luxury escorted tour of
ireland &
scoTland
Includes the Edinburgh
Royal Military Tattoo
Departing 1st August 2017
for 17 Days
Itinerary
Tuesday 01 Aug
Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and check in to your hotel located just off of Grafton
Street, in the fashionable area of Dublin with many of the key attractions
in walking distance. Meet your guide for a brief orientation walk. This
afternoon will be at your leisure.
This evening you will have your Welcome Dinner at O’Connell’s Restaurant
in Donnybrook, which is run and established by husband and wife Tom
and Annette O’Connell. Their vision is to create a ‘home away from home’
Irish Brasserie using the best of Irish produce with contemporary cooking.
Hotel: The Westbury – 2 night stay wednesday 02 Aug
(D)
Dublin
After breakfast meet your guide for a tour of Dublin visiting St Patrick’s
Cathedral and Trinity College. Firstly visit Trinity College Library to see the
Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is Ireland's greatest cultural treasure and
the world's most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a
richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ.
Guinness is synonymous with Ireland and no visit to Dublin is complete
without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse – the Home of Guinness. This
afternoon you will visit the Guinness Storehouse where you will discover
what goes into the making of each and every pint, and learn about the
incredible brand history stretching over 250 years. Remainder of day and
evening at leisure.(B)
saturday 05 Aug
Follow the south shore of the Dingle Peninsula to the charming Dingle
Town and take in the views of the Blasket Islands before heading to the
Blasket Heritage Centre for a visit and lunch in the centre’s restaurant.
After lunch continue to your beautiful accommodation set along the
Atlantic featuring an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. Check in
and relax with the remainder of your evening at leisure.
Hotel: Trump Resort Doonbeg – 2 night stay sunday 06 Aug Dublin to Killarney
Today you will leave Dublin for Killarney travelling via the Rock of Cashel
and Blarney Castle. You will visit the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular and
archaeological site showing a collection of medieval ecclesiastical
buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. After your
visit lunch has been arranged at the Rockhouse Restaurant.
(B,L)
Doonbeg – Cliffs of Moher – Doonbeg
This morning visit the dramatic scenery of
the Cliffs of Moher. Scan this rugged
landscape that regularly endures the fiercest
of Atlantic storms to spot its large colonies
of birds including Atlantic puffins.
Head back to the hotel for an afternoon at
leisure before your dinner at the Ocean View
Restaurant at the hotel. After dinner enjoy
the Irish entertainment at the Sheeban where
you will experience Irish storytelling, music
and dancers.(B,D)
Monday 07 Aug
thursday 03 Aug
Killarney – dingle & Blanket Islands – Doonbeg
Doonbeg – Shannon – Edinburgh – Glasgow
After breakfast you will be transferred to Shannon Airport for your flight
to Edinburgh. You will be met and transferred to Glasgow for a two night
stay at the Hotel du Vin, an iconic Glasgow hotel set in a tree-lined
Victorian terrace in the fashionable West End. Once you have checked in
you will have the remainder of your day at leisure to explore and settle in.
Hotel: Hotel du Vin – 2 night stay (B,D)
This afternoon you will head to Blarney Castle where you will have the
chance to kiss the Blarney Stone before arriving at Killarney to check into
your Victorian hotel for a two night stay. This evening you will be dining
at the Lord Kenmare Restaurant for dinner, one of the leading Killarney
restaurants offering you the finest in contemporary Irish cuisine.
Hotel: The Malton Hotel – 2 night stay (B,L,D)
friday 04 AugKillarney – Moll’s Gap – Killarney
This morning begins with something a little different. You will make your
way to Kissane Sheep Farm, where you will watch keenly trained sheepdogs
gather their sheep and experience life on a working farm in Ireland.
You will then journey to Killarney National Park to Muckross House, This
nineteenth century Victorian vine-covered manor is set in the shadow of
craggy Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. In 1932 it was presented by William Bowers
Bourn and Arthur Rose Vincent to the Irish nation. It thus became the first
National Park in the Irish Free State and formed the basis of the present day
Killarney National Park. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.(B)
Tuesday 08 Aug
Glasgow
After breakfast depart by coach with your guide for a city tour including
a visit to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. This is Scotland’s oldest
public museum and is home to one of the largest collections outside of
the National Museums.
