Scotland and Ireland Adventure

Embark on a unique Scottish food safari through Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Georgian New Town and the vibrant Stockbridge village. You’ll taste an array of Scottish delights including smoked salmon, haggis, Perthshire ice cream, Scottish cheeses, and more. You’ll also discover the story behind the painted windows of New Town over a gin cocktail.

Immerse yourself in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. You’ll be able to spend as much time at the castle as you wish.

Journey through Edinburgh’s hidden streets and uncover the city’s most intriguing secrets. Guided by a character based on one of the close’s past residents, you’ll hear captivating stories about the real people who once lived and worked in these bustling alleys. After your 1-hour guided tour, join Dr Arnott for a fun and interactive taste of history sampling some of his herbal concoctions.

Experience a magical journey from Edinburgh to the Highlands with captivating stops along the way. En route, visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically significant fortresses. Explore its stunning Great Hall, royal apartments, and panoramic views over the battlefield of Bannockburn. After your castle tour, continue through the scenic countryside and arrive at your hotel in Ballater.

Start your morning with a refreshing hike through the majestic Balmoral Estate, making your way to the famous cairns, stone monuments with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Continue your day with a visit to the nearby Lochnagar Distillery for a tour and tasting. Delve into the art of whisky-making as expert guides walk you through the distillery, explaining the intricate process of crafting Scotland’s finest single malts. This is a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and a taste of local culture.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Glenlivet Hills, arriving at the home of celebrity chef Ghillie Basan. Known for her innovative culinary style, Ghillie combines flavors from various cultures using locally sourced produce and wild ingredients. Your experience kicks off with a warm welcome and a hands-on cookery workshop. Join Ghillie in foraging for fresh ingredients, then prepare a selection of delicious dishes together. Once your culinary creations are complete, sit down to your meal, paired with local drams of whisky that enhance the flavours.

Embark on a morning hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe. Rugged mountains and sweeping views provide a dramatic backdrop as you explore the scenic trails, where towering peaks meet lush valleys.  Reward yourself after your hike with a hearty lunch at a cozy local climbers’ tavern. In the afternoon, settle in with a dram at the tavern and listen as a local storyteller shares captivating tales of Glencoe’s rich history and the legends woven into its dramatic landscape.

Prepare for a day of enchantment as you board the Jacobite Steam Train, stepping into a world reminiscent of the Harry Potter films. Settle into your comfortable first-class carriage and get ready for a scenic journey that will transport you through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes. As the train chugs along, watch in awe as you pass through rolling hills and majestic mountains, with the highlight being the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Here, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia and wonder, capturing the essence of the magical realm. Keep your wands ready, though we hope there are no flying cars in sight!

A renowned sheepdog handler will offer you a memorable experience of seeing working border collies in action. The beautiful views and vibrant scenery of Annamoe create the perfect backdrop and a genuine atmosphere where you will be engrossed in the Irish countryside. You will get the chance to see the Wicklow cheviot sheep being managed by expertly trained sheepdogs.

Dublin’s musical pub crawl takes participants to two city centre pubs where musicians, also acting as your guides along the route, demonstrate their Irish traditional instruments and tell the story of Irish music. This is a great way to participate in some Irish ‘craic’ (fun), song and a couple of pints.

Dating to 1788, this is one of the oldest covered markets of its kind known to exist in the world with a great selection of delicious Irish produce. Although it might not be the largest, it is a bustling and pretty place. Lunch is available in the upstairs café and restaurant.

The unique yachting harbour of Kinsale is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with a fantastic range of top quality shops and boutiques with many unique designs and great gift ideas, galleries, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place to visit.

This vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone, but there’s much more here. The 18th and 19th-century ruins inside the walls make for some fascinating wandering. It’s 3km southeast of Kinsale along the minor road through Scilly; if you have time, hike there along the lovely coastal Scilly Walk.