Fly from the USA on or before August 8th to arrive for the first day of our program -August 9

                                                                         

Arrive: Dublin  International Airport  where you will be met by Rosemary  Dimitriji Wentner our Tour Escort and all the Happy Traveler US'

​

 

Welcome to Ireland!              

​

On our private bus, we will be driven to the West Coast of Ireland (approximately a 1 1/2 hour drive)

 

The town of Athlone, on the River Shannon

 

                                                                                             

Day 1         ARRIVAL /  ATHLONE

Aug 9         Individual arrivals at Dublin Airport        DUB

Wed            Arrive: Dublin  International Airport  where you will be met by Rosemary  Dimitri Wentner our Tour Escort and all the Happy Traveler US'

•                    The meeting point is the “INFORMATION DESK” between the two terminals       

•                    Check-in at Athlone Hotel, time to relax and unwind

•                    Free time to explore the town

A pint in Ireland’s oldest pub is a must for anyone visiting Athlone. But when you hear its history it

becomes even more so. Athlone is named after ‘the Ford of Luain’, an innkeeper who guided people

across the treacherous waters of the ancient ford. The crossing point and the pub date back to 900AD

and over the centuries the town has grown around it.

•                  TBA time pm: Meet for the welcome dinner at our hotel 

• Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in ATHLONE   

ATHLONE

Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights.

Standing 230 meters above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland.

On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The sea stack, Breanan Mór,

stands over 70 meters above the foaming waves.

You are advised to dress warmly when visiting the cliffs because of the cool and often very strong Atlantic winds blowing in from the ocean.

                           

Day 2         ATHLONE, GALWAY, and CONG (DRESS WARMLY TODAY!)

Aug 10       Breakfast at hotel

Thu            

• TBA time am:  drive to Galway and walking tour of Galway with a local guide

Straddling the River Corrib on the country's west coast, Galway exudes a youthful liberalism rarely found in Ireland. Galway's own

large population of college students is bolstered by the influx of young adults from across Ireland (and many from mainland Europe)

who are attracted by the music,

the theater, and lively pubs.  But travelers of any age will enjoy the city's compact, walkable downtown -- it's a delightful jumble of

narrow streets and medieval buildings

that recalls Galway's long history. Filled with restaurants and pubs, the city center is the best place to experience Galway's nightlife.

A well-marked walking tour takes you past the city's main highlights: the Spanish Arch (a remnant of the old city walls where goods from

Spain used to arrive); the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra (where Columbus reputedly stopped for a blessing before one of his trips

to the New World); Lynch's castle

(now a bank); Shop, High, and Quay Streets (great shopping in historic stores); and Eyre Square (a popular gathering place and site of

many of the city's festivals). Northwest of the city center, on an island in the river, is St. Nicholas' Cathedral, also known as

Galway Cathedral, a modern church (completed in 1965) built on the same scale as the great cathedrals of the past.

• Time will be allotted for lunch – if you like seafood, try a Galway “institution”:

     McDonagh’s Fish & Chips Bar  http://www.mcdonaghs.net/

• After lunch: We will have a private motorcoach for a drive from Galway to the village of Cong

 

CONG: a picturesque small village that is known worldwide as the place where the John Wayne classic 

“The Quiet Man” was filmed.  Cong is also famous for the discovery of the Cong Cross, a gold

and silver cross dating from 1123. The village is a few miles down the road from the lavishly

indulgent Ashford Castle, originally a monastery, then a castle, and now a deluxe hotel.

Cong, County Mayo:  Pat Cohan’s Pub played a starring role in the 1952 classic film “The Quiet Man”. In the

village of Cong, the building was actually a store and did not start serving pints until 2008 when it was remodeled

into a pub — complete with a replica of the interior featured in the film.

•                    Return to Athlone - dinner is on your own tonight in this charming town

•                    Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in ATHLONE   

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Day 3         ATHLONE

Aug 11       Breakfast at hotel

Fri              

• 10:00 am: private coach for a leisurely day excursion. We will drive through The Burren and along the scenic coastline

•  A visit to the Cliffs of Moher in The Burren:

The name, Burren is from the Irish - bhoireann - meaning  “stony place”. Its formation has lain unspoiled

since the ice age and is composed of karstic limestone, the largest area of its kind in Western Europe. 

