The Thistle and the Shamrock (This is a preliminary itinerary for the trip.)
2011 - Exact date TBD

TRIP DETAILS:
12 Days
OVERNIGHTS:
Killarney 2, Dublin 2, Lake District 1, Edinburgh 2, Highlands 2, Glasgow 1
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trinity College, Ring of Kerry, Rock of Cashel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, Blarney Castle, Pitlochry, Muckross House, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle, Trossachs, Stirling Castle, Dove Cottage

DAY 1 — OVERNIGHT FLIGHT   Depart from the USA.
DAY 2 — KILLARNEY   Fly into Shannon and travel through the Irish countryside to Killarney. The remainder of the day is free to unpack, relax and explore this picturesque town.
DAY 3 — KILLARNEY   Experience Ireland at its most beautiful as you travel around the Ring of Kerry. Before you return to Killarney, visit Muckross House, a stately Victorian home with magnificent gardens and breathtaking views of the lakes that surround Killarney.
DAY 4 — DUBLIN   Today's journey brings you first to fabled Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone. Continue to the Rock of Cashel to visit the imposing ruins of Cormac's chapel, offering panoramic views of rolling green hills. Your final destination tonight is Dublin.
DAY 5 — DUBLIN   Sightseeing this morning shows you the busy streets and tranquil Georgian squares of Dublin. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. Wander around old Dublin or visit one of its many excellent museums this afternoon.
DAY 6 — LAKE DISTRICT   Cross the Irish Sea by ferry and arrive at Holyhead, once the island home of the Druids. Journey through the villages of North Wales to the Lake District. This area's stunning scenery has inspired countless writers and artists and continues to delight all who visit.
DAY 7 — EDINBURGH   This morning you visit the village of Grasmere and William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage. The countryside becomes increasingly rugged as you cross the Scottish border and make your way toward Edinburgh. Catch your first glimpse of the castle that dominates the skyline of this historic city.
DAY 8 — EDINBURGH   Sightseeing shows you Princes Street, Charlotte Square and the Royal Mile. A visit to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland, is included. This afternoon you may want to learn about local literary history at the Writer's Museum or shop for woolens, tartans and sheepskins.
DAY 9 — HIGHLANDS   This morning's drive brings you to Pitlochry, where you visit Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Continue to the Highlands, a journey that provides stunning views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak.
DAY 10 — HIGHLANDS   The Isle of Skye is one of the jewels of Scotland. Today's journey takes you there to visit Dunvegan Castle. Set on a rocky promontory, this has been the headquarters of the ancient Macleod clan for nearly 800 years (if not available, an alternate excursion will be substituted).
DAY 11 — GLASGOW   Today travel to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre. Continue through the Trossachs, whose crags and lochs are steeped in legend and folklore. Next you will visit Stirling Castle, scene of one of William "Braveheart" Wallace's most famous victories. Arrive in Glasgow with time to explore the city's Victorian architecture and experience its bustling, industrious culture.
DAY 12 — DEPARTURE   Depart for the USA.

Join Band of Brothers on this brilliant trip. Information at the gate or call (814)539-9500.