1, 2024 – May 30, 2024 for travel from January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Day 1 Glasgow Tour & Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM. Set out on a panoramic tour of the highlights of Glasgow, a city built on industry but now known for its stunning Victorian architecture, a creative cultural scene, and thriving restaurants and nightlife. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing one of Europe’s finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group and then the evening is yours to explore and dine as you wish.
Day 2 Loch Lomond Cruise & Inveraray Castle
Embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond for views of highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Drive through Glencoe, considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places, and then to your hotel in Ballachulish on the shores of Loch Leven. (B, D)
Day 3 Isle of Skye & Loch Ness
Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B, D)
Day 4 Culloden Battlefield & Sheepdog Trials
Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the historic battle and stroll around the moorland and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Spend the evening in a gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)
Day 5 Blair Castle & Whisky Tasting
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring hotel gardens and museum, or browsing around Pitlochry town. (B, D)
Day 6 Glamis Castle, St Andrews & Scottish Evening*
Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth”. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”. Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. July 28 – August 18 departures enjoy an evening free to dine independently. (B, D*)
Day 7 Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, from its medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile to the 200-year-old “New Town” area. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. July 28 – August 18 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)
Day 8 Ferry to Belfast, Titanic Belfast & Dublin
Say farewell to your Scottish guide and embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the full story of the ill-fated ocean liner, built in the nearby ship yards in 1912. Head to your hotel in the seaside suburb of Dun Laoghaire near Dublin, where you will meet your Irish driver/guide, and enjoy a free evening in this charming harbor town. (B)
Day 9 Sean’s Bar & Galway Walking Tour
Head to Athlone for a welcome drink at Sean’s Bar, the oldest bar in Europe. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the beautiful harbor city of Galway; see its stone-clad buildings and medieval, winding lanes. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own, then join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 10 Connemara, Catamaran Cruise & Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Explore scenic Connemara. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9- mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, to see elegant rooms, the charming church, and the Victorian walled gardens. Return to Galway, where your evening is free to explore the city’s lively pubs and excellent restaurants. (B)
Day 11 Sheepdogs, Cliffs of Moher & Kate Kearney's Cottage
Travel south around Galway Bay, through the austere beauty of the Burren, to visit a sheep farm and see trained sheepdogs show off their herding skills. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Take a ferry across the River Shannon estuary as you head to Killarney, where you'll enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment over dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage. (B, D)
Day 12 Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry Highlights & Kenmare
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle. See the highlights of Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, and take a break in the colorful village of Kenmare. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Return to Killarney for an evening on your own. (B)
Day 13 Blarney Castle & Traditional Music Session
Drive through the mountains on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone or just explore the tranquil gardens. Travel along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, a CIE Tours exclusive venue, for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford, where you’ll witness the creation of sparkling masterpieces as you visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. (B, D)
Day 14 Waterford Walk & Kilkenny
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the narrow streets of Waterford, discovering its fascinating past. In Kilkenny, spend free time exploring the medieval city center, then tour the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle to see glorious 17th-century tapestries, painted portraits, and sumptuous furnishings. Travel on to Dublin, where you’ll dine with a glass of wine at The Donnybrook Gastropub. (B, D)
Day 15 Tour Ends in Dublin
15-day tour ends after breakfast. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner. >
Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour
Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour
Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.
Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.
Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.
Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.
Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day
On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.
This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.
Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands. See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.
Duration: 8 hours
Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore
Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.
Pricing: Please inquire
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours
Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours
The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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