• Time will be allotted for lunch

•  After lunch, we will visit Bunratty Folk Park (entrance included)

On the quaint castle grounds, Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in 19th-century Victorian Ireland. There is an

extensive array of vernacular buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one-roomed dwelling to Bunratty House,

a fine example of a Georgian

residence for the gentry. Traditional jobs and crafts are also represented, milling, the forge, pottery, printmaking, baking, farming, etc.

Costumed characters recreate the traditions and lifestyle of a bygone age. the Folk Park. The characters include The Bean

a Ti (woman of the house),  policeman, a Schoolteacher, a Blacksmith, and so on.

• Return to our hotel where we will meet for a group dinner 

• Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel in ATHLONE   

 

Day 4         ATHLONE to  DUBLIN

Aug 12       Breakfast at hotel

Sat             

• TBA time am: private motorcoach departs for Dublin  (90 miles / 2 hrs)

• On our way, we will make a stop in Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded

by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral,

eight churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses, and a large collection of early Christian

graves.

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

• Arrival in Dublin is scheduled for late afternoon

• This evening is free for you to explore Dublin!  Suggestions below. Also, the world-famous Abbey Theatre is a 15-minute walk from our hotel.

• There is a play on this night at 7:30. If interested go to www.abbeytheatre.com

• Overnight at Trinity City Hotel / DUBLIN        

Day 5        DUBLIN

Aug 13       Breakfast at hotel

Sun            

• 10:00 am:  local guide meets the group at the hotel for a tour of Dublin

The tour includes a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church. The original

the structure has  been rebuilt on a number of occasions, and the 300 ft long interior (the

longest in Ireland) contains many historic relics

Also included is a visit to the iconic General Post Office and admission to Dublin Castle and to Trinity College, founded in 1592 by

Queen Elizabeth I, housing one of the country's greatest treasures: "The Book of Kells", an illustrated book created by monks in the 8th Century

The Book of Kells is one of the masterpieces of Western art and a symbol of Irish nationalism. Where it was produced is controversial.

Some scholars suggest Iona, the island monastery founded by St. Columba. It is thought to have been the work of several individual

scribes over many years,

likely before A.D. 806. The manuscript was held at Kells until 1661 when it was moved to Dublin where it remains as the chief treasure of

Trinity College Library                 

• ​Free time will be allotted for lunch

 

Jonathan Swift, the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, was Dean at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin from 1713-1745. 

The original structure has  been rebuilt on a number of occasions, and the 300 ft long interior (the longest in Ireland)

contains many historic relics.  The above portrait shows St Patrick's in the background.

​

SUGGESTIONS for the afternoon:  a major attraction for anyone interested in the history of Irish independence is Kilmainham Gaol (= jail) 

(admission is approx. $ 9.50 - easy to pre-book through the website – guided tours only)

Today the building symbolizes the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the

Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867, and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here.

Many members of the

Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops.

http://kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/

Another option for a worthwhile activity is a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, a beer lover’s "must-see" on any visit to Dublin.

housed in an old fermentation plant in the heart of St James's Gate Brewery, the now seven-story visitor experience tells the story of Ireland's

iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of this world-famous beer. Your journey begins standing at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass,

which rises through the building. It is a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity Bar, Dublin's highest bar where you

will receive a complimentary pint of GUINNESS(R) while enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.

(admission is approx. $ 20.00, including a pint of Guinness)  https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en

 

For the art lover, there is of course the National Gallery of Ireland, very centrally located, open seven days a week, 9:15 am – 5:30 pm,

(The General Collection is FREE of charge, only special exhibitions cost an admission fee) https://www.nationalgallery.ie/

• TBA time pm: Meet in the lobby of our hotel to walk to a delightful evening that includes,  dinner, traditional

• Irish music and storytelling at Irish pub The Brazen Head (included)

The Brazen Head Pub: Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is officially Ireland's oldest pub. Although it is unclear

     how much of the original 11th-century coach house is still intact, there is a palpable sense of history within its walls.  James Joyce

referenced the Brazen Head in 'Ulysses'. Amongst the literary and historic giants associated with this pub were Brendan Behan, Jonathan Swift and

   the revolutionaries Robert Emmet and Wolfe Tone. Take some time to absorb the historic

     prints and scrolls which are displayed on the inside walls.  http://www.brazenhead.com/

• Overnight at Trinity City Hotel / DUBLIN            

 

