Introduction to Scotland
(7 Days)
Edinburgh with Glasgow & Stirling Castle, Perthshire (Gleneagles) & St. Andrews
Luxuries of Scotland
(8 Days)
Edinburgh & St. Andrew’s, Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Highlights of Scotland
(8 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Essence of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Isle of Skye, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Traditions of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Isle of Skye, Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles) & St. Andrews or Glasgow
Outlander Tour of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William with the Highlands & Inverness, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
The Royal Scotsman
Luxury train extension - various lengths
Whisky Tour of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, Oban & Islay, Isle of Skye, Ross (Glenmorangie House), Speyside , Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Luxury Golf Tour of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Whisky & Golf Tour of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Northern Highlands (Dornoch), Royal Deeside (Fife Arms)
Luxuries of England & Scotland
(10 Days)
London, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Family Tour of England & Scotland
(11 Days)
London, Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
(10 Days)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
Essence of Scotland, Ireland & England
(13 Days)
Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), Dublin, Adare, London
Exclusive Ireland, Scotland & England
(18 Days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), London
Best of England & Scotland
(16 Days)
London, Oxfordshire, Cotswolds, Lake District, Edinburgh, Royal Deeside (Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Best of Ireland & Scotland
(13 Days)
Ashford Castle, Dublin, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
(18 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), London
On this ultimate private tour of Ireland, Scotland and England, stay in luxurious resorts and castle hotels; enjoy private cultural touring in Dublin, Edinburgh and London; and experience the most beautiful and evocative landscapes in the region.
Begin in Dublin, the capital of Ireland and the perfect starting point for an overview of the country's long and storied history. During touring with your private guide, see the historic highlights of Dublin, marvel at the iconic Book of Kells (Artisans of Leisure will arrange fast-track access), and the Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College, and tour St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of Irish literary giants such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde in Georgian Dublin, a neighborhood of well-preserved architecture set around leafy St. Stephen's Green. Also enjoy a privately guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse and free time to browse specialty shops, markets and the Creative District. Other options that can be incorporated into Dublin touring include specialty museums, contemporary art galleries, Kilmainham Gaol, distillery tours and the Chester Beatty Library. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange private pub crawls, afternoon tea and reservations at Dublin's best restaurants for contemporary Irish cuisine.
Next, transfer to Killarney, and stay just outside town in a luxury hotel overlooking the water. En route, visit the stables and gardens at the Irish National Stud and the Rock of Cashel, a medieval religious complex. During private touring, see the highlights of the renowned Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park, including stunning vistas, a waterfall and ancient stone houses. Also visit Muckross House and Gardens, the town of Killarney, and Kenmare, a colorful village with Irish crafts shops, traditional pubs and prehistoric ruins.
Enjoy a private day tour of the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, taking in awe-inspiring views of the coastline and mountains. Explore ancient ring forts and other prehistoric sites, wander through quaint seaside towns, and perhaps have a traditional fish-and-chips lunch in the town of Dingle. Spend the night at a beautiful manor hotel near Adare, a postcard-perfect village of thatched-roof houses and shops, or on the coast in Doonbeg.
Next, see the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, which rise hundreds of feet above the sea. Also explore the fascinating Burren, a rocky landscape covered in wildflowers and punctuated by ancient archaeological sites such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, a neolithic tomb. If desired, enjoy hiking or a visit to a local artisanal perfumery. Time permitting, also stop in Galway.
Continue to renowned Ashford Castle, a grand lakefront castle hotel. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Connemara National Park to see quintessential Irish landscapes, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and visit Kylemore Abbey to see its beautiful Victorian walled garden. One afternoon, enjoy a "hawk walk" falconry experience at Ashford Castle. There will also be time to enjoy the facilities and activities at the hotel and on its estate, including spa treatments, golf, boat rides, fishing, horseback riding, tennis, archery, kayaking and fine dining.
Next, transfer back to Dublin to fly to Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with a stay in a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See iconic Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore historic buildings, as well as the narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Visit shops specializing in wool tweed and other distinctive Scottish products. Depending on your interests, you might like to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarch; visit the Royal Botanic Garden or National Gallery; tour the unusual architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building and other contemporary design highlights in the city; or hike up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth tidal bay. In August, Artisans of Leisure can assist with tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo or performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe.
