Celtic Traditions and Landscapes

From bustling capitals to poetic countrysides, experience the many distinctive sides of Great Britain and Ireland. Encounter the history, connect with the locals, and see what life is like in the towns and cities.

Arrive in Scotland, where age-old legends intersect with scenic beauty. In Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, enjoy time on your own to discover its rich heritage, dynamic arts scene, and distinctive architecture at your own pace. As arrival times will vary, there are no scheduled activities until this evening. Tonight, gather for your first taste of Scottish culture during a locally inspired dinner with a modern-day twist.

Experience Glasgow like a local on a guided walking tour, as you explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, exploring landmarks like George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and hidden gems that reveal Glasgow’s unique past and lively present. Visit the Tenement House for a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in early 20th-century Glasgow. The rest of the day is yours. Take advantage of free time to experience the city however you please.

Say goodbye to Scotland and travel towards the scenic Lake District, eternalized through the works of Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth. Along the way, enjoy a guided tour and tasting at a historic whisky distillery in the Scottish Lowlands, and learn about this time-honored craft – an age-old Scottish tradition. Continue on to Gretna Green, where you’ll have free time and lunch at leisure in this iconic and historic border village where countless couples famously eloped, drawn by its romantic legacy and storied past. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Lake Windermere, your home for the next two nights. Breathe in the crisp air and admire the rolling hills nestled against the water.

See the area from a different perspective and step back in time as you board a steam train for a scenic ride. Then, set sail on Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. This afternoon, decide how you’ll explore more of the Lake District's surrounding beauty – it’s your choice! Discover a magnificently restored and rare architectural gem with a visit to Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house -OR- embark on a two-hour guided hike through glacial valleys and along lakeside trails with a local expert.

Depart the tranquil landscapes of the Lake District and head to Liverpool, England’s popular port city, famed for its maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Along the way, stop for a memorable farm-to-table lunch at a family-run farm in Cumbria, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients bring rural life to the table. This evening, enjoy dinner at the iconic Cavern Club restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city’s most legendary music landmarks.

This morning, join a local expert and embark on a two-hour walking tour of the Georgian Quarter, discovering one of the most beautiful parts of the city and where Paul McCartney went to school. In the afternoon you will visit Strawberry Fields, the site where John Lennon came to play as a child, which he later immortalized in the song, Strawberry Fields Forever. Here you will experience an Impact Moment and learn about the work the Salvation Army does at Strawberry Fields to give young people with learning difficulties the opportunity for work experience. The afternoon is yours to enjoy on your last evening in Liverpool.

This morning, travel by ferry across the Irish Sea from Liverpool to Dublin, a historic route that has long connected Britain and Ireland through trade, culture and shared heritage. Arriving in Dublin, settle into your hotel located near one of Ireland's most important sporting and cultural landmarks. In the evening discover Dublin through the words and worlds of its greatest writers on a guided literary walking tour, where storytelling, readings and traditional pubs bring the city’s literary legacy to life.

This morning, travel to the charming seaside village of Howth, renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and maritime heritage. Join a local guide for a walking tour, learning about the area’s history and natural beauty. Then, immerse yourself in Irish culture with a lively dance class featuring traditional sean-nós steps and a modern twist — offering a fun and authentic taste of Ireland’s rich dance traditions, followed by lunch.

Depart Dublin and journey through Ireland’s heartland, stopping at Sloe Blossom farm where you will explore the deep cultural and historical significance of Ireland’s bogs, with a hands-on demonstration illustrating how peatlands were formed, commercially harvested, and are now being rewilded and restored. Later, travel south to County Cork and arrive at Castlemartyr Resort, where you’ll settle into your elegant surroundings and enjoy an overnight stay on the grounds of a beautifully restored historic castle, blending luxury with centuries of Irish heritage.

Begin the day exploring the beautiful grounds of Castlemartyr Resort with a local expert, taking in the landscaped gardens and historic surroundings of the estate’s castle and manor house. Depart Castlemartyr and travel to the nearby port town of Cobh, where a guided walking tour introduces you to its rich maritime heritage, colorful streets and scenic harbor views. Learn about Cobh’s role in Irish emigration history and its connection to the Titanic while enjoying the charm of one of Ireland’s most picturesque coastal towns, where you will have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the timeless elegance and refined comforts of Castlemartyr Resort, with time to relax, dine, and soak in the historic castle setting.

Depart Castlemartyr and journey west toward County Clare, stopping in the storybook village of Adare for free time to enjoy lunch at leisure. Continue to Miltown Malbay for a visit to The Design Bank, a meaningful responsible travel highlight that supports Irish designers, makers and sustainable local enterprise while preserving traditional skills and creativity within the community. Arrive on the Atlantic coast at the Armada Hotel, your home for the next two nights. Perched overlooking the ocean, the Armada Hotel is a recognized leader in responsible hospitality, deeply committed to sustainability, community partnership, and celebrating the culture of West Clare – making it a stay that is as thoughtful as it is memorable. Enjoy a relaxed evening at the Armada Hotel, perhaps take a peaceful stroll along the beach as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

Start the morning with a visit to Ireland’s awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where dramatic Atlantic views and towering sea cliffs create one of Ireland’s most unforgettable natural landmarks. Afterwards, enjoy an intimate experience at the Doolin Music House, where traditional Irish music is performed in an authentic setting at the heart of the region’s cultural heritage. This evening, return to the Armada Hotel for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating your journey with locally inspired cuisine and stunning coastal surroundings.

Your journey through Great Britain and Ireland comes to a close today.