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Day 6         DUBLIN to  EDINBURGH   (Scotland)

Aug 14       EARLY breakfast at our hotel 

Mon          

• 7:00 am: private motorcoach for transfer to Dublin Airport    

• 9:55 am: flight EI 3252 departs Dublin      DUB

         11:10 am:  arrival at Edinburgh Airport    EDI

                   (time will be allowed  for money exchange at the airport)

                   NOTE:  the United Kingdom is NOT part of the European Currency Union,

                   US-Dollars or leftover Euros may be changed into British Pound Sterling     

 

• Drive from Edinburgh Airport to Rosslyn Chapel, located just seven miles south of Edinburgh

         Admission and introduction by a local guide included

• Free time will be allotted for lunch at the excellent visitor center/coffee shop at Rosslyn

• Continuation to city center hotel - check-in and free time

• TBA time pm: transfer to Prestonfield House for a “Scottish Evening” with dinner and live entertainment

• (table wine is included, and further drinks can be purchased at the bar) http://www.scottishshow.co.uk/

• Overnight at the Murrayfield Hotel / EDINBURGH

​

Edinburgh: The capital of Scotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This distinction is partly an accident of nature,

for the city is built upon a jumble of hills and valleys; however, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the natural geography

was enhanced by the works of a succession of distinguished Georgian and Victorian architects. The result today is high drama: there are

countless spots where Edinburgh looks less like a city and more like a theatrical backdrop. The view from Edinburgh's Calton Hill, across

the River Forth to Fife, looks more like a scene from ancient Rome.

​

 

Day 7         EDINBURGH

Aug 15       Breakfast at our hotel

Tue            

• 10:00 am: private motorcoach and local guide for city tour of Edinburgh. Entrance to Edinburgh Castle is included

Other important sights are the Scottish Parliament, St Giles Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Canongate Kirk, Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace,

Princes Street, etc….

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

• After lunch we visit the Scotch Whisky Experience (located close to the Castle); a tour with whisky sampling included https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uThe The remainder of the day is free for further sightseeing, exploration and shopping

 

SUGGESTIONS: Edinburgh has a number of excellent museums, such as the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Scotland,

the Museum of Childhood, or the National Gallery of Modern Art & Dean Gallery

•  Dinner is on your own

•  TBA time: Meet in the lobby of our hotel or at the Edinburgh Castel for the world-famous Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo Performance

•   (details to be advised)

• Overnight at the Murrayfield Hotel / EDINBURGH

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Day 8         EDINBURGH  and  “Outlander Tour”

Aug 16       Breakfast at hotel

Wed            

• 10:00 am: private motorcoach and local guide for a visit to several of the locations where the TV series “Outlander” was filmed, such

• as Blackness Castle, scene of ‘Wentworth Prison’, Doune Castle representing ‘Castle Leoch’ and Culross Village.

• PLEASE NOTE: This is a history tour and even if you are not an Outlander fan...you will enjoy this tour!

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

• Return to hotel expected for late afternoon. Your afternoon and evening are free so you can enjoy the Fringe Festival!

• Dinner is on own

• Overnight at the Murrayfield Hotel / EDINBURGH

 

 

Day 9         EDINBURGH to  PITLOCHRY AREA

Aug 17       Breakfast at hotel

Thu            

• 10:00 am: Private long-distance motorcoach with a drive to the Highlands

• Our first stop on the way is at Stirling Castle, located just about 25 miles northwest of Edinburgh

• Next, we will visit Stirling Castle  (entrance fee and guided tour included)

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

• Along the way to Pitlochry Area in the Central Highlands, we will make a stop at Beatrix Potter's Garden

• For those that prefer there is a cottage where you can have a spot of tea or a shot of whisky https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunkeld/beatrixpotter/index.html    https://birnamarts.com/Beatrix-Potter

 

Stirling Castle, like many other Scottish castles, owes its existence to a volcanic plug that created an easily

defended position. Stirling also had the advantage of being at a crossing place of the River Forth which was

the highest point on the river that could be reached by ships. It had an important strategic position as a

meeting point of the Highlands and Lowlands - writer Alexander Smith in his book "A Summer in Skye"

in 1856 described Stirling as being "like a huge brooch, clasping Highlands and Lowlands together." While the

location was no doubt fortified from early times, the first recorded history of a castle there dates from the early

12th century when it was the home of the Canmore dynasty. For centuries the castle was occupied by Scottish

and English forces in the struggle between their countries String Castel for more time at the garden and Pitlochry.

