Scotland and Ireland Adventure

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.

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.

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!

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years. For centuries it was the largest enclosed space on the island and it remains the largest cathedral in the country. It has been visited by some of Irish history’s most influential individuals from Cromwell, William of Orange and King James I, to Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. We can organise a private vergers tour with behind-the-scenes access.

The highlight of a trip to Dublin is a visit to the home of the ‘black stuff’. Arthur Guinness founded the family business in 1759 at St. James’s Gate. The Storehouse, impressively built in 1904 as a fermentation plant, is now an interactive museum on several floors, detailing how four simple ingredients are blended to create the famous stout. Finally, pull yourself up to the almighty Gravity Bar on the 7th floor for the most scenic complimentary pint in Dublin. The 360-degree windows afford exceptional views of the city.

Glendalough gets its name from ‘Gleann dá locha’ which translates to ‘Glen of the two lakes’ in the traditional Irish language. Situated right in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough harbours one of Ireland’s most atmospheric monastic sites. Established by St Kevin in the 6th century, the settlement was attacked time and again by the Vikings, but nevertheless flourished for over 600 years.

Powerscourt Estate is one of the most beautiful country demesnes in Ireland. Dramatically situated among Wicklow’s mountains on 1000 acres (404 hectares), it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. The gardens are among the most beautiful in Ireland, covering 47 acres (19 hectares) laid out in the 18th and the 19th centuries. At the Powerscourt there is an Avoca store and café with a breath-taking view of the gardens.

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.

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.