CELTIC CONNECTIONS

Day 1 – Welcome to Scotland
After arrival transfer into the city centre and check into your hotel. Get to know the historic centre of Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle and Princess Gardens. Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Wander along the Royal Mile and relax in one of the cafes or pubs or visit the museums such as the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery. Overnight: Edinburgh area 
 
Day 2 – St Andrews & Perth
Leave Edinburgh via the spectacular Forth Road Bridge. Visit St Andrews Castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews – the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland. St Andrews is also the famous home of golf, played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Continue to Perth where you can visit the Scone Palace. Once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace occupies a unique position in the history of Scotland. It is a breathtakingly beautiful seat of power and mystery and the rightful home of the celebrated Stone of Scone - also known as the Stone of Destiny. Scone Palace is regarded as a national treasure and is revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland. Overnight: Perthshire area 
 
Day 3 – Scottish Highlands
Explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands today and be enchanted by its beautiful scenery. On your way visit the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland, and don’t miss out on a tasting. Dating back to 1825, Edradour, stands alone as the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production today. Hidden in the very heart of Perthshire, this picturesque ‘little Model Village’ of Edradour is steeped in a history of intrigue to inspire the imagination. And, with matchless commitment to retaining authentic small scale production, Edradour uniquely boasts 
over 25 distinctive expressions of Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky with their wonderful characters and flavours. You should also spend some time in the principal city of the Highlands this evening, Inverness. Visit the Victorian Market or Craig Patrick above the city. Overnight: Inverness area 
 
Day 4 – Isle of Skye
A visit to Loch Ness is a must today, in search of the Loch Ness Monster, as well as the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Urquhart Castle offers a taste of the Highlands at their most dramatic. Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine. Travel to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic of the Hebridean Islands. Overnight: Isle of Skye area 
 
Day 5 – Oban
Enjoy your morning on this beautiful island. During your tour you can take in the dramatic scenery of the famed Cuillin Mountains. Visit Dunvegan Castle, the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Alternatively spend some time in Portree, the capital of the island. Continue through the historic valley Glen Coe, also known as the “Valley of Tears.” The main valley road brings you through the beautiful mountains, with their deep gullies & impressive waterfalls. Overnight: Oban area 
 
Day 6 – Glasgow
Drive along the banks of Loch Lomond towards Glasgow. Loch Lomond has the greatest drinking water capacity of any lake in Great Britain. There are approximately 38 islands in the lake. It is one of the most famous lakes in Scotland and has been a rich source of inspiration for many poems and songs. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Glasgow. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery where you can explore its 22 themed galleries showcasing an astonishing 8,000 pieces of art. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular museums. With 22 themed, state-of-theart galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the extensive collections are wideranging and internationally significant. Overnight: Glasgow area 
 
Day 7 – Welcome to Ireland
Take the ferry to Northern Ireland today. Depending on your time of arrival spend the day exploring the city of Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in a new iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Overnight: Belfast area 
 
Day 8 – Galway
Depart Belfast for Galway this morning. Visit Locke’s Distillery en route, the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery. Explore the Distillery’s museum and learn how Whiskey has been produced here since it was founded in 1757. Start your tour in 1757 and discover how Irish whiskey was made in the time of the Lockes ownership of the distillery on one side of the courtyard and then follow on to see how Kilbeggan Irish  whiskey is now being made in the traditional manner which includes a 180 year old pot still. Today the distillery hosts a museum and since 2007 when distillation commenced again in Kilbeggan, visitors can experience a real working distillery run by a team of young enthusiastic craftspeople (and a few wise old heads too), skilled in the traditional ways of making Irish whiskey. Continue to Galway and spend your evening in the city.  Overnight: Galway area