On to lunch at the Willow Tea Rooms before continuing by coach for your
city tour visiting the Riverside Museum (Museum of Transport). The
Riverside Museum provides an exciting new home for Glasgow's transport
collection and replaces the Museum of Transport previously located at the
Kelvin Hall. Remainder of your evening at leisure. (B,L)
Itinerary continued
wednesday 09 Aug Glasgow – Fort William – Skye
After breakfast check out of your hotel. Make your way by coach to Fort
William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, for some time at leisure to explore and
have lunch. After lunch you will board the Jacobite Steam Train, famously
known as the train used in the Harry Potter movies, from Fort William to
Mallaig. On arrival in Mallaig you will transfer by coach and ferry to the
Isle of Skye. You will stay two nights at the Kinloch Lodge. A former 17th
century hunting lodge and home to Lord and Lady MacDonald. Kinloch
Lodge currently holds the islands only Michelin star restaurant. Evening at
leisure to settle in and enjoy the surroundings.
Hotel: Kinloch Lodge – 2 night stay.(B)
sunday 13 Aug
Inverness – Pitlochry
Today you will leave Inverness and head
south to Pitlochry where you will have some
time for shopping and an early lunch at the
famous Hettie’s Teas Rooms. This afternoon
you will visit Blair Castle the ancient seat of
the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to
Europe's last remaining private army, the
Atholl Highlanders. Blair Castle is nestled in
the dramatic landscape of Highland Perthshire
and has been home to 19 generations of
Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl.
You will then depart to your very own castle
for an overnight stay at Fonab Castle Hotel.
Once checked in you will have the evening at
leisure to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
Hotel: Fonab Castle Hotel – 1 night stay
(B,L)
monday 14 Aug Pitlochry – St Andrews – Edinburgh
thursday 10 Aug
SKYE
After breakfast make your way by coach this morning for a tour of Dunvegan
Castle and Gardens. The seat of the MacLeod clan since the thirteenth
century, Dunvegan Castle sprawls on top of a rocky out-crop, sandwiched
between the sea and several acres of beautifully maintained garden’s.
On to the lovely fishing port of Portree for lunch. Portree is one of the
most attractive fishing villages in northwest Scotland, with a cliff-edged
harbour, circled by multi-coloured restaurants and guesthouses. This
afternoon we will visit the famous Talisker Whisky Distillery. The only
distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with
dramatic views of the Cuillins. This evening you will dine in the hotel’s
famous Michelin starred restaurant. (B,D)
After breakfast you will make your way by coach to St Andrews, Scotland’s
oldest university town and a pilgrimage centre for all golfers from all over
the world. You will have time to explore the centre of St Andrews with its
medieval layout where you can visit the ruined Gothic cathedral.
Once you have had time take in the sites and have a spot of lunch you will
then make your way to the famous St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf
Club for a tour of this magnificent place with the chance to walk one of
the course to experience the course first hand. Then on to your final
destination, Edinburgh for a three nights stay at the iconic Balmoral Hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Hotel: The Balmoral Hotel – 3 night stay
tuesday 15 Aug
(B)
Edinburgh
After breakfast you will be met by your guide for a tour of the town
including Edinburgh Castle and Royal Palace of Holyrood House (subject
to closure in case of state business). Edinburgh Castle, the most notable
landmark in the city, clinging precariously to the rocky edge of an extinct
volcano, it overlooks the vibrant streets of the Old Town below.
Royal Palace of Holyrood house is the Queens official residence in
Scotland and holds an important place in Scotland’s rich history. Your
afternoon will be at leisure to explore Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, Princes
Street for shopping etc. This evening you will be dining at Whighams Wine
Cellars for dinner.(B,D)
friday 11 Aug
Skye – Inverness
Today you will depart Skye by coach and head to the mainland over the
Skye Bridge to Dornie for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s
most photographed monuments. On to Fort Augustus for lunch before your
private boat cruise over Loch Ness. See if you can find what lurks beneath!
You will make your way to Inverness, the busy and prosperous hub of the
highlands. Check into your hotel for a two night stay. Kingsmill Hotel is one of
the top, luxury four-star hotels in Inverness. With a rich and diverse heritage
dating back to the 18th century. Remainder of your evening at leisure.
Hotel: Kingsmill Hotel – 2 night stay (B)
wednesday 16 Aug
Edinburgh
Morning at leisure. This afternoon you will visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Step into a world of grandeur and royal finery as you step on board the
Royal Yacht Britannia, now permanently moored in Edinburgh. Having
played host to some of the world’s most famous people, not to mention
Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.