Next, you will be transferred to Perthshire with touring en route. Visit Stirling, a strategic town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence. Tour Stirling Castle, which perches on a rocky outcrop and has panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Also visit a distillery to learn the process of creating world-renowned Scotch whisky. Continue to Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the idyllic Perthshire countryside. One day, enjoy a private excursion to nearby St. Andrews, a charming seaside university town and the birthplace of golf; a private excursion to Glasgow to tour cultural highlights such as renowned art collections and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture; or flexible private touring of nearby castles, distilleries, or historic homes and gardens. During leisure time, enjoy the resort's extensive activities, including options such as countryside walks, golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, 4WD tours, shooting, gundog training, falconry and afternoon tea. Additional facilities include a spa, a kids club and exclusive Scottish boutiques.
Finally, fly to London, one of the world's greatest cities. Discover the best of London—heritage architecture, fascinating museums, important historic attractions, exclusive boutiques, traditional pubs and incredible food markets—during private touring customized to your interests. Tour famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Covent Garden, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Perhaps explore other incredible museums around the city such as the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Sir John Soane's Museum, the Tate Modern or the Tate Britain. Also visit hidden squares, renowned British shops, atmospheric tea rooms and other highlights. One day, opt to take an excursion outside London. Among the many destinations are Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Highclere Castle (the filming location for the Downton Abbey TV series), Greenwich, Kew Gardens and the Harry Potter Studios.
Upon request, Artisans of Leisure will also arrange reservations for dining and afternoon tea, book tickets to performances, and provide recommendations for the best shopping in London. Accommodation is at one of London's best luxury hotels.
Itinerary Overview |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hotels |
||||||||||||||
|
Cost |
||
|
Introduction to Scotland
(7 Days)
Edinburgh with Glasgow & Stirling Castle, Perthshire (Gleneagles) & St. Andrews
Luxuries of Scotland
(8 Days)
Edinburgh & St. Andrew’s, Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Highlights of Scotland
(8 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Essence of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Isle of Skye, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Traditions of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Isle of Skye, Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles) & St. Andrews or Glasgow
Outlander Tour of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, Fort William with the Highlands & Inverness, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
The Royal Scotsman
Luxury train extension - various lengths
Whisky Tour of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, Oban & Islay, Isle of Skye, Ross (Glenmorangie House), Speyside , Royal Deeside (The Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Luxury Golf Tour of Scotland
(10 Days)
Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Whisky & Golf Tour of Scotland
(12 Days)
Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Northern Highlands (Dornoch), Royal Deeside (Fife Arms)
Luxuries of England & Scotland
(10 Days)
London, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Family Tour of England & Scotland
(11 Days)
London, Edinburgh, Fort William & Highlands, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
(10 Days)
Dublin, Edinburgh, London
Essence of Scotland, Ireland & England
(13 Days)
Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), Dublin, Adare, London
Exclusive Ireland, Scotland & England
(18 Days)
Dublin, Killarney, Adare or Co. Clare, Ashford Castle, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles), London
Best of England & Scotland
(16 Days)
London, Oxfordshire, Cotswolds, Lake District, Edinburgh, Royal Deeside (Fife Arms), Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Best of Ireland & Scotland
(13 Days)
Ashford Castle, Dublin, Edinburgh, Perthshire (Gleneagles)
Our Scotland trip was wonderful. Our guide was simply outstanding. The itinerary, accommodations and military tattoo were great! Our driver was also perfect. Thanks to all at Artisans for making our trip so memorable.
~ J.H., Highland, IL
Our family had a wonderful time in England and Scotland. The pace of the trip was just right, and we feel that we saw the very best of each place.
~ L.S., Newtown Square, PA
Scotland was fantastic! The guides were great, and the hotels and restaurants fabulous.
~ D.K., East Greenwich, RI
Recommended by:
Departures
Conde Nast Traveler
The New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Travel + Leisure
Town & Country
The Fife Arms & Royal Deeside: Highlands Scenery, Royal History, Whisky & Art
St. Andrews: History, Golf & Spectacular Landscapes
Just Back: A Luxurious Family Tour of Scotland
Attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh
Exclusive Private Whisky Tour of Scotland
Our Favorite Luxury Train Journeys Around the World
Exclusive Access with Scotland’s Renowned Textile Designer: Araminta Campbell
Just Back: The Best of Scotland
Amazing Landscapes, Food & More on the Isle of Skye