 

Pitlochry is a lovely town in the county of Perthshire in Scotland, lying on the River Tummel; it has a population

of approx. 3,000. It is largely a Victorian town, which developed into a tourist resort because Queen Victoria visited the area in 1842

and the arrival of the railway in 1863. It remains a popular resort today and is particularly known as a center for hillwalking,

surrounded by mountains such as

Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion. The town has retained many stone Victorian buildings, and the main street has an unusual period cast iron canopy over

one side.

​

Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry,

Perthshire. Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s

ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing

to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish.  If you like visit the Blair Athol Distillery, founded in 1798

• Afternoon arrival at our hotel, check-in, and free time to enjoy this beautiful hotel, grounds, and surrounding area.

• Our hotel is located in a beautiful spot on Loch (lake) Rannoch, some 15 miles west of Pitlochry

• TBA time pm: Meet at our hotel for a group dinner

• Overnight at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites 

 

Day 10       PITLOCHRY via Jacobite Express to Isle of Skye to INVERNESS

Aug 18       Breakfast at hotel and EARLY departure – this is a long day but a good one !!

Fri             

• TBA time am:  We will drive from our hotel to Fort William, the starting point of the Jacobite Express (yes, the train that Harry Potter took to Hogwarts!)

• 10:15 am: Our departure of the Jacobite Express, one of the last steam trains in the world.

• 12:25 pm: train arrives at MALLAIG

• Free time will be allotted for lunch in Mallaig 

• By ferry boat will travel  from Mallaig to ARMADALE on the ISLE of SKYE

• 1:30 pm: Ferry departs MALLAIG               

• 2:05 pm: Ferry arrives at ARMADALE, where we will be pickup by motorcoach to Inverness, via Eilean Donan Castle - extensive photo

         stop (with access to a gift shop and restrooms)

• After checking in to our hotel and free time, we will meet for a group dinner in our hotel. Tonight is the dress-up night!

• Overnight at the Palace Hotel and Spa / INVERNESS

 

Inverness Castle above the River Ness Inverness has always attracted people from far away.

The city has welcomed Pictish, Celtic, and English settlers amongst

others, and today a cosmopolitan mix of residents and visitors gives Inverness an atmosphere that is unique in the Highlands.

The greater Inverness area is home to approximately 60,000 people and is growing at an unprecedented rate. As the regional

center for the Highlands of Scotland, it is the administrative hub of an area the size of Belgium. It is a vibrant city with excellent travel,

retail, leisure, and educational facilities, and a host of high-tech and traditional industries.

The Old Town features 19th-century St Andrews Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church, and an indoor Victorian Market

selling food, clothing, and crafts. The contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history

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Day 11       INVERNESS  

Aug 19       Breakfast at our hotel

Sat             

• 10:00 am: Meet our private, local guide Jim Neil for a walking tour of Inverness;                              

• St Andrews Cathedral, the Victorian Market, the Old High Church

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

• The remainder of the day ad evening  is free for further sightseeing, exploration, and shopping

In case you are interested in purchasing a kilt: the Highland House of Fraser is a family-run business that is known to produce some of

the best kilts in Scotland. Set along Huntly Street, the storehouses The Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Center, where you can learn about

the history of the Highland

costume through workshops, films, digital presentations, and clothing exhibits.

• There are excellent restaurants like the Rocpool and The Kitchen near our hotel

• Overnight at the Palace Hotel and Spa / INVERNESS

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Day 12       INVERNESS and AREA

Aug 20       Breakfast at our hotel

Sun            

• 10:45 am: Our private motorcoach will head southwest towards the banks of Loch Ness. where we will take ...

• A boat cruise on Loch Ness starts at Dochgarroch Lock. We we see the Lochness Monster??

• We will visit Urquhart Castle (admission included)

• Free time will be allotted for lunch

 

Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles, where you can spend a full day exploring its medieval architecture and

taking in its beautiful surroundings. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, this medieval fortress

is set along the banks of Loch Ness. Other notable features of Urquhart Castle include a stone drawbridge, a dungeon, and a full-scale

trebuchet siege engine, all of which give you a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval times.

​

• In the late afternoon, we will visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield the historic site of the last battle to take place on British soil in 1746.