Remainder of your afternoon at leisure before heading to see the Royal
Edinburgh Military Tattoo to complete your Scottish Experience. The
iconic and spectacular Tattoo gives a display of music, dance and
precision marching.(B,D)
saturday 12 Aug
Inverness – Speyside – Inverness
This morning you will depart by coach to Fort George, an old Hanoverian
bastion with walls a mile long. After you will make your way to Cawdor
Castle. The castle is built around a 15th-century tower house, with
substantial additions in later centuries.
Originally a property of the Calder family, it passed to the Campbells in
the 16th century. It remains in Campbell ownership, and is now home to
the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of Colin Campbell, 7th Earl
Cawdor. Lunch will follow the visit at the Cawdor Tavern. This afternoon
you will visit the famous Glenfiddich distillery before making your way
back to Inverness for an evening at leisure.
(B, L)
thursday 17 Aug
Edinburgh
You Ireland and Scotland adventure ends with lots of wonderful memories
to take with you. After breakfast check out of your hotel and continue
with your own arrangements. (B)
Itinerary Highlights
•Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle
•Doonbeg
•Whisky Distillery and Guinness
Tours
•Jacobite Steam Train from
Fort William to Mallaig
•Isle of Skye
•Royal Yacht Britannia
•Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
tour information
holiday value
CANCELLATIONS
(per person)
Land Only Tour Cost
TWIN SHARE
SINGLE
$10,995 $14,950
Your Exclusive Holiday Package Includes:
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Services of an Alpha Travel Tour Escort
Private Transport by Luxury Coach
16 Nights/17 Days Luxury Accommodation
Hotel Porterage
Breakfast Daily (B = Breakfast)
5 x Two Course Lunch (L = Lunch)
6 x Three Course Dinners (D = Dinner)
Internal Air-Fare from Shannon, Ireland to Edinburgh, Scotland
Expert Local Guide for Sightseeing
Entrance Fees to all sights and museums as per itinerary
Whiskey Distilleries as mentioned in itinerary
Gratuities
All taxes
24 Hour Emergency contact Service of Abercrombie & Kent Europe
what’s not included in the tour price
• Flights are not included. These can be tailored to your own
requirements which we’ll be delighted to assist you with
• Cost of Comprehensive Travel Insurance which is compulsory
• All passport and visa application fees, if necessary
• Any expenditure of a personal nature e.g. Telephone calls, laundry,
mini-bar, drinks etc.
• Any meals which are not included in the itinerary
• Any additional fees and charges due to changes in entrance fees
and statutory charges
Non Refundable Deposit (Exception: If minimum numbers are not met
and tour does not proceed – deposit is refundable)
Cancellations received between 01 May 17 and 01 Jul 17 will be subject
to 25% of the tour price.
Cancellations received between 02 Jul 17 and 14 Jul 17 will be subject to
50% of the tour price.
Cancellations received between 15 Jul 17 and 01 Aug 17 will be subject
to 100% of the tour price.
Cancellation of Airline Tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each
individual airline.
responsibility
Costs are based on Group Prices and are subject to a minimum of 12
passengers travelling together.
You will be refunded in full if tour numbers aren’t met.
Tour prices are based on land rates, taxes and exchange rates, current at
time of printing.
These are subject to change without prior notice until final payment has
been made.
Hotels can be subject to change depending on availability and
circumstances which are out of our control
Alpha Travel reserves the right to re-cost the tour should minimum
numbers not be met.
Alpha Travel reserve the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary, or
change of reservation, feature and/or means of conveyance without any
notice and for any reason whatsoever.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health,
actions or behaviour impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of the
other passengers.
If for any unforeseeable reason the advertised tour director is unable to
escort the tour, an alternative tour escort will be provided by Alpha Travel.
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Once your reservation is confirmed, a Deposit of $1500.00 per person is
required within 7 days.
Final Payment will be required no later than 01 May 17.
Airfare Payments will be according to your individual flight bookings.
* Payments made by Credit will incur a Credit Card Merchant Fee:
1% for Visa or Mastercard, 3% for AMEX or Diners
applecross, WA
(08) 9316 3333
www.alphatravel.com.au
All cancellations must be received in writing.
31F Ardross Street
[email protected]
travel insurance
Travel Insurance is compulsory and is available from Alpha Travel, which
will cover cancellation fees should you need to cancel due to unforeseen
circumstances covered by the insurance company. It is recommended
that insurance be taken out at the same time as paying your deposit.
CLAREMONT, WA
(08) 9286 7100
Shop 23, Times Square, Avion Way
armadale, VIC
(03) 9500 9895
Shop 3, 120 High Street
[email protected] [email protected]