Authentic Europe
Exclusive Rail Tour around Ireland
Partly guided rail circuit around Ireland on a chartered heritage train
11 daysfrom $6,840
36% rail
Vacations By Rail · Escorted small-group tour
Premium Celtic Castles: Scotland & Ireland
Discover Scotland and Ireland in unmatched class, staying in five-star castle hotels, enjoying private tours of iconic landmarks and relishing bespoke cultural and dining experiences.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Edinburgh
Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland's romantic capital
Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the five-star hotel, meeting the Tour Manager and group for drinks and a Scottish-inspired dinner.
- Day 2railovernight: Pitlochry
An authentic tartan-weaving workshop and Fonab Castle
First Class rail to Stirling for a tartan-weaving class and lunch, then on to Fonab Castle in Pitlochry for a four-night stay.
- Day 3overnight: Pitlochry
A private Highland safari and whisky-blending masterclass
A private off-road wildlife-spotting safari in the Highlands, followed by a tour and whisky tasting at Aberfeldy Distillery.
- Day 4overnight: Pitlochry
An exclusive tour of Glamis Castle and a hands-on falconry experience
A private tour of Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen Mother, followed by a falconry experience at Fonab Castle.
- Day 5railovernight: Pitlochry
Strathspey Steam Railway, Blair Castle and a magnificent gala dinner
A heritage steam train journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway through the Cairngorms, a tour of Blair Castle, and a gala dinner with bagpiper and tartan demonstration.
- Day 6overnight: Kingscourt
Flying to Belfast and a private tour of Hillsborough Castle
Flight to Belfast, lunch, then a private tour of Hillsborough Castle before continuing to Cabra Castle for a three-night stay.
- Day 7overnight: Kingscourt
Discovering the Titanic and touring the city with a Belfast cabbie
Visit the Titanic Slipways and museum in Belfast, then a private black cab tour of the city's murals and history of The Troubles.
- Day 8overnight: Kingscourt
Morning at leisure on the castle grounds and a Guinness masterclass
A free morning at Cabra Castle, then a private Guinness pouring masterclass in the Terrace Bar.
- Day 9overnight: Kildare
The Oldbridge Estate and a royal dinner
Visit the Oldbridge Estate and Battle of the Boyne museum, then on to Kilkea Castle in Kildare for a three-night stay and dinner at Restaurant 1180.
- Day 10overnight: Kildare
A guided tour of Kilkenny Castle and a proper afternoon tea
A guided tour of the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, followed by afternoon tea at Butler House.
- Day 11overnight: Kildare
Meeting Irish wolfhounds and a farewell dinner
An Irish Wolfhound experience on the Kilkea Castle grounds, or an optional excursion to Kildare Village shopping, followed by a farewell dinner at Restaurant 1180.
- Day 12
Traveling home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home after breakfast, or continue your vacation in Ireland.
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 11 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
- First & Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- All internal flights
- Breakfast each day, 4 lunches, 11 dinners
- Small Group - max group size of 22
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Flights (international/arrival flights; internal flights are included)
