Deluxe castles of Scotland & Ireland

Your driver-guide picks you up this morning for a day of exploring the castles and palaces in the environs of Edinburgh. Take a step back in time while visiting the mysterious 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, wandering the maze-like ruins of the royal residence and military base of Linlithgow Palace, admiring the dark and striking Blackness Castle situated on the Firth of Forth, and learning about the historical and artistic significance of the grand country manor of Hopetoun House.

This morning you begin your journey to Inverness with your driver-guide by way of Scone Palace. Your private guide walks you through one of Scotland's most historic and stately homes, while pointing out and bringing to life small details of the palace's vast private collection. Discover the treasures housed at Scone Palace and learn about the significance of the Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny). End the afternoon wandering the grounds and gardens — meeting the resident peacocks — before finishing your journey in the town of Pitlochry.

Travel today through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park on your way to Inverness, heading toward Braemar. In the afternoon visit Braemar Castle and explore the grounds and the architecture and interiors of the castle.

Spend today on Loch Ness with guides who tell enchanting stories of Scotland's mythical history, including the Loch Ness Monster. You can see the ruins of Urquhart Castle from the loch while enjoying Scottish whiskies and cheeses. You’ll then travel through the spectacular landscape of Glen Garry, which takes you north toward Eilean Donan Castle. This is perhaps Scotland’s most iconic castle, framed by a mountainous background with the Cuillins of Skye in the distance.

Explore the beauty of the Isle of Skye with your guide, who'll take you to the most scenic areas of Skye including Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing. Upon arrival on Skye, you will visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens with a private guide, where you'll learn more about the MacLeod clan. After the tour, experience life as a MacLeod while enjoying a wee dram of whisky.

Today you take the ferry to Mallaig and continue your journey on the Jacobite steam train to Fort William, where you have the opportunity to spend the night in the 19th-century Inverlochy Castle. En route you'll cross the viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films, pass sea lochs and historic monuments.

Depart Fort William and travel over to Inverness. This is a really scenic journey which travels the length of the Great Glen, the geographical fault line which divides Scotland diagonally between Inverness and Fort William. After enjoying the scenery, you will be driven to Inverness airport for your short flight to Dublin, Ireland. On arrival, you're met by your private driver and transported to your hotel in Cork.

Spend the morning at Blarney Castle, a quintessential Irish castle. You can join other visitors in kissing the Blarney Stone for good luck and spend some time wandering the gardens. Continue onto the vibrant fishing village of Cobh. Here, you will take a leisurely walking tour accompanied by your private guide who will recount the history and the lives of those on the ill-fated Titanic.

This morning you travel to Killarney with your driver-guide, where you embark on a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park.

Spend the day exploring the Dingle Peninsula, whose beauty rivals that of the nearby Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Replete with fishing boats and sailboats, the port town of Dingle is a beautiful place to wander and observe Irish traditions still practised here by its residents. After spending the day in Dingle, travel to Ennis to spend the night in Dromoland Castle.

Today you're transferred by private driver to Shannon Airport for your flight home.