Premium Celtic Castles: Scotland & Ireland

Your exceptional vacation in Scotland and Ireland begins today as you arrive in Edinburgh and make your way independently to our five-star hotel. Overlooking Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle, this elegant Victorian hotel was built in 1903 by the Caledonian Railway company on the site of their former terminal station. Today, the hotel is an award-winning destination for celebrities, presidents and royalty.

As you arrive, meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travelers for drinks before sitting down to a delicious, Scottish-inspired meal. As you take in the hotel's grand atmosphere, you can look forward to an itinerary filled with iconic landmarks, exciting cultural experiences and delicious cuisine. Overnight Edinburgh.

• Dinner

After breakfast in the hotel's glamorous restaurant, we head to Edinburgh Waverly station and boarding a train to the historic city of Stirling in First Class.

When we arrive, we join a group of artisans for a unique tartan-weaving class for a first-hand experience of Scottish culture. Under the expert guidance of the instructors, you can weave a set of coasters with fine Shetland wool on your own loom. Afterward, we enjoy a light lunch of local produce, before time to wander the city.

Leaving Stirling in the afternoon, we set off for Pitlochry by First Class rail. Our destination is the historic Fonab Castle, a luxury five-star castle hotel and our home for four nights. After checking in to our elegant rooms in the original castle with views of the Highlands, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at the award-winning restaurant. Overnight Pitlochry.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking in the castle, we enjoy breakfast in the brasserie with stunning views across the loch before a full day of exclusive experiences.

Gathering on the lawn after breakfast, we're greeted by a fleet of luxury off-road vehicles driven by experienced safari rangers - our guides for the day. We head into the rugged Highlands for a private wildlife-spotting expedition, driving through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks. Look out for grouse, mountain hares, red deer and golden eagles as our guide shares local knowledge and expertise.

In the afternoon, our drivers take us to Aberfeldy Distillery for a light lunch before an immersive whisky experience. After learning about the site's history with an introductory film and visiting the on-site museum, we embark on an expert-guided tour of the working distillery, rounding off the experience with a tasting of two exceptional whiskies. Returning to Fonab Castle in the evening, we gather for dinner. Overnight Pitlochry.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head to the renowned Glamis Castle, the site of more than six centuries of fascinating Scottish history. Once host to Mary, Queen of Scots, Glamis is said to have inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth. It also has a deep connection to today's royal family, as it was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

Stepping of the coach, we're welcomed by the sound of bagpipes as a professional musician sets the scene for our arrival at this magnificent royal residence. Unlike most visitors, we enter by the Queen Mother's private door, following in the footsteps of the illustrious Bowes-Lyon family, who have lived at Glamis since 1372. Our exclusive tour takes us into part of the castle which are closed to the public, giving us a unique insight into the lives of the royals who once walked the halls.

In the afternoon, we return to Fonab Castle for a falconry experience. Once a common activity on the grounds of a medieval castle, falconry was a symbol of nobility, wealth and status. With experienced handlers, we enjoy a hands-on opportunity to interact with birds of prey like owls, hawks and eagles. Overnight Pitlochry.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On the morning of our last full day in Scotland, we head to Aviemore Station for a heritage steam train journey through the Cairngorms, a vast landscape of high plateaus scattered with free-standing rocky outcrops. The Strathspey Steam Railway allows us to step back in time to the golden age of rail travel, enjoying beautifully restored interiors alongside the epic scenery.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a tour of Blair Castle, home to the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Our guide takes us through seven centuries of fascinating history, illustrated by the castle's carefully curated exhibitions, opulent 18th-century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture.

In the evening, we return to the castle for a special gala dinner. We enjoy champagne and canapés before being played into dinner by a professional bagpiper, who performs the Address to the Haggis as we sit down to our Scottish feast. After dinner, we're joined by a special guest for a tartan demonstration and storytelling experience, watching as an expert shows us how to pleat and drape the ancient belted plaid, or "Feilidh Mor." Listen as our guest tells us the story of the clans and traditional Highland society. Overnight Pitlochry.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Fonab Castle this morning, we head to the airport for a flight across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland.

Landing in Belfast, we stop for lunch in a local restaurant before heading to Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla when they visit Northern Ireland. We explore the sumptuous state rooms with an expert castle host, listening to stories of celebration, entertainment, diplomacy and negotiation across the castle's 300-year history. After our tour, you're free to explore the castle's 100 acres of stunning gardens, strolling through peaceful woodland and meandering waterways.

Departing this magnificent estate, we head to the 19th-century Cabra Castle, our luxurious home for the next three nights. After settling in to our rooms on the castle grounds, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner in The Courtroom restaurant, savoring award-winning Irish cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Overnight Kingscourt.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We make our way to the historic Titanic Slipways in Belfast, where the famous steam ship was built and launched. Today, the site is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the Titanic's construction, her fateful maiden voyage and her legacy.

You're free to wander the museum independently, exploring the Titanic Experience exhibition, walking the Slipways and stepping aboard the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel in the world. After our time at the museum, we head to the nearby Titanic hotel for a delicious lunch with views across the waterfront.

In the afternoon, we join a fleet of Belfast's iconic black cabs for a private tour of the city. Driven through the iconic streets by authentic Belfast cabbies, we discover the stories behind the famous murals, travel through peace lines, and hear first-hand accounts of The Troubles, a difficult chapter of Northern Irish history. After our day of diving into Belfast's fascinating past, we return to Cabra Castle for dinner. Overnight Kingscourt.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you have a free morning to relax on the Cabra Castle estate. With 100 acres of parkland and gardens to explore, you might like to take a peaceful stroll through nature. If you'd rather stay indoors, you can wander through the castle's magnificent reception rooms or find a quiet corner to relax with a book before we gather in the afternoon for an exciting experience.

After lunch, we're invited to a private Guiness masterclass in the castle. Developed in the 18th century, this iconic stout is known across the world today as a symbol of Ireland. In the Terrace Bar overlooking the beautiful grounds, we have the chance to master the famous two-part pour with the help of an expert - and, of course, to enjoy our properly poured pints.

In the evening, we come together again to enjoy dinner at The Courtroom. Overnight Kingscourt.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Bidding farewell to Cavan this morning, we head south through Ireland's Ancient East. We arrive at Oldbridge Estate, the site of the infamous Battle of the Boyne between the armies of King William III of Orange and James II in 1690. Here, you can see part of the historic battlefield and visit the museum to learn more about this turning point in Irish and British history.

Leaving the estate, we continue south to Kildare, where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After our meal, we head to Kilkea Castle, where we check in to our rooms on the grounds for a three-night stay.

We enjoy a special meal tonight, dining like royalty at the castle hotel's Restaurant 1180, named for the castle's 800-year history. Enjoying our elegant surroundings, as we savor exquisite local cuisine. Overnight Kildare.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head south to the medieval city of Kilkenny, where we take a guided tour of the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Today, the castle is largely a Victorian remodeling of the medieval defensive building, featuring restored period rooms including the opulent Chinese Withdrawing Room, the Tapestry Room and the grand Picture Gallery with its vaulted ceiling.

After our tour, we enjoy an early afternoon tea at Butler House, a large property built for the dowagers (widows) of the Butler family of Kilkenny Castle. Relax in the romantic surroundings of the Lady Eleanor Room as you enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, macarons, and scones with fresh cream and jam.

Returning to Kilkea Castle in the evening, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at Hermione's Restaurant at the Clubhouse. Overnight Kildare.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we enjoy a special treat on the Kilkea Castle grounds: an Irish Wolfhound experience. Recognized as the tallest dog breed in the world, these gentle giants were once used as hunting dogs by the ancient Irish. You get the chance to interact with these legendary animals, learn about their fascinating history and take memorable photos.

For those who would rather venture beyond the castle, you can join an excursion to Kildare Village, a luxury shopping center with more than 100 boutiques and designer shops. Here, you can enjoy upscale shopping, perhaps picking up a few gifts for loved ones.

On our final night of this magnificent vacation, we enjoy a farewell dinner in Restaurant 1180, savoring dishes that highlight the classic roots of the castle and the region's landscape. As we share our final dinner together, we can raise a glass to the exceptional experiences we had throughout our time in Scotland and Ireland. Overnight Kildare.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On this epic vacation, we experienced some of the most extraordinary landmarks and luxurious castle hotels of Scotland and Ireland. From weaving tartans in the historic city of Stirling to spotting wildlife on a Highland safari, our time in Scotland gave us a front-row seat to the country's history and culture. In Ireland, we discovered the Titanic's story and learned how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, staying on the grounds of two medieval castles while touring some of the country's most famous historical sites.

Your journey ends this morning after breakfast. If you plan to fly home, you can join our early morning transfer to the airport, or you might like to continue your vacation in Ireland.

• Breakfast