Today, hundreds of people visit the battlefield each year to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on that day. The battlefield

is located on Drumossie Muir, just five miles east of Inverness. The site comprises a large, rather haunting field and visitor center.

Technically, the whole area is a war grave and not simply a viewing site—this makes for an experience that is evocative and crucial to

understanding an essential yet grim part of Scottish history. This battle signified the last chapter in the Jacobite Risings war and took place on

April 16th, 1746.

The contenders, each fighting for succession to the throne, were the armies of two royal houses—the British government (Catholic),

and the Jacobites (Protestant).

Lasting only 60 minutes, the battle left over 2,000 Jacobites and 300 British troops dead.

As a result of the British victory, the culture of the highlands that had been in place was dismantled.

To this day, the Battle of Culloden is still somewhat of a sore subject; the two armies are said to have been ill-matched in terms of experience

and weaponry, and on the day of the battle, the Jacobites were said to have been tired, hungry, and cold.

Today’s Culloden Battlefield is a somber, poignant reminder of a vicious war, and the visitor center that has been built next to it is tasteful,

modern, and offers excellent information without overshadowing the actual site.

https://theplanetd.com/culloden-battlefield-scotland/

​

• TBA time pm: Once back at our hotel after some free time, meet in the lobby of our hotel where we will walk together to have our farewell

• Dinner at Mustard Seed Restaurant

• After dinner: stroll to the unique Hootenanny Pub for some traditional Scottish Music. The Hootenanny is next door to the restaurant

• Overnight at the Palace Hotel and Spa / INVERNESS

​

Day 13     RETURN  TO  THE  U.S.A.

Aug 21  

Mon   

• VERY early morning departure: On our private motorcoach/minibus for ONE transfer from our hotel to Inverness Airport

          (departure time from hotel to be advised)

• Services of escort terminate with assistance for transfer and check-in

 

PLEASE NOTE:

As they say: in Scotland (as generally in Britain and Ireland), there is no

climate, only weather! This is very unpredictable and apt to change within minutes, we strongly advise that you carry

protective gear against rain and strong winds with you at all times.

 

INCLUDED in our wonderful trip:

 

• TWELVE overnights at moderate first-class hotels in convenient and safe locations 

            twin or double occupancy, all rooms w/ private facilities

• All breakfasts

• Six dinners

• Experienced, multilingual The Happy Traveler US tour escort Dimitriji Wentner

• Services of deluxe motorcoach 

• Both airport transfers in Dublin and Inverness (one group transfer on arrival day and ONE on departure day)

• Boat cruise on Loch Ness

• Sightseeing with local, licensed local guides as noted in the itinerary

• Entrance fees as noted in the itinerary

• All applicable local taxes

• Airfare from Dublin to Edinburgh  (both airport transfers included and taxes and fuel surcharges as of October 2022 are also included)

         (includes 1 checked piece of up to 20 kg/44 lbs per passenger)

• Gratuities to escort, local guides, and coach drivers

 

​

NOT  INCLUDED:

 

• Meals other than those mentioned (lunches are not included

• Drinks with dinners, unless mentioned otherwise (Please note that table water is not always free of charge in Europe)

• Expenses of personal nature, such as passport, laundry, insurance, souvenirs, etc.

• Airport transfers in the United States

• Transatlantic flight arrangements

• Personal Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

​

​

For the Pre-Ireland Trip and 

those arriving before August 9th...

Please take a taxi to:

Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch   Christchurch Place,

Dublin 8 Ireland   Aug 4-9

Your hotel check-in will not be until 3:00 pm, yet the hotel will hold your luggage for you while you begin your discovery of Dublin!

 

Hotels for the rest of the trip:

Sheraton Hotel in ATHLONE    Aug 9-12
Gleeson Street Co. Westmeath, Athlone N37 D953 Ireland  Aug 9-12

 

Trinity City Hotel / DUBLIN        Pearse Street, Dublin D02 FW96

Ireland    Aug 12-14

 

Murrayfield Hotel / EDINBURGH     18 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh

EH12 6HN Scotland  Aug 14-17

 

Dunalastair Hotel Suites in the PITLOCHRY area      1 The Square,

Kinloch Rannoch PH16 5PW Scotland  Aug 17-18

 

The Palace Hotel and Spa / INVERNESS    8 Ness Walk, Inverness

IV3 5NG Scotland  Aug 18-21

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