Sun, Oct 18

BALLINTUBBER ABBEY & DRUMCLIFFE CHURCHYARD

Leave Galway heading north to reach Ballintubber Abbey.  Known as "the Abbey that refused to die,” it has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. In 1653 the Abbey was left roofless after destruction and burning by Cromwell's army but for 250 years the local people of the area attended Mass in wind, rain and snow. Today the Ballintubber Abbey retains an air of ancient beauty and spirituality enhanced by its simple but elegant restoration. Then travel on to Sligo, a county of gentle mountains, lakes and coastline which is an area associated with the great poet, W. B. Yeats. Stop to see his grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard before driving to Belleek where you’ll visit the Belleek Pottery Factory. See how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. A short drive will take you into Donegal where you will check into your hotel.  Enjoy some time to relax and settle in before joining your group for dinner.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL

Mon, Oct 19

SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS & HANNA HATS

Head  west along the shores of Donegal Bay through Killybegs and Shalwy to reach the Slieve League cliffs, Europe's highest sea cliff after the cliffs of Croaghaun on the northern coast of Achill Island. This mountain forms cliffs on the seaward side with a drop of 900 feet straight down into the wild, Atlantic waves below. After your visit drive to Donegal for a visit to Hanna Hats, world famous makers of Irish tweed.  Return to your hotel where your evening is free for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL

Tues, Oct 20

DERRY WALKING TOUR & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

Leave Donegal and drive to Derry for a walking tour of the city’s sights. See the 17th century city walls, which are some of the best-preserved in Europe, and the Diamond, the main central square.  Also pass the 17th century St. Columb's Cathedral, the Tower Museum with local history displays and the Guildhall where the history of Derry is depicted in stained-glass windows.  After your walk, motor to the Giant's Causeway, enormous columns formed over 60 million years ago. Continue your drive via the scenic "Nine Glens of Antrim" to the city of Belfast.  Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to relax before joining your group for dinner.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Stormont Hotel, Belfast

Wed, Oct 21

FERRY TO SCOTLAND & GLASGOW TOUR

Today drive a short distance to the port of Larne and take a ferry ride to Stranraer.  Upon arrival meet your Scottish driver and enjoy an introductory narrative as you drive along the west coast past Turnberry, one of Scotland’s famous golf courses, and Ayr and into Glasgow for panoramic tour of the city. See the city’s many fine Victorian buildings made with local red sandstone.  Drive around George Square, filled with statues of Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria and other influential people. See the Victorian City Chambers, opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria.  Pass Glasgow Cathedral, a splendid 12^th century Gothic building dedicated to St. Mungo, the patron saint of the city. Then drive east to the capital city of Edinburgh and check into your hotel.  Enjoy some time to freshen up before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: APEX WATERLOO PLACE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

Thu, Oct 22

EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, meet your city guide and take a tour of Scotland's capital city. Start your sightseeing with a drive through the heart of the city along Princes Street, famous for its shops on one side and gardens on the other. See the 18th century New Town with its broad streets, spacious squares and elegant town houses. Then drive along the Royal Mile and stop to visit Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh's main hills, which is set right in the city center with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.  See an amazing panoramic view that includes the length of Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Then drive to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock for a guided tour.  After your visit, the afternoon and evening are spent at leisure for you to browse, shop, sightsee, and dine independently. 

OVERNIGHT: APEX WATERLOO PLACE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

Fri, Oct 23

St. Andrews CASTLE & CATHEDRAL

Drive north from Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews where golf originated.  See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and visit St. Andrews Castle, which was founded in 1200 as a fortress and home of the Bishop of St. Andrews.  From the Castle, Archbishop Beaton watched George Wishart burn at the stake, himself to perish at the hands of an assassin soon afterwards.  Then visit St. Andrews Cathedral, which founded in 1160 and then consecrated in 1318, was by far the largest church in Scotland before its destruction at the reformation. The adjoining Priory was similarly the most important monastic foundation of its time.  After your visits, enjoy some free time to wander independently before returning to Edinburgh for a free evening.

OVERNIGHT: APEX WATERLOO PLACE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

Sat, Oct 24

RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES

Today your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Edinburgh Airport in plenty of time to check in for your transatlantic flight or your connecting flight. You may choose to do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft for your transatlantic flight. Enjoy your flight across the Atlantic Ocean back to your hometown in the United States.