14D13N Best of Ireland and Scotland - Insight Vacations
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Package Details

Highlights - The jaunting cars in Killarney, the ‘fair city’ of Dublin and just the ‘lilt’ of Irish voices are all favourites, along with the serenity of the cruise on Loch Lomond and the fun of a Highland evening complete with haggis and bagpipes.

Hotels - Modern hotels of note are the George in Limerick, Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza and the Burlington in Dublin. Also featured are the traditional Ballygally Castle, the simple style of the Highlander, and the family run Dooleys in Waterford.

Enjoy Your Included Tour Features

Premium Highlights

  • Visit Dublin Castle (when open) the former fortified seat of British rule in Ireland
  • In Killarney, join a local ‘jarvie’ for a ride through the streets on a jaunting car
  • Tour the Ring of Kerry, a scenic symphony with stunning views over mountains and sea
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Giant’s Causeway
  • Embark on a guided cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the ‘Honours of Scotland’
  • Experience the sights and spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)

Personal Insights

  • An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
  • Tour a Highland whisky distillery with an expert distiller - taste a ‘wee dram’ and learn how Scotch is produced

Additional Excursions & Sights

  • See the Customs House and O’Connell Street in Dublin
  • See the remains of the old city walls, Reginald’s Tower and visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
  • Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the stone
  • See the picturesque village of Adare
  • See King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick
  • See the Cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square in Galway
  • Visit Belleek Pottery Centre
  • See O’Donnell’s Castle in Donega
  • See ‘Derry’s Walls’ and Georgian houses
  • Visit Robert Burns’ birthplace
  • Drive through Glencoe
  • See the Commandos’ Memorial
  • See Ben Nevis
  • Cross Culloden Battlefield
  • See the prehistoric Clava Stones
  • Visit Inverness
  • Look for the monster at Loch Ness
  • See Blair Castle
  • Visit St Andrews, home of golf
  • Drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse and tour the ‘New Town’ in Edinburgh
  • Scenic drives – Blue Stack Mountains, Connemara, Antrim Coast, Ayrshire Coast, Highlands

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 14

Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)


Pricing Information
Tour Dates & Prices
Departs on Returns on Land Only
Premium Escorted Europe and Britain 2009
2009
  Sun 19 Apr     Sat 02 May   US$2,925
  Sun 26 AprPD   Sat 09 May   US$2,935
  Sun 03 May     Sat 16 May   US$2,999
  Sun 10 MayPD   Sat 23 May   US$2,999
  Sun 17 MayPD   Sat 30 May   US$2,999
  Sun 24 May     Sat 06 Jun   US$2,999
  Sun 31 MayPD   Sat 13 Jun   US$2,999
  Sun 07 JunPD   Sat 20 Jun   US$2,999
  Sun 14 JunPD   Sat 27 Jun   US$2,999
  Sun 21 Jun     Sat 04 Jul   US$2,999
  Sun 28 JunPD   Sat 11 Jul   US$2,999
  Sun 05 JulPD   Sat 18 Jul   US$2,999
  Sun 12 Jul     Sat 25 Jul   US$2,999
  Sun 19 Jul     Sat 01 Aug   US$2,999
  Sun 26 JulPD   Sat 08 Aug   US$3,085
  Sun 02 AugPD   Sat 15 Aug   US$3,085
  Sun 09 AugPD   Sat 22 Aug   US$3,085
  Sun 16 AugPD   Sat 29 Aug   US$3,085
  Sun 23 Aug     Sat 05 Sep   US$2,999
  Sun 30 AugPD   Sat 12 Sep   US$2,999
  Sun 06 SepPD   Sat 19 Sep   US$2,999
  Sun 13 SepPD   Sat 26 Sep   US$2,999
  Sun 20 SepPD   Sat 03 Oct   US$2,999
  Sun 27 SepPD   Sat 10 Oct   US$2,975
  Sun 04 Oct     Sat 17 Oct   US$2,950
  Sat 03 Oct     Sat 17 Oct   US$3,450
  Sat 10 Oct     Sat 24 Oct   US$3,450
  Sat 17 Oct     Sat 31 Oct   US$3,450
PD = Preferred Departure

Price quoted in US Dollars (USD) based on land tour only
Prices are subject to change without prior notice
Terms and conditions apply

Notes
Prices are per person sharing a twin.

Insight's Airport Shuttle Service
Transfers operate on the days and at the times shown in the itinerary. Passengers arriving ourside these days and times have the option of either purchasing a transfer (see Conditions) or making their own way from/to the airport.

Additional Information

14 DAYS ~ IRELAND ~ NORTHERN IRELAND ~ SCOTLAND

Tour Pace - This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length; frequent stops provide ample and splendid photo opportunities.

Fellow Passengers - This tour appeals to seasoned travellers who want to concentrate on Scotland and Ireland, as well as first-timers who wants to trace their family history while taking in the glorious scenery of both countries.

Itinerary

Day Itinerary
Day 1

SUN – ARRIVE DUBLIN.

Welcome to Ireland! On arrival at Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Perhaps stroll around the shops of Grafton Street? Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Burlington.

Day 2

MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING.

A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive Dublin Castle (when open). See also famous O’Connell Street and the historic Customs House, one of architect James Gandon’s masterpieces. As evening falls, there is time for shopping and the chance to see an Irish Cabaret show. (B)

Day 3

TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD.

Drive to Kildare for an informative visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. You also visit Europe’s finest Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Continue to the beautiful coastal town of Waterford to see the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the ruined city walls before visiting the famous Waterford Crystal Showroom.
Hotel: Dooleys.
(B,D)

Day 4

WED – WATERFORD – KILLARNEY.

Take the coastal road via the fishing village of Dungarvan to Ireland’s second city of Cork for an orientation tour. Stop at Blarney Castle, where you can dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. There is also time to shop for woollens at the Blarney Mills. Continue through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to peaceful Killarney. Climb aboard one of the famous jaunting cars where a local ‘jarvie’ will take you on a highlight ride through the streets.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers.
(B,D)

Day 5

THU – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION.

A highlight Ring of Kerry tour opens up superb seascapes, towering cliffs and spectacular mountains. Unhurried Irish life surrounds you as you travel through charming villages to view the three Lakes of Killarney before spending an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 6

FRI – KILLARNEY – LIMERICK.

Journey through picturesque Adare to Limerick, on the shores of the Shannon, Ireland's longest river and the setting of Angela’s Ashes. Sightseeing takes in the ruins of 13th century King John's castle and St Mary's Cathedral.
Hotel: George.
(B,D)

Day 7

SAT – LIMERICK – CASTLEBAR.

Visit Galway to see the Cathedral of St Nicholas, (where Columbus reputedly heard Mass before sailing for America), the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Now drive out to Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and hills. Tonight your hotel retains all the charm and elegance of a bygone age.
Hotel: Breaffy House.
(B,D)

Day 8

SUN – CASTLEBAR – BALLYGALLY.

Visit the famous Belleek Pottery Centre en route to see Donegal’s ruined O’Donnell’s Castle and the Friary. Pass the Blue Stack Mountains on your way to Londonderry. Join a local guide to see Derry’s walls which were built around the city in 1614. Continue around the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway. A spectacular drive along the Antrim coast road, brings you to your hotel which faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle.
(B,D)

Day 9

MON – BALLYGALLY – GLASGOW.

At the port of Larne, take a ferry to Scotland before driving the Ayrshire coastal drive, taking in magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde and the Island of Arran along the way. Pass the Open golf links of Turnberry before arriving in Alloway, where you will visit Robert Burns’ birthplace and see Burns’ Monument and the famous ‘Brig O’ Doon’. Spend the night in vibrant Glasgow.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza.
(B)

Day 10

TUE – GLASGOW – HIGHLANDS.

It’s only a short drive from Glasgow to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you will enjoy a guided cruise on this beautiful loch. Cross Rannoch Moor to drive though the dramatic scenery of Glencoe’s ‘Valley of the Weeping’, still echoing with the cries of massacred clansmen, before reaching Fort William. Pause at the Commandos’ Memorial for a view of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then continue to Newtonmore.
Hotel: Highlander.
(B,D)

Day 11

WED – HIGHLAND EXCURSION.

Stop at the prehistoric Clava Stone Circle before crossing Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated. Then it’s on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and mysterious Loch Ness. Does the ‘monster’ really exist? Visit a whisky distillery, where local water, the best malt and age-old skills combine to produce a ‘wee dram’ for you to taste. Relax with another night in the Highlands. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment. (B,HD)

Day 12

THU – HIGHLANDS – EDINBURGH.

A scenic drive takes you through the Grampian Mountains passing the Duke of Atholl’s Blair Castle, site of Britain's only private army. Travel through the Pass of Killiecrankie, to Pitlochry, famous for its Salmon Leap. Drive down by Macbeth's Birnam Wood and cross the Tay to visit St. Andrews, the home of golf. Now, continue southwards, across the majestic Forth Bridge to historic Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.
Hotel: Jurys Inn.
(B)

Day 13

FRI – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING.

A guided tour visits Edinburgh Castle, its fortified walls affording splendid views across Princes Street to the 18th century New Town.
Pass St Giles’ Cathedral, as you drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace. Now drive down Princes Street, past the Scott Memorial to see Edinburgh’s famous Georgian architecture. Later, there is time to shop in Princes Street. Selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at the castle. (B)

Day 14

SAT – EDINBURGH.

Departure transfers arrive at Edinburgh Airport at 06:15 & 09:00. (B)

 
Savings and Discounts

Great Savings and Discounts

FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS

SAVE 5% FOR 5-8 PASSENGERS

Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for 9 or more passengers!

This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Young Traveller or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean and river cruises.

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE WITH INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING

For people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost.

Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.

YOUNG TRAVELLER SAVINGS

5-17 YEAR-OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%

Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren.

Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are NOT accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. This discount applies to the Land-only portion of your tour. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Young Traveller Discount” in the price panel on the itinerary pages. Check your chosen tours now to see how much you can SAVE.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT

SAVE UP TO 10%

Insight’s most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...

PAY IN FULL 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 10%

PAY IN FULL 10 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 7.5%

PAY IN FULL 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 5%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land- only portion of your tour. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

When three people travel together and share one room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice.

This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple Room Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you SAVE on your chosen tour. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR

In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all travelled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer.

Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount". Does not apply to additional accommodation, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE 5% ON YOUR 2ND TOUR

Book two Insight vacations, each 8 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!

Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean cruises.

SEE HOW IT ALL ADDS UP

Insight’s tours are already great value but if you want to cut the cost of your European vacation look at all the extra ways we can help you save money!

This simple calculation shows the typically dramatic reductions in tour price that are possible when you combine one or more tours with the savings on offer on this page!

European Heritage
$9099
Britain & Ireland Explorer
$2875
4 extra nights in London
$632
Total vacation price
$12606
Less Extra Tour Discount
$144
Less 5% Past Guest Frequent Traveller Saving
$455
Less 12mths Early Payment Discount
$1190
Net vacation price after savings
$10817
Total savings per person
$1789
Total savings per couple
$3578

Note: Additional savings apply for families, groups, and single travellers. Conditions as detailed in the savings boxes on this page.

NO FUEL OR CURRENCY SURCHARGES

In these difficult times of instability of prices, it is good to know that Insight has taken the bold step to guarantee no fuel or currency surcharges on all its coach tours (excluding government taxes). Once you have paid your deposit, you will be totally protected and can plan your vacation with this added peace of mind.

NB. This guarantee excludes government taxes, internal flights surcharges (e.g. Eastern Mediterranean products and pre-paid Abu Simbel excursions), cruise company surcharges (e.g. Aegean, River or North American cruises), and international airline fuel surcharges or fare increases ( affecting all international airlines). Surcharges within these exceptions are outside our control and may be applied, regardless of payment status, fully paid or not, at any time during the booking process (or may occasionally be required to be paid while on tour).

PREFERRED DEPARTURES - PD

At Insight, we are aware you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early payment discounts, utilise frequent flyer or benefit from airline early booking offers.

To assist you when booking ahead, we have designated a number of tours as ‘PD’ based on their reliable booking history. In 2008, the equivalent departure of these listed tours sold early, so Insight will operate them again in 2009 over any other departure. If the date of a PD tour does not fit with your travel plans, don’t worry; our capacity is adjusted each year to ensure that the vast majority of all departures operate as scheduled.

We anticipate strong demand for Insight’s unique touring benefits so a regularly updated list of additional PD departures will be featured on our website at: NB. Even if the departure of your choice is not yet designated as ‘PD’ we will not reschedule any tour within 50 days of its scheduled departure date between 01 May & 15 Oct (this is subject to change if market or other circumstances occur beyond our control).

Insight offers you Peace of Mind

For the latest details on all our vacations PLUS travel tips, specials and more, visit our Bulletin Board, which offers a travel forum where you can exchange tips and questions with past and future travellers.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE

Many tour operators imply ‘fewer passengers’ but don’t tell you that nothing has really changed. Their seating remains at 49 or 53. Insight premium tours carry an average of just 35 guests with touring coaches configured for a maximum of 40; creating less congestion when boarding and disembarking and up to twice as much legroom. It is like travelling Business Class.

CANCELLATION FEE WAIVER

In the event that one or more European/Mediterranean countries should not grant you a visa, we have devised a unique scheme to protect you against cancellation fees!

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