Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond with views of Highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray and have lunch on your own before touring Inveraray Castle, which you may recognize from the “Downton Abbey” series. Drive through Glencoe, considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful places, and continue on to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven. (B, D)

Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B, D)

Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the historic battle. Walk around the serene moorland to see monuments commemorating the troops. Immerse yourself in rural life at a local farm as you watch dogs herd sheep. Travel to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)

Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum, or browsing around Pitlochry town. (B, D)

Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth”. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course on a panoramic drive. Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. July 28 – August 18 departures enjoy an evening free to dine independently. (B, D*)

Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, from the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses of the Royal Mile to the elegant mansions and wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town”. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. July 28 – August 18 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Say farewell to your Scottish guide and embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Immerse yourself in the history of the Titanic through displays at Titanic Belfast. Drive on to Dublin, where you have a free evening to explore the city’s excellent restaurants and famed pubs. (B)

Explore Dublin independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and choose one of four top attractions to visit with your included voucher: Guinness Storehouse, the GPO Museum, Teelings Distillery, or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. At 2:00 PM, meet your new Irish guide/driver and tour group in the hotel lobby. Join a local guide for a Dublin City tour, and then take a guided tour of Dublin Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Irish dinner and show at Merry Ploughboy Pub. (B, D)

Head for Blarney Castle today, stopping for a photo opportunity at the Rock of Cashel along the way. You might choose to climb the steep winding staircase to kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which legend says will give you the gift of the gab. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine old castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland’s highest mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. (B, D)

Take the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding route with awesome mountain and coastline views. Stop off in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s. Enjoy lunch before crossing to Valentia Island and the Skellig Experience, which describes nearby islands. Watch a demonstration of highly skilled dogs herding flocks of sheep. Spend a free evening in Killarney. (B, L)

Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches high above the Atlantic. Check into your hotel, relax and enjoy free time before heading out for a memorable medieval-style feast complete with songs and harp music evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

13